Lute, Big Unit heap praise on UA grad Todd Walsh as he receives honor

In 1983, UA freshman Todd Walsh knocked on new basketball coach Lute Olson’s office door and asked if there were any opportunities as a team manager. Olson hired him. After four years under Olson, Walsh began his radio/TV career at KNST (940-AM) as one of Tucson’s first-ever sports-talk radio personalities. In my book, Walsh — along with Mike Gabrielson of the 1990s — is the best at that craft in Tucson history. Walsh has since thrived as an analyst and interviewer for Fox Sports, covering the Diamondbacks and Coyotes. On Saturday, Walsh was inducted into the Rocky Mountain Southwest Chapter of the National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences Silver Circle. It’s an honor given by the Rocky Mountain Emmys to recognize television professionals who have served in the industry for a minimum of 25 years. “I’m just very, very proud of him,” Olson said in the video played at the awards ceremony. “I love him like a son.” The tribute to Walsh included praise from, among others, Randy Johnson, Dan Majerle and Shane Doan.