Marc Kestecher, the lead play-by-play voice for the NBA on ESPN Radio, will be among more than 120 golfers participating in the 2018 Guilderland Classic, Aug. 3 at Orchard Creek Golf Club in Altamont.
Kestecher is a 1986 Guilderland High School graduate, who lettered in volleyball, and also played freshman soccer and basketball for the Dutchmen.
“What a great opportunity to come back to my home town, play golf at a fantastic course and swap some stories with my high school friends,” said Kestecher. “Plus, it’s a great opportunity to help the Lettermen Foundation raise funds for its prestigious awards program. Getting a chance to give back to a school that did so much to launch my career means a lot to me.”
The Lettermen Foundation was established in 1997 to honor Guilderland student-athletes who letter in two varsity sports and are active in the community. Since its debut, the Foundation has awarded nearly $90,000 in monetary awards to 76 students and numerous community-based events.
“Marc’s return is typical of what we see each year from former Guilderland student-athletes,” said Guilderland Lettermen Foundation President Mark Williams. “The majority of players in our field each year are Dutchmen alums. It’s great to see them comeback and help the cause.”
Kestecher was named ESPN Radio’s NBA lead NBA play-by-play voice in 2016, 17 years after he started with ESPN. He got his start in radio as a student-intern with the Albany-Colonie Yankees. After three years at Syracuse University, Kestecher returned to the Capital Region as the play-by-play voice for the Albany Patroons basketball team, launching a career that spans three decades and includes work as the voice of the Albany Firebirds, college football, and as a host for Major League Baseball studio shows.
This is Kestecher’s second time playing the Classic, having teamed up with classmates in the 2016 event.
2018 is the 21st season for the Guilderland Classic. Thanks to alumni, friends and sponsor support of the tournament, the Guilderland Lettermen Foundation has gone from awarding $250 in the first year to $7,500 this year, with increases in award amounts planned.
“I can’t thank the Foundation enough for their involvement and eagerness to reward our student athletes for their accomplishments,” said Guilderland High School athletic director Regan Johnson. “Also, thanks to all the golfers, especially our alums, like Marc, who year in, year out rise to the occasion on behalf of their alma mater.”
Follow the Lettermen Foundation on Facebook at www.facebook.com/guilderlandclassic.
Photo from ESPN is Kestecher with analyst P.J. Carlesimo.