(AP) --  Dick Vitale's exclamations of "Awesome,
baby!" will ring out on ESPN for at least four more seasons.

The network announced Wednesday the irrepressible announcer had
agreed to a contract extension through 2014-15.

Vitale joined ESPN soon after its September 1979 launch and
called its first major NCAA basketball game. The former coach and
his trademark phrases have been synonymous with the network ever
since.

The Hall of Famer missed more than two months during the 2007-08
season after throat surgery for ulcers on his left vocal cord. He
returned with a pared-down schedule, working with a voice coach to
put less strain on his vocal cords.

Vitale says "I'm living a dream."

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