The public-address announcer for the Colorado Buffaloes and the Broncos is recovering from West Nile virus and will be away from the microphone for several more weeks, his wife said Thursday.
Alan Cass, also known as a leading authority on big-band legend Glenn Miller, likely contracted the virus after being bitten by a mosquito at his south Boulder home in early August, Sue Cass said.
“He ran a 104-degree fever for 12 days and it just laid him out,” she said. “Today (Thursday) was the first day in over a month he’s felt better.”
Another famous voice, Alan Roach, will be a temporary replacement for Cass. Roach, the PA announcer for the Avalanche and formerly the Rockies, is also heard on KOA radio.
Cass, 68, was first diagnosed with pneumonia, but when his fever persisted a test confirmed he had West Nile, Sue Cass said.
The couple was in the midst of a move to Longmont when the mosquito bit him in the garage.
“One bite is all it takes, so I’m asking people, please be careful,” said Sue Cass.
There have been 352 confirmed cases of West Nile in Colorado this year and five deaths.
His age and diabetes probably made him more susceptible to the virus, his wife said. But what’s helped him is that he has stayed fit and is otherwise healthy.
“His vitals remain good and he’s a strong guy,” Sue Cass said. “The worst is behind us.”
Cass retired in 1998 from CU-Boulder after serving in many capacities, including as director of the Coors Events/Conference Center.
Since 1981 he’s been the Buffs’ public-address announcer and has done the same for the Broncos since 1982.
He has a trademark style that is entertaining but doesn’t take the spotlight from the players or action, said CU sports information director Dave Plati.
“He’s just a great, classy guy,” Plati said.
Staff writer Monte Whaley can be reached at 720-929-0907 or at mwhaley@denverpost.com.
