Harris Lipez

Inducted 1996

Deceased 

Harris Lipez began his radio career in the 1940s at WRAK in Williamsport.  At the time, he was also employed at Piper Aircraft Corporation where he remained until entering the U.S. Army Air Corps. After the war, Lipez helped found WBPZ radio station in Lock Haven. 

Lipez was an active broadcaster for nearly fifty years, best known for his love of sports and sports broadcasting. His many hours spent reporting high school and college sporting events earned him statewide recognition as a sports broadcaster and a reputation as the Voice of Clinton County Sports on Radio WBPZ.

Toward the end of his career, Lipez talked annually of retirement.  But each new season found him back in the press box, calling the action.  He did not give up broadcasting sports to Clinton County listeners until illness forced him to the sidelines.

Lipez's passion for sports included a role in the Baseball for Boys program, a forerunner of little league.  He was involved with TV Quarterback, the Penn State show with football coach Joe Paterno and sportscaster Fran Fisher.  Lipez was a member of the Clinton County Sports Hall of Fame and the Pennsylvania Wrestling
Coaches Hall of Fame.

Lipez was secretary and general manager of the Lock Haven Broadcasting Corporation.  He was president of the Pennsylvania Associated Press Broadcasters Association in 1964.  He served as the joint board chairman of the Pennsylvania Association of Broadcasters in 1974.

Governor Milton J. Shapp appointed Lipez to the Lock Haven University Board of Trustees in 1973.  He was appointed to the State Horse Racing Commission by Governor Shapp on January 6, 1975, and served until July 12, 1976.   He was a candidate for State Senate in 1973. 

His civic activities included terms as chairman of the Lock Haven Parks and Recreation Board and president of the Lock Haven Chamber of Commerce.  He also served on the Keystone Central Board of Education.  He was a member of the Elks Club and the Kiwanis Club of Lock Haven.