Saluki Athletics announces broadcast contract with Mississippi River Radio
07/27/2005 | 12:00:00 | General
July 27, 2005
By Tom Weber
www.SIUSalukis.com
CARBONDALE, Ill. - The Southern Illinois University athletics department announced a new, three-year contract with Mississippi River Radio Wednesday for broadcast rights for Saluki football, men's and women's basketball and baseball.
The contract is valued at more than $100,000, the most lucrative radio deal in the athletic department's history. It includes the option to renew for two additional years.
"We are extremely pleased to continue our relationship with Mississippi River Radio," Saluki Athletics Director Paul Kowalczyk said. "We look forward to furthering our already successful partnership."
Brian Schimmel, the general manager at Mississippi River Radio, agreed.
"Saluki athletic events are the biggest events in Southern Illinois," Schimmel said. "We felt it was important to continue to be associated with them."
Saluki Hall of Famer and 26-year broadcast veteran Mike Reis will handle the play-by-play duties for football, baseball and men's basketball.
"I especially like the longevity of this agreement," Reis said. "It's a quality agreement."
The package adds nine women's conference games (home or away) plus post-season appearances, and features pre-game and post-game coaches shows.
Kowalczyk said the addition of the women's basketball package is "a significant step for the department."
Until now, women's basketball has never had a radio deal at SIU, and second-year head coach Dana Eikenberg said the new agreement is a plus for her program.
"We're thrilled to be a part of this package and excited about the publicity it brings," Eikenberg said. "It's part of the commitment that brought me to SIU, and we look forward to bringing back the great tradition of Saluki women's basketball."
All Saluki games will continue to air in Southern Illinois on Mississippi River Radio stations and on the internet at www.SIUSalukis.com.
