Sportscaster Chet Coppock Dies After Car Crash Near Hilton Head Island, S.C. on April 11, 2019

Sportscaster and author Chet Coppock died Wednesday April 17, 2019 following injuries he suffered outside Hilton Head Island, South Carolina near Savannah, Georgia, according to his daughter Lyndsey Coppock.

Chet Coppock, known as the Godfather of Sports,” worked in television, radio and print in Chicago, Indianapolis and New York. He was known for his warm heart, sense of humor, and fun antics on the air.

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Coppock was probably best known on the air for his work in the 1980s. In 1981, Coppock joined WMAQ-TV for three years. In 1981, he was awarded a UPI Award in the category of Illinois Broadcasting and Best Sports.

In 1984, he worked as sports director at WMAQ radio, and approached the radio station management about creating an in-depth, interview-driven radio sports talk show. The creation was “Coppock on Sports” with Coppock interviewing athletes, coaches, GMs and media members in a longer, un-cut magazine format. The show’s success generated other sports shows with similar formats.

In 1986, Coppock served as ring announcer during the Chicago portion of WrestleMania 2. Coppock’s other appearances for the World Wrestling Federation include his role as commentator alongside Gorilla Monsoon for RadioWWF at WrestleMania X. Coppock also promoted wrestling events featuring such competitors as Verne Gagne, Baron von Raschke, and Dick the Bruiser. Some shows were presented at Chicago’s Comiskey Park.

In 1988, Coppock moved to WLUP in Chicago to continue Coppock on Sports and also host the pre-game, half-time and post-game shows for the Chicago Bulls radio network. In 1991, Coppock was on hand for another NBA championship moment when the Bulls and Michael Jordan captured their first of six NBA titles.

Coppock worked closely with many charitable organizations in the Chicago area, including the Special Kids Network, Little City Foundation, and the National Italian American Sports Hall of Fame. Coppock also served as Chairman of the Indiana Easter Seals and March of Dimes campaigns.

Coppock published five books in his lifetime: “If These Walls Could Talk: Stories from the Chicago Bears Sideline, Locker Room, and Press Box with Otis Wilson” (Triumph Books, 2017), “Fat Guys shouldn’t be Dancin’ at Half Time” (Triumph Books, 2009), “Chet Coppock: Laying it On the Line” (Self Published, 2014), “Buffone: Monster of the Midway: My 50 Years with the Chicago Bears” (Triumph Books, 2015). and Your Dime, My Dance Floor (Eckhartz Press, 2018).

Coppock was born in Northfield, Illinois and graduated from New Trier High School in Winnetka, IL. In 1966, at age 17, Coppock broadcast football and basketball on WNTH radio, the school radio station at New Trier High School.

Coppock is survived by his former wife, Anna Marie Busalacchi and their two children, Lyndsey and Tyler. Coppock had just walked Lyndsey down the aisle at her wedding on March 15, 2019.

A memorial service is being planned.

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