On this date: Steelers broadcaster Myron Cope died 15 years ago

Myron Cope ** FILE ** Pittsburgh Steelers broadcaster Myron Cope works the Steelers game against the New York Jets at Heinz Field in Pittsburgh, in this Dec. 12, 2004 file photo. Myron Cope, the screechy-voiced announcer whose colorful catch phrases and twirling Terrible Towel became symbols of the Pittsburgh Steelers during an unrivaled 35 seasons in the broadcast booth, died Wednesday Feb. 27, 2008 in Mount Lebanon, Pa.. He was 79. (AP Photo/Keith B. Srakocic) (KEITH B. SRAKOCIC/AP)

By Alan Saunders, Sports Now Group

PITTSBURGH — This Monday marks 15 years since the Steelers and the Pittsburgh community mourned the loss of legendary broadcaster and sportswriter Myron Cope, who died Feb. 27, 2008 at the age of 79.

Born Myron Sidney Kopelman, the Taylor Allderdice and Pitt graduate was a sportswriter with the Erie Daily Times, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, Sports Illustrated and Saturday Evening Post before taking to broadcasting.

Cope started as the Steelers’ radio color analyst in 1970, and over his 35-year career with the team, Cope became a huge fan favorite with his comedic personality, nasal voice with a Pittsburgh accent and colorful catchphrases, such as “yoi,” “okle dokle,” and “hmm-hah.”

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