WCVB Sports Anchor Mike Lynch says that he will retire as principal sports anchor at the Hearst station in August.

While he will leave the anchor desk, he is not going to completely leave the station.

“After nearly forty years at WCVB, I’ve decided it’s time to step away from the daily anchoring of SportsCenter 5. But it’s not goodbye. I’m looking forward to remaining in the sports mix at the station,’’ he said, citing major events, special assignments, and his “High 5’’ and “High 5: Salute to Thanksgiving Heroes,’’ his trademark segments saluting the achievements of high school athletes, as contributions he will continue to make.

“Mike is unquestionably the Dean of Boston sports broadcasting, and it’s difficult to imagine WCVB’s sports coverage without Lynchie at the helm,’’ said Bill Fine, WCVB president and general manager, in a statement. “Not only does he have the absolute respect and trust of everyone in Boston’s professional sports community, but he’s also beloved by the high school sports community for his commitment to advancing high school athletics.

His final show as the sports anchor will be Aug. 15.

H/T Boston.com