Southern Illinoise University Athletics
Mike Reis named director of external and broadcast operations
07/11/2008 | 12:00:00 | General
July 11, 2008
CARBONDALE, Ill. - The "Voice of the Salukis" has added a new title.
Saluki Hall of Fame broadcaster Mike Reis will join the athletic department at Southern Illinois University on August 1, as the school's director of external & broadcast operations. Reis will, of course, be back for his 30th year behind the microphone calling Saluki games, but he will also assist the department with its external operations.
"In addition to his skills as a broadcaster, his lifelong connections with Saluki fans locally and nationally will help us with Saluki Way and many other projects," said Director of Athletics Mario Moccia. "We anticipate he will be an immense help in reaching our departmental goals."
Last month, Learfield Sports, which owns the rights to SIU's broadcasts, announced a five-year agreement with Withers Broadcasting. Thus was born the Saluki Sports Network, which currently features flagship station WVZA 92.7 FM in Carbondale, plus affiliates WRXX 95.3 FM in Centralia, WEBQ 102.3 FM in Eldorado/Harrisburg, WRUL 97.3 FM in Carmi, KYRX 97.3 FM in Cape Girardeau and WMOK 920 AM Metropolis/Paducah.
The entire broadcast team of Reis, plus color analysts Greg Starrick, Gene Green and Joel Sambursky, will return for the 2008-09 season.
"It was extremely important to me to keep our broadcast team together," Reis said. "Our broadcasts have succeeded because I've had good help. It was critical to me that they be part of the deal, and that was the final piece of the puzzle."
Part of Reis' broadcast duties will include a daily three-minute radio feature about Saluki Athletics during football and basketball season that will air on network stations and the official athletics website.
"I'm happy to be part to of the Saluki family and happy that Learfield Sports is interested in having me continue to broadcast the games," Reis said. "I will also have an opportunity to help spread Saluki goodwill and be another external face to interact with fans and donors."
