Voice of the Super Bowl champions Mitch Holthus narrates UNI video
Voice of the Super Bowl champions Mitch Holthus narrates UNI video
When the University of Northern Iowa was brainstorming ideas for a new promotional video, a plethora of photos, visuals and memorable moments immediately came to mind.
As the discussion turned to potential candidates to voice the video, a long list of personalities familiar to the UNI community emerged. But if UNI was going to reach an even broader audience, why not take the project to another level?
Mitch Holthus is entering his 30th season as the play-by-play voice of the defending Super Bowl champion Kansas City Chiefs, and has served as the full-time Voice of the Chiefs since 1994. Holthus is one of only three individuals to be inducted into the Kansas Association of Broadcasters Hall of Fame AND the Missouri Broadcasters Association Hall of Fame.
So why Mitch? First, this individual has to truly know UNI, its people, its history and its values, in addition to owning strong ties to the Midwest. Nearly three decades of broadcasting Missouri Valley Conference basketball and a longtime tenure as a spokesperson for Hy-Vee check those boxes.
Now that he’s no longer actively broadcasting MVC contests, Holthus readily embraces the opportunity to lend his personal brand and distinctive vocals to enhance UNI’s brand recognition.
“I have so many fond memories of driving to Cedar Falls with Spoon (the late Charlie Spoonhour) to call games at the UNI-Dome and then the McLeod Center,” Holthus recalled. “I always looked forward to being on campus because I knew I was going to experience a great atmosphere for college basketball.”
But Holthus’ affinity for the University of Northern Iowa runs much deeper than the basketball hardwood.
“To me, it always starts with people,” he continued. “I have a number of great relationships with folks currently on the campus, so it was easy to say ‘yes’ when they asked. I’m also close with several UNI alums here in Kansas City, so I know they’ll be pretty excited to watch this spot, as well.”And while Holthus wasn’t raised in Iowa, his family’s heritage in the farming community of Smith Center, Kansas has instilled a deep appreciation for Midwestern values in him, and also helps explain his affinity for UNI.
“The University of Northern Iowa traces its roots to its days at the Iowa State Normal School and Iowa State Teachers College,” Holthus concluded. “UNI’s legacy of servanthood for the state of Iowa really speaks to me. It was my pleasure to help tell the story of a great school like Northern Iowa. Go Panthers!”
