Highlander Basketball Partners With Cumulus For Basketball Broadcasts

RADFORD, Va. - The Radford University Sports Network has partnered with Cumulus Broadcasting to carry every men’s and women’s basketball game during the 2004-05 season. The men’s games will move to a new home on SuperTalk 101.7 FM, while the women return to WRAD 1460 AM. Every men’s and women’s game will also be streamed live on the RU athletics web page.

The men’s broadcasts return to commercial radio after spending the previous two years on the campus station. This will mark the second year the women’s games have been carried on WRAD, which has greatly improved its signal strength since last year.

“We’re very pleased to re-establish our relationship with Radford University,” said New River Valley Market Manager Joe Mulé. “We look forward to exciting games and play-by-play action on the stations.”

RU graduate Rick Watson returns for his fifth year as the Voice of Highlander men’s basketball, handling all play-by-play duties. Watson will also serve as Director of Radio Operations. He will be joined by RU alum Jeff Kleppin, who is in his third year as RU’s color analyst for men’s basketball.

“The Radford University network is thrilled to have this opportunity to upgrade our broadcasts. This will give our basketball programs the maximum exposure they deserve,” said Watson. “The partnership with Cumulus gives us a powerful vehicle in that the Radford Sports Network is one of the greatest promotions tools the University has at its disposal.”

Highlander alum Jerry Massey will call the women’s basketball action of the second year. Former Radford women’s basketball standout Sherri Rickman will serve as color analyst for home games, while Assistant Media Relations Director Brian Stanley will fill that role for road games.

“We’re excited about the upcoming season and the partnership we’ve established with Cumulus and its New River Valley Stations,” said Radford Director of Athletics Greig Denny. “I’m also pleased to have all of last year’s broadcasting teams back. They did a tremendous job and I’m very proud that we’re able to get every men’s and women’s game on the air.”

RU men’s basketball will open the regular season against Yale in the William & Mary Tournament. The women’s basketball team begins at Eastern Kentucky in the EKU Tournament. Both teams begin the season on Nov. 19.