Familiar voice of southeast Nebraska sports, passes away
Broadcaster covered local sports for KWBE, in Beatrice
By News Channel Nebraska
BEATRICE – Some sad news for the KWBE broadcasting family and those who follow local sports in southeast Nebraska.
Long-time KWBE Sports Director Steve Roth passed away October 18th, at the age of 69. For many years, Roth was the Voice of the Beatrice Orangemen when KWBE was owned by Bud Pentz and Mia Enterprises. Along with his color commentator, the late Berl Damkroger, the pair called countless Orangemen and Lady Orange sports contests, along with the games of several southeast Nebraska high schools.
He called numerous games in the annual MUDECAS Tournament and hosted a weekly Saturday coaches show that featured schools from throughout the region.
For over 20 years, Roth was also the voice of the Nebraska State High School Wrestling Tournament on NET and the Master of Ceremonies for the Nebraska High School Sports Hall of Fame.
A native of Neligh, Roth graduated from Elgin Pope John High School and earned a degree in journalism from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln.
Following his broadcast career, Steve worked for the Swanson Russell Agency in Lincoln, and later for the Nebraska Department of Agriculture. He is survived by one sister, one son and one daughter.
A Celebration of Life service will be held Sunday, November 3rd, at 11 a.m., at the Colonial Chapel Funeral Home, of Lincoln.