Northwestern Oklahoma State University

For years, Northwestern sports fans listened to Ray Dean Linder deliver the radio play-by-play call, making his one of the most recognizable voices in northwest Oklahoma. A native of Waynoka, Linder began his tenure as the “voice of the Rangers” in 1962 for local radio station KALV, taking his place behind the microphone for 28 seasons before retiring in 1990 because of his professional commitments as a district court judge. During his 28 seasons, Linder provided Northwestern with some of the finest radio coverage in the NAIA. In the mid-1980’s, he was a key player in the success of the Rangers Sports Network, which provided Ranger sports to three northwest Oklahoma radio stations and allowed Northwestern to have the largest radio network in small college athletics. Linder also has served as the master of ceremonies for Northwestern’s Hall of Fame induction ceremonies. In November, he was selected as the state’s outstanding judge by the Oklahoma Judicial Council. Linder and his wife, Wylodean, live in Alva.