By Gene Galin
A casual lunch at Town Hall Burger and Beer transformed into a conversation on sports, community, and history as the three guys from Pittsboro (Greg Stafford, Eric Andrews, and Gene Galin) and Freddie Kiger, an esteemed sports statistician, shared anecdotes over cheesesteaks, burgers, onion rings and fries. In what started as a simple gathering, the discussion evolved into an exploration of sports history, Kiger’s career highlights, and the bonds formed through shared passions.
A Lunch Worth Reliving
Our group’s lunchtime orders might have been simple—Philly cheesesteaks, burgers, and buffalo chicken sandwiches—but the dialogue was anything but. All the food served was good and we were very satiated. What unfolded was an interesting conversation (at least to us) spanning decades of sports history, peppered with stories about coaching legends, basketball prodigies, and the nuances of game-day preparation.
A Storied Career Rooted in Passion
Freddie Kiger is a name that resonates with reverence among sports enthusiasts and professionals alike. From humble beginnings as a high school baseball player to an esteemed statistician, Kiger’s journey reflects a life dedicated to the world of athletics. His work, spanning decades, has connected the dots between players, coaches, and fans through the lens of precise data and rich storytelling.
For Kiger, who boasts over 50 years of experience as a sports statistician, this lunch was an opportunity to reflect on a storied career in the sports broadcasting arena. This includes working with North Carolina legends and top-tier networks such as ABC, NBC, CBS, ESPN, and at four Olympic Games.
Freddie Kiger’s Roots in Sports
From High School to the Big Leagues
Kiger’s journey began at North Forsyth Senior High School in Winston-Salem, where his passion for numbers and athletics merged. Even then, his love for sports went beyond playing the game. “I played baseball but kept statistics for football and basketball games,” he recounted. This experience honed his attention to detail and analytical skills.
“I came to Carolina [University of North Carolina] and immediately became active in intramurals,” Kiger recounts. He was named Intramural Athlete of the Year in 1975, showcasing his versatility and passion for sports. It was during this period that he began forming relationships that would prove pivotal to his career. Kiger became an integral part of the school’s sports programs, working closely with legendary coach Dean Smith. His early experience paved the way for a lifetime of unforgettable opportunities.
“I’ve been blessed,” he shared. “The things that I’ve had a chance to do with the incredibly talented people that I had a chance to do them with. It’s been a blessed rich life. I hope it continues.”
Memories from the Court and Beyond
Carolina Basketball and Iconic Players
In 1974, Kiger got his first major break as a statistician for Dean Smith, the Hall of Fame coach for the UNC Tar Heels. The role allowed him to witness the evolution of some of the most celebrated basketball players.
Among Kiger’s favorite memories are the bonds he formed with players like Phil Ford, Walter Davis, and Mitch Kupchak during his time with the Tar Heels. “Those bonds continue to this day, we stay in touch and it’s been a wonderful experience,” Kiger said, reflecting on the camaraderie of the teams he worked with.
One particularly touching anecdote involved his mother, who found pride in watching her son on television. “She would always say I can’t find you. Everybody at church tells me that they see you along the sidelines,” he laughed. Freddie solved the issue by telling his mom “Tell you what. Next game I will wear a sweater vest so when the camera pans, look for somebody in a sweater vest and that will be me.”
Unforgettable Games and Milestones
As Kiger prepares to work his 100th Duke-UNC basketball game, he looks back on the iconic rivalry with pride. He notes that the energy in those games is unparalleled. But he adds that it’s always been about the relationships—players, coaches, and the fans who make it special.
I wanted to know if at his 100th Duke vs Carolina game, they were going to stop the game and bring Freddie out for a round of applause.
Challenges Behind the Scenes
The High-Stakes World of Sports Broadcasting
Kiger’s role as a statistician often involves managing multiple streams of information simultaneously. “Five or six people could be talking to me at once,” he explained, “and it’s my job to prioritize what’s most urgent.”
Despite decades of experience, even Kiger isn’t immune to mishaps. He recalled a moment during a Duke-Carolina game when an error in a graphic—displaying “Tar Devils” and “Blue Heels”—elicited groans from the production team. “It was a lesson in double-checking everything,” he admitted with a smile.
Adapting to Technology and Trends
From Chyron graphics systems to advanced analytics, Kiger has seen the industry evolve dramatically. His meticulous preparation for each game, often involving hours of research and data analysis, ensures he remains at the top of his field.
Community Ties and Lifelong Friendships
A Teacher, Mentor, and Friend
Beyond sports, Kiger’s influence extends to the local community. Stories shared over lunch revealed his role as a swimming instructor, basketball coach, and mentor to countless young athletes in the area.
For us, three guys from Pittsboro, our conversation with Freddie was a reminder of the power of shared experiences. Whether discussing memorable games or local rivalries, the lunch underscored the unifying role of sports in forging connections over the years.
Looking Ahead
As Kiger continues his work in sports broadcasting, his dedication remains unwavering. From Friday night NCAA semifinals to grassroots sports in the area, his passion for the game—and the stories it creates—shows no signs of waning.
For sports fans and history buffs alike, Kiger’s journey offers inspiration and a testament to the enduring magic of athletics.
Freddie Kiger’s career is a celebration of sports, storytelling, and the human connections forged through both. As we all reflected on our lunch, one thing was clear: the stories and wisdom shared around the table were as satisfying as the meal itself.
Watch our lunch conversation on YouTube – Part III – 3 Guys from Pittsboro having lunch at Town Hall Burger with Freddie Kiger – 12.11.24
Three Guys From Pittsboro Enjoying Lunch at Town Hall Burger: Philly Cheesesteaks, Buffalo Chicken, and Chatting about UNC Connections.
00:17 The guys discuss their dining experience and share personal stories.
- Each person shares what they ordered, with comments on flavor and presentation.
- The conversation turns personal as they reminisce about swimming lessons and notable figures from their past.
03:09 Discussion of memorable sports experiences and local connections.
- The conversation includes anecdotes about swimming and coaching connections in Chapel Hill, highlighting local sports figures.
- A humorous recount of a youth basketball game where refereeing controversies impacted the outcome, featuring Bernardo Harris’s coaching efforts.
06:09 Freddie Kiger shares his journey as a sports statistician.
- Kiger reflects on his 50-season career keeping sports statistics, starting at North Forsyth Senior High School.
- He discusses mentorship from figures like Ron Hyatt and Roy Williams, leading to his role with Dean Smith’s basketball program.
09:31 Freddie Kiger discusses his role in Duke basketball statistics.
- Kiger emphasizes his longtime collaboration with colleagues for Duke games and his expertise in official statistics.
- He highlights the challenges of noise during games and his preparation methods to ensure accurate reporting.
12:32 Preparation for NCAA events includes extensive research and collaboration with colleagues.
- Approximately four to four and a half hours of prep work is needed for each NCAA team, including reading game notes, historical articles, and player bios.
- Collaborating with colleagues like Debbie Antonelli and Dick Vitale emphasizes the importance of tailoring preparation based on personal preferences and dynamics within the team.
15:28 Discussion on athletes transitioning to commentary and coaching roles.
- Michael Jordan is noted as a great player but with limited success in administration.
- The conversation highlights the varying degrees of success for athletes turned commentators or coaches, citing examples like Tony Romo and Dan Bonner.
18:28 Discussing coaching stats and officiating insights during basketball games.
- Emphasizes the importance of accurate statistics for evaluating player performance and officiating.
- Highlights a unique approach to tracking officiating calls to improve coaching decisions.
21:24 Discussion on statistical trends in basketball officiating and funding for Carmichael Arena.
- Freddie Kiger analyzed officiating trends over two seasons, searching for biases in calls based on the officiating crew.
- A clever funding story reveals how ticket giveaways during a rain-soaked game helped secure $20,000 needed for repairs at Carmichael Arena.