CHARLOTTESVILLE -- The University of Virginia is looking for a new play-by-play announcer for its radio broadcasts of men's basketball and football.

Mac McDonald, the longtime "Voice of the Cavaliers," has resigned. His final day was Tuesday. The official announcement came yesterday from CBS Collegiate Sports Properties, whose U.Va. operation is called Virginia Sports Properties.

"I got a couple really neat opportunities, and this is just a good time for me," McDonald said by phone yesterday. "Now is a really neat time, and after thinking about it, I said I'll just go ahead and make the decision."

McDonald, who also hosted the Cavalier Call-in radio shows for men's basketball and football, said he and U.Va. reached a mutual decision.

"I wanted to resign," he said, "and they said, 'Mac, we're going to let you.'"

In a statement, Virginia Athletic Director Craig Littlepage said that "Mac has been effective in articulating the goals of our athletics department and has provided significant service to the Charlottesville community. We wish him the best in his future endeavors."

Littlepage was not available for additional comment yesterday.

McDonald, who has been named state sportscaster of the year five times, declined to elaborate on what opportunities he's pursuing but said he hoped "to stay in Charlottesville and commute from here."

He had two stints as U.Va.'s play-by-play man. The first was from 1980 to '85, a period in which Virginia center Ralph Sampson ruled college basketball. McDonald later did play-by-play for Wake Forest, where his tenure coincided with most of Tim Duncan's college career.

McDonald returned to U.Va. for the 1996 football season. He also served as director of broadcasting for the Virginia Sports Radio Network and has called baseball and men's lacrosse games.

"What I'll miss the most," McDonald said, "are the relationships with coaches and players. That's the greatest part of my job."
Contact Jeff White at (804) 649-6838 or jwhite@timesdispatch.com.