Aug. 29, 2011

ATHENS, Ohio - A wide reaching radio network can do so much for a program and it's fans.  For 2011 and beyond, the Citizens Bank Ohio IMG Sports Network has expanded to reach more Bobcat fans than before.  Through a unique partnership with WOUB’s network and other commercial radio additions, 15 stations now make up the affiliate family for football and men’s basketball.

WOUB’s stations in Cambridge, Chillicothe, Ironton and Zanesville will break away from their normal National Public Radio schedule to join the full Bobcat broadcast.

"We are thrilled with the opportunity to bring Bobcat football and men's basketball broadcasts to a bigger segment of our region,” WOUB interim director and general manager Tom Hodson said.  “This year we also have added Bobcat Sports Showcase which will highlight all of Ohio University athletics and Relentless, an inside look at Ohio's football training camp. This partnership will allow us to provide the best Bobcat coverage to all of our varied audiences through Southeastern Ohio, western West Virginia and Eastern Kentucky."

Ohio alum and IMG network manager Tony Castricone was instrumental in making this partnership, and the commercial station deals,  happen.

“IMG is working hard to make Ohio athletics accessible on the radio for fans all over central and southern Ohio,” Castricone said.  “The WOUB partnership also means our talented play-by-play team will work directly with the staff and students that make Ohio University one of the best journalism schools in America.”

Athens’ Power 105, WXTQ, once again is the flagship station of the network.  Ohio’s presence in the capital city continues with Columbus’ Fox Sports Radio WYTS.  Mainstay affiliates in Parkersburg, Marietta, McConnelsville and Georgetown are back, and Logan and Middleport return to the network this season.  The positioning of these stations, plus a free online audio stream on OhioBobcats.com, will allow fans even greater access to the broadcasts.

Russ Eisenstein returns for his fourth year as the “Voice of the Bobcats,” and color analyst Rob Cornelius is back for his 15th year on the network.  Ohio Athletics’ commitment to helping student broadcasters gain valuable experience in the business continues with Brian Boesch on the sidelines, and a weekly halftime feature from Grant Burkhardt.

“Our goal is to be the best radio network in the MAC, and one of the best in the country,” Eisenstein said.  “I’m proud of our product.  From the start of the pregame to the final segment of postgame, we hope to inform and entertain all of our listeners.  The expansion of the network shows the commitment Ohio Athletics and IMG have to the broadcast team and the product.”

The partnership with WOUB also solidifies the bond with women’s basketball and baseball.  Both sports will remain on WOUB-AM in 2011-12.

The first broadcast of Bobcat Football on the expanded network comes on September 3 as Ohio opens the season at New Mexico State.  The hour long pregame show begins gamenight coverage at 7pm EDT.