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BTN’s first female play-by-play football announcer prepares for debut Saturday
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Saturday’s game between Northwestern and Bowling Green is one carrying immeasurable significance for Big Ten Network. It has nothing to do with the teams, players or coaches, either.
The significance for BTN actually comes in the broadcast booth. On Saturday, Lisa Byington will become the first female play-by-play announcer to call a football game for the network in its 10-year existence.
It’s an experience that Byington is extremely excited about.
“No question in my mind that this is the mountaintop for me,” Byington told the Chicago Tribune. “I’ve always wanted to do football. Football is America’s sport. You never know who’s paying attention. If I can be impactful to a 10-year-old girl somewhere, then I have to look at it that way. This is the most important thing I could do.”
Byington is a graduate of Northwestern and has served as a sideline reporter for BTN, as well as other broadcasting networks over the years.
Even Wildcats head coach Pat Fitzgerald is looking forward to Byington’s opportunity on Saturday.
“I’m really excited for Lisa Byington,” he said. “It’ll be a historic game for her and a historic game for BTN.”
Byington’s first call as a play-by-play announcer for BTN comes in prime time, as Northwestern and Bowling Green are scheduled to kickoff at 7:30 p.m at Ryan Field.
Dustin grew up in the heart of Big Ten country and has been in sports media since 2010. He has been covering Big Ten football since 2014. You can follow him on Twitter: @SchutteCFB