Oregon St. Riles Locals With Change

Ted Carlson, public address announcer at Oregon State athletic events since 1949, is being replaced by former Portland Trail Blazers announcer Mike Stone.

Carlson, 76, began announcing Oregon State basketball the year Gill Coliseum opened and announced the first football game at Parker Stadium in 1953.

He was unavailable for comment, but news of his departure dismayed local fans.

“He’s an institution down there, as far as I’m concerned,” said Tom Warren of Salem.

Carlson’s departure is part of a series of changes in the Oregon State football program this fall.

“It was nothing against Ted; we’re happy with everything he’s done for Oregon State,” said Hal Cowan, assistant athletic director. “He has been good for OSU, but we needed to make a change.”

The stadium will feature a Jumbo-tron replay screen this year.