Big Ten Network Talent Mark Neely

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Mark Neely, Play by play announcer

ALMA MATER: University of Kansas

HOMETOWN: St. Louis, MO

PREVIOUS PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE: ESPN/ESPN Regional Television (2001-2007), various minor league baseball teams in Boise ID, Springfield IL, Louisville KY, Salem VA, and Tulsa OK.

MY FIRST JOB IN SPORTS WAS …: in minor league baseball in Boise, Idaho.

THE BEST BIG TEN TRADITION IS …: The one I liked most this season that I personally witnessed was the dotting of the "I" at Ohio State.

MOST ADMIRED ATHLETE GROWING UP: Though I never saw him in person it was Lou Gehrig. He was one of the all-time greats and was never bothered to be overshadowed by Babe Ruth. I like athletes that put up the numbers but don't need all the attention.

BEST ATHLETIC ACHIEVEMENT: Unfortunately most universities don't keep an intramural basketball record book otherwise you'd find my name all over one at KU. Like under "most turnovers" and "most shots attempted."

GREATEST ALL-TIME BIG TEN SPORTS MEMORY AS A SPECTATOR: I didn't grow up in Big Ten Country so it has to be being around the Indiana football program this past season. I called three of their games and as they approached their goal to "Play 13" it was very emotional. It reinforced in me the positives sport can bring under difficult circumstances.

FAVORITE QUOTE: No one particular quote but if you're looking for something to make an impact on you let me direct you to my favorite movie of all time "To Kill A Mockingbird." It's nothing flashy with no special effects. Just a great script with outstanding cinematography and a beautiful musical score. Gregory Peck's character Atticus Finch possesses traits we all aspire to as he does what he feels is right even if it's not the popular thing to do. Many old classics have been remade by Hollywood over the years but no one has ever attempted to redo this one because it can't be done any better.

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