Blue Wahoos Owner Quint Studer Helps Recognize Pensacola Sportscaster On Special Anniversary

While attending a recent Pensacola Ice Flyers game, Blue Wahoos owner Quint Studer helped make an unexpected, special moment happen for Dan Shugart, the long-time sports director at Pensacola’s WEAR-TV.

The two were talking during the third period of the Ice Flyers game March 14 at the Pensacola Bay Center. Ice Flyers owner Greg Harris approached, asking, “Hey Dan, do you have a minute?”

During the next timeout, the Ice Flyers surprised by honoring Shugart for the day being his 40th anniversary date of hire at WEAR-TV and his four-decade impact in Pensacola’s sports community.

Studer, who was attending the game with his wife, Rishy, and family members, quickly grabbed his cell phone and recorded the moment.

“I just thought it was so neat (Ice Flyers) did that for Dan,” Studer said. “I think it’s great that Greg recognized Dan that way and during a game.”

Shugart was visibly emotional, standing on the concourse area, as fans applauded while he was shown on the arena’s new video boards during the announcement.

“Greg wanted it to be a total surprise, which naturally it was,” Shugart said. “It was very touching to have that happen and for both Quint and Greg to make that big of deal of it. That really says a lot for both of them.

“I have said this many times, Pensacola is so lucky to have two local pro team owners like Greg and Quint and for what they have done in this community. This just doesn’t happen at most places.”

Harris said he put the idea on his phone calendar, but was unsure March 14 if Shugart was going to be at the game.

“I had given my staff the heads-up on this is what I would like to do if he was going to be here,” Harris said. “And I didn’t know that Quint would be here as well. When I texted Dan, he said he would be at the game at some point.

“So I saw Dan there chatting with someone, not knowing it was Quint. We just wanted to honor Dan and his 40 years (at WEAR-TV) because, my gosh, that is something special.”

After the announcement, Harris, Studer and Shugart spent some time talking together. The Blue Wahoos and Ice Flyers together have annually generated hundreds of thousands in combined attendance, along with immeasurable economic impact in the community.

The two minor league sports franchises have shared ideas and stayed committed to the common goal of bringing family friendly entertainment into the Pensacola area.

“It was cool for three of us to kinda just sit and talk about things,” Harris said. “I’m glad we were able to make that moment happen.”