Halftime’s Elson named top sportscaster by National Sports Media

WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. — ESPN Arkansas show host Phil Elson, the radio voice of Razorback baseball and women’s basketball, was named the Arkansas Sportscaster of the Year for the second straight year by the National Sports Media Association (NSMA) last week.

In 2018 Phil started hosting “Halftime” a daily sports talk show on ESPN Arkansas from Noon-2 p.m. that airs in northern and western Arkansas, as well as the River Valley in addition to live streaming and podcasts at HitThatLine.com.

Elson has been the Razorbacks play-by-play voice for baseball and women’s basketball since 2014, as well as fill-in roles for men’s basketball.

He was previously named the Arkansas Sportscaster of the Year in 2009 for his work with the Arkansas Travelers, the AA affiliate of the Seattle Mariners.

He won it again last year prior to coach Mike Neighbors first season with Arkansas women’s basketball and Arkansas baseball’s run to the College World Series finals.

Elson spent 17 years in professional baseball, including 14 as the director of broadcasting and media relations for the Travelers before joining the Razorbacks.

Prior to the Travs, Elson called games for the Helena Brewers, Ogden Raptors, and Mudville Nine. He also filled in for Razorback Baseball broadcasts from 2011-13.

“I don’t know if fans really understand what goes into being a good radio broadcaster,” Arkansas women’s coach Mike Neighbors said. “You have to be a good storyteller who can think and react quickly to a change in the action. You have to put in several hours of study on both teams so that the call is seamless to the listeners.

“Phil does all of that and more to ensure that he brings life to the game for people who cannot attend. Winning this honor for the second consecutive year is a testament to his hard work and passion for what he does.”

“This is a great honor for Phil,” Arkansas baseball coach Dave Van Horn said. “His work on the radio for us is Major League-quality and it’s something I know our fans have loved since he joined our program.

“He brings such a passion for the game every time he comes to the park and our fans can hear that passion when they’re listening to him on the radio. He’s been the voice to so many great Razorback moments over the last few years and I look forward to him calling many more.”

Previously, Elson served nine seasons as the play-by-play broadcaster for the Little Rock women’s basketball broadcasts and was the play-by-play announcer for Henderson State football from 2011 to 2017.