Gary Rima

"OH, BABY, I LOVE THIS TEAM! KABOOM!"

For nearly 30 years, that signature call became synonymous with Gary Rima, the longtime radio voice of UNI Athletics. As the Panthers’ sports announcer, Rima became a beloved figure for fans across Iowa and an essential part of the UNI Athletics tradition.

His love for broadcasting began long before he worked for the Panthers. In 1973, armed with a tape recorder, he attended a junior high football game and began calling the action play by play. He then submitted it to a local radio station and got a job. That small assignment sparked a lifelong career. 

Rima spent years broadcasting high school sports and then managed the Panther Sports Radio Network before being recruited as an announcer. He often credits his success to simply being “in the right place at the right time,” but colleagues and fans point instead to his dedication and unmistakable voice.

“What makes Gary special is that he brought life to a game through the radio,” said former UNI football coach Mark Farley. “People wanted to hear him call a game even when they sat in the stands because he could put a special meaning to it, and that’s why he’s a special person to UNI.”

During his career, Rima narrated some of the most memorable moments in UNI sports history, including Panther football’s 2005 national championship appearance and the men’s basketball team’s stunning 2010 NCAA Tournament victory over Kansas. Through every dramatic finish and historic upset, his voice helped define the moment for Panther fans.

“For me, the game and the broadcast were always about the players and the team and describing their accomplishments and feats to all of the fans who wish they could have been there to see it in person, but couldn’t,” said Rima when announcing his retirement. “I always felt my job was to try to put you there.” 

UNI Athletics held a special place in Rima’s life, not only because of his career, but because of his family ties to the university. The connection began early when his brother played baseball at UNI. His son joined the UNI baseball team in 1993, starting all four years before spending another three years as a coach. 

Rima’s work led him to be chosen as the UNI Athletics’ 2003 Honorary Letterman, as well as earning the 2008 Iowa Broadcaster of the Year award by the National Sportscasters and Sportswriters Association. 

“He’s been such a big part of our hoops family,” said Ben Jacobson, former coach of UNI men’s basketball. “As soon as you hear his voice, you hear the passion for Northern Iowa.”