The Voice of Rutgers Athletics, Lou Brogno, passes away at 62

Terrible news broke this past weekend as it was announced that Lou Brogno, the voice of Rutgers Athletics, had suddenly passed away on Saturday at the age of 62.

Brogno has done hundreds of broadcasts involving many Scarlet Knight teams over the past four decades. He began broadcasting Rutgers games in 1980s on TKR Cable in Piscataway. Since RU joined the Big Ten, Brogno has been the primary play-by-play voice for Rutgers basketball, wrestling, soccer, field hockey, gymnastics, lacrosse, baseball, and softball telecasts for Big Ten Network+.

”Lou was a beloved member of our Rutgers Athletics family,” said Rutgers Deputy Athletic Director Sarah Baumgartner. “A local broadcasting legend, we were fortunate to have Lou be the voice of the Scarlet Knights, lending his talents to hundreds of games over the years. We are deeply saddened by this sudden loss and our condolences go out to Lou’s family. He will be missed by all who knew him.”

In addition, Brogno’s distinguished career including calling games for Princeton, Army, the Atlantic 10, Big East, and Big Ten Conferences, as well as local high school athletics. Most prominently outside of his work for Rutgers, Brogno was the lead broadcaster for the Emmy-nominated Snapple High School Football and Basketball Game of the Week on MSG Network.

Brogno was the consummate pro who had a pleasant way about him that jumped off the screen during telecasts and made him a comforting voice for Rutgers fans over the years.

Former On The Banks contributor Nick Kosko shared the broadcasting booth with Brogno over the past three seasons calling matches on BTN+ for Rutgers wrestling. In reaching out to Kosko regarding the passing of Brogno, he said, “Lou welcomed me to the BTN Plus broadcast booth with open arms. Having done many Rutgers sports with our student radio station WRSU FM when I was in college, I always noticed Lou in the ‘big chair’ we’ll call it.”

In regard to Brogno’s influence on his career, Kosko said, “Going from radio play-by-play to television color analysis for wrestling was an interesting transition but he made me feel comfortable as someone who was straight out of college looking to make a mark on this business.”

Kosko continued, “In our three years together broadcasting Rutgers Wrestling, and a few early season basketball games, Lou and I’s relationship grew. We broadcasted our fair amount of spectacular matches. Although I’ve been broadcasting for the team for six years and three with Lou, it felt much longer. At the same time, it definitely wasn’t enough.”

Lastly, Kosko said of Brogno that “his presence at Rutgers will never be forgotten and will certainly be missed. When I walk up to the booth inside the RAC next season, I know a big part of it will be missing, but he’ll certainly be watching down from above with a headset.”

Brogno’s primary broadcast partner in recent years was Dominick Savino, who gave this wonderful tribute live on BTN+ on Sunday at the start of the Rutgers women’s lacrosse telecast.

Rutgers Athletics also produced this highlight reel of recent calls that Brogno made over the past few years.

He is survived by his wife, Ellen, and his daughter, Stephanie. Rest in Peace, Lou Brogno, a true Rutgers Athletics icon.