Cheyne, 'Voice of Razorbacks' honored at KBVA reception

Wednesday, January 30, 2013

— A reception honoring Bob Cheyne, longtime “Voice of the Razorbacks,” was held Friday afternoon in Gravette.

The event was hosted by Gayla Hendren McKenzie, owner of radio station KBVA. Cheyne is retiring after 14 years of association with the station.

Cheyne became a household name known throughout the state for his 21 years of announcing the Razorback games. Attending, to pay special tribute, was retired Razorback coach and UofA Athletic Director Frank Broyles.

Among others who attended were Kevin Trainor, Associate Athletic Director at UofA, and Richard Hutchens from the University, as well as other friends and associates.

Broyles paid special tribute to the honoree as he related, “He is loyal, dedicated, talented, respected, and he contributed much to the Razorback program.”

On a personal note, the coach related that when he (Broyles) came to Arkansas, “It was Bob who got me started ... He acquainted me with the culture of Arkansas.”

Trainor, alluding to his own younger years, said “It was through his (Cheyne’s) voice and description of the Razorbacks through the years that I am proud to share kinship with him.”

Former State Senator Kim Hendren read tributes from Arkansas Governor Mike Beebe and from the Arkansas Senate in which Jim Hendren now serves.

Cheyne spent several minutes reminiscing and also paying tribute to the “great Christian” radio station he has been affiliated with.

Besides Gayla McKenzie and her husband Loyd, Kim and Marylea Hendren, Jim Hendren and other members of the family were joined by many other friends and associates at the reception.

News, Pages 14 on 01/30/2013