University of Tennessee Athletics
Longtime Vol Network Executive Edwin C. Huster Dies Saturday in Knoxville
Jan. 25, 2004
Edwin C. Huster Jr., who as general manager of the Vol Network oversaw television and radio broadcast of UT athletics for 34 years, died suddenly Saturday at his home in Knoxville.
Huster, 60, in 1970 took over broadcast operations from his father, Edwin C. Huster Sr., who along with famed announcer and UT alumnus Lindsey Nelson was involved in the establishment of the Vol Network in 1949.
"Under Edwin's leadership", longtime UT announcer John Ward said Sunday, "The Vol Network has become one of the largest and most innovative college networks in the country. Now, game broadcasts and TV shows appear on Internet sites throughout the world."
As technology evolved, Huster expanded the Vol Network's scope from basically radio orientation into television, home videos and other communication and marketing outlets.
The Vol Network was merged in 1989 with Host Communications, a sports marketing entity in Lexington, Ky. In Host's corporate framework, Huster's title became vice president and general manager Host Communications / Vol Network.
UT Athletic Director Mike Hamilton expressed shock and sadness at the news of Huster's death. "Working with Edwin was a pleasant experience. While he was a sound thinker from business standpoint, he had a unique feel for the wishes of Tennessee fans in terms of providing programming that appealed to them. While coaches, athletic directors and players sometimes receive the accolades, guys like Edwin Huster go about their business of making UT a better place and frequently have as much if not more of an impact on the sports program."
Gordon Whitener, president of Host Communications, called Huster an "example of the kind of manager and person every company wants as an employee...dedicated, loyal and an unselfish team player. He was respected in collegiate marketing circles nationwide."
Bob Kesling, the Vol Network's primary announcer for the past four years described Huster as "the heart and soul" of the Vol Network. "His first priority was his love for UT, its fans and the great radio stations that carried the broadcast across the state of Tennessee. I will miss him not only as a leader of the Vol Network, but more so as a close friend."
A Knoxville native, Huster attended St. Andrew's School in Sewanee, and the University of Tennessee until called into U.S. Army service in 1967. He rose to the rank of second lieutenant and served as a company commander.
Huster was a member of St. John's Cathedral, Cherokee Country Club and the Men's Cotillion. He was an avid tennis player. Survivors include his wife, Julia Bedinger Huster, and a daughter, Courtney Huster of Memphis.
A memorial service will be held at noon on Tuesday at St. John's Cathedral. Following the memorial service, the family will receive friends in the Great Hall. In lieu of flowers donations can be made to St. John's Cathedral, P.O. Box 153, Knoxville, Tenn. 37901. Rose Mortuary Mann Chapel is in charge.
