Some sad news to report, wrestling icon Ed Aliverti died on Wednesday after a long battle with pancreatic cancer. Aliverti, who lived in Edmonds, was 77. The Everett Herald had this report.

Like most of you, I came to know Aliverti as the announcer at Mat Classic. He had an incredible passion for wrestling and let it shine through, engaging even the most casual wrestling fans. At Mat Classic in 2008, I spoke to Aliverti about returning to the event after missing the 2007 event because of health reasons. He was a bit tired, but absolutely enjoyed being part of the spectacle of Mat Classic. A few days after the tournament, he took the time to write me an e-mail, thanking me for doing the article. A class act.

Aliverti’s list of accomplishments is long. Here’s his biography from the National Wrestling Hall of Fame:

Establishing the standard of excellence for wrestling announcers across the country and around the world, Ed Aliverti has made his own unique contribution to the sport. From high school dual meets to the Olympic Games, he has been a leader in wrestling’s vast army of volunteers for nearly four decades, and has brought a new dimension to the sport with his emphasis on spectator interest and crowd involvement. No longer is the announcer merely one who calls contestants to a mat, their efforts there too often obscured by a lack of identity. Aliverti helped turn the wrestling match into a total performance, the ultimate in competition before an informed, enthusiastic group of observers. His enthusiasm radiates throughout the arena, calling immediate attention to noteworthy performers and to rapidly developing situations. He accords every athlete the dignity many bestow only upon champions. Proper pronunciation of every name is the first law of his personal code. And he has added prestige and protocol to the presentation of awards. For every hour at the microphone, there are many of preparation. In high school at Walla Walla, Washington, and college at Washington State, Aliverti never donned wrestling togs, but concentrated instead on vocal music. That, too, is evident when he sings The Star Spangled Banner and the anthems of other countries to open wrestling events. He has been lead announcer of the NCAA Championships since 1973, and of the NAIA nationals since 1981. He so impressed international executives with his work at the 1984 Olympics in Los Angeles that his credits now include the Games of four Olympiads, more than a dozen World Championships and 100-plus national and international events. As a worldwide ambassador, Aliverti has seized every opportunity to hail wrestling as “The Oldest and Greatest Sport.” For elevating the sport to a higher level, Edward Gene Aliverti is honored as a Distinguished Member of the National Wrestling Hall of Fame.

Mat Classic won’t be the same without him.