EAST LIVERPOOL - Many viewers of ESPN's college football coverage say watching analysts Mark May and Coach Lou Holtz battle out their opposing views about the teams and players is every bit as entertaining as the games themselves.
Fans have a rare opportunity to see the two take the stage together locally as May makes a special appearance as master of ceremonies on Aug. 1 for the Lou Holtz/Upper Ohio Valley Hall of Fame induction banquet.
"Mark May is a great person by any criteria you wish to use; a father, a husband, TV analyst, Hall of Fame player and just a great friend," said Holtz. "We have a difference of opinion as he looks at things as a player and I, as a coach. But that doesn't diminish the great respect I have for him. When the bank asks me to list my assets, I start with my friendship with Mark May."
May, a 2005 College Football Hall of Fame inductee and a 13-year NFL veteran as an offensive lineman, serves as an analyst for ESPN and ESPN2 studio shows and for select college football game telecasts.
May joined ESPN in 2001, after serving as an NFL game analyst for CBS Sports from 1998-2001. Prior to CBS Sports, May worked for Turner Sports (TNT and TBS) from 1995-99, as a studio and game analyst for college and pro football telecasts.
In 1994, he worked for WTAE Radio in Pittsburgh as the color commentator for University of Pittsburgh football games, the school where he starred as an offensive lineman. Also in 1994, May also was part of the Washington Redskins radio broadcasts.
May was a first-round selection (20th overall) of the Washington Redskins in the 1981 NFL Draft. He played 10 years with the team where he was a starting offensive lineman - and a member of the famed "Hogs" offensive line - from 1982-90. While with the Redskins, May was a three-time Super Bowl participant, winning two championships and played in the Pro Bowl following the 1988 season.
In 1992, May was recognized as one of Washington's 70 Greatest Redskins. He also played with the San Diego Chargers for a year (1991) and retired after two seasons with the Arizona Cardinals (1992-93).
May, who attended the University of Pittsburgh, was consensus All-American, the Outland Trophy winner as the best offensive lineman in 1980, and had his jersey retired. He majored in history and psychology.
This year's induction ceremony is scheduled Aug. 1 at Lincoln Park in Midland, Pa. Tickets for the fundraiser are $90 and are on sale at the Hall of Fame, 120 E. Fifth St., East Liverpool.
Those interested in more information may contact Hall of Fame Director Robin Webster at (330) 386-5443.
