Voice of U-M football Frank Beckmann to retire after 2013

Bob Ufer, Frank Beckmann …. who's next? We'll find out soon enough after Beckmann, the voice of Michigan Football and a member of the Michigan Sports Hall of Fame, announced his retirement today effective the conclusion of the 2013 football season.

Beckmann began calling play-by-play for the Wolverines in 1981, following the legendary Ufer. He is only the second person to handle play-by-play duties for the flagship network broadcast of Michigan football in the past 65 years.

"We appreciate all that Frank has done for Michigan football for the past 33 years," athletic director Dave Brandon said. "Frank has dedicated his Saturday afternoons to telling the story of Michigan football through the radio to our fans. His voice has become synonymous with some of the great calls in the history of our football program.

"We look forward to enjoying one more season of Frank being the voice of Michigan football before he begins his well-deserved retirement. We thank Frank for all the years of talent, travel and support of Michigan Athletics. We look forward to celebrating his contribution to our football program as the 2013 season unfolds."

Beckmann will continue to host his daily weekday talk show on WJR-AM in Detroit he's had since 2004.

Beckmann joins longtime Sports Information employee Bruce Madej and equipment manager Jon Falk on the list of those having announced their retirements in the last week.