Osborn to return to Pitt football radio broadcasts
Bill Osborn, who served as the Pitt football radio analyst from 1995-2003 after a playing at the university as a three-sport athlete, is returning to the booth this season.
He will replace Pat Bostick, whose duties as director of development in the Panther Club are expanding, according to the university. Bostick, a former Pitt quarterback, has been an analyst since 2011.
Longtime play-by-play broadcaster Bill Hillgrove will return for the 47th consecutive season, 43 of them doing play-by-play. Larry Richert will return as the sideline reporter.
Osborn said in a statement that he left the broadcast booth 13 years ago for family reasons.
“I'm thrilled to be rejoining the Pitt football radio team,” Osborn said. “Bill Hillgrove is not only a legendary play-by-play man but also a great friend. I feel blessed to be able to sit alongside him once again and call Pitt football.
“Although I left the Panther broadcast team after the birth of my second child and ultimately became a year-round, part-time coach for my two boys, Billy and Trent, I continued to follow Pitt athletics passionately.”
Osborn has been active in broadcasting over the past 12 years, calling college football for Comcast Network and serving as color analyst for the Philadelphia Soul in the Arena Football League. Osborn is co-host of the “Ozzie and Krausey Show,” which can be heard on ESPN 610 AM Sports Radio in the Philadelphia/South Jersey area.
Osborn was a four-year football letterman at Pitt from 1985-88, arriving as a quarterback and defensive back before a three-year career as a starting wide receiver. He finished with 77 receptions for 1,104 yards and nine touchdowns. He also lettered in baseball and basketball, becoming the first Pitt student-athlete to letter in three varsity sports since Mike Ditka.
After his collegiate career, Osborn played for the Philadelphia Eagles and the AFL's Pittsburgh Gladiators.
Bostick joined the Panther Club staff in 2011 and has continued to assume elevated roles for Pitt's official athletics fundraising office.
“It has been an honor to call Pitt football games alongside the legendary Bill Hillgrove,” Bostick said. “I will forever owe a debt a gratitude to Bill for his friendship, professionalism and introducing me to broadcasting.
“While I'll miss being in the booth, I'm very excited about taking the next step in my professional journey. I want to welcome Billy Osborn back to the broadcast team.”
Osborn said he spoke to Bostick, who called to welcome him back to the broadcast booth.
“I want to give my very best to Pat Bostick, who did such a great job in the booth and was kind enough to call me this week and welcome me back,” Osborn said. “He and I have been friends since he started broadcasting, and I'm excited for him and his endeavors in the athletic department.”
Jerry DiPaola is a Tribune-Review staff writer. Reach him at jdipaola@tribweb.com or via Twitter @JDiPaola_Trib.
