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Adrian Fiala, who folks loved to cheer as a Linebacker for the Nebraska Cornhuskers and later became a familiar voice on both the radio and TV as a color commentator, passed away Monday afternoon. He was 67 years old.
According to this report in the Lincoln Journal-Star's website, Fiala had to battle a incurable lung issue for the past 8 years, which ultimately took his life today.
Fiala played two sports for Nebraska, as he was a staple on both the Football and Baseball teams in the mid-60's. As a Catcher for Nebraska Baseball, he was a 2nd team Academic All-American, while batting .325 and sporting a perfect 1.000 Fielding Percentage his SR year as well.
As a Football player, he was a Linebacker who earned four Blackshirts while in Lincoln.
Most of you, however, will know him as the voice of Nebraska Sports, as he was color commentator in both the Football and Baseball broadcasts, as well as select Nebraska HS sports.
He started working with Warren Swain in the Nebraska Football booth, and stayed when Jim Rose arrived in the booth. You also saw Adrian's work on Big Red Wrap-Up on NET. Lately, Adrian had appeared on several spots with 93.7 The Ticket in Lincoln, where he hosted the Huskers Legends Show.
His most famous call, in my mind, was when Mike Stuntz threw the famous pass to Eric Crouch in the 2001 showdown with Oklahoma in Memorial Stadium.
Husker Mike puts it best about Adrian:
The man clearly loved "Dear 'Ol Nebraska U." He bled Big Red.
Services for Adrian are still pending. Godspeed, Adrian Fiala.
Tribute to #Huskers/Broadcasting Legend Adrian Fiala running now and into the night on @937TheTicket. RIP, Adrian. Thank you for everything.
— Mike Welch (@RealMikeWelch) April 13, 2015