WVUA-FM 90.7 To Broadcast Alabama Gymnastics in 2005
12/15/2004 12:00:00 AM | Gymnastics
 |
|
TUSCALOOSA, Ala. - The student-run radio station at the University of Alabama, WVUA-FM 90.7, has announced that every single gymnastics meet in 2005 will hit the air waves. Sports director, Chad Anderson, has been working on the project since May, when the idea came to him at the SEC softball tournament.
"The idea had gone through my head a time or two because the gymnastics program is one of the elite at Bama," Anderson said. "It just seemed to me like a great chance to build up the program even more while promoting the station as well."
The Tide is coached by Sarah Patterson, who is in her 27th year at the Capstone. When she was first given the news of the plan back in early summer, she was excited for the fans and the program.
"I think the first thing that came to mind was how wonderful it would be for our fans because they can continue to follow us all season long," Patterson said. "Anytime you can tell an athlete that they're going to be featured in various types of media they become excited, and it's just a great chance for them to receive more exposure."
Two of Alabama's gymnasts, Dana Filetti and two-time NCAA champion, Ashley Miles, were excited to hear that their meets were finally going to make it on the radio waves.
"I was really surprised at first, but I'm excited that people can listen to us on the air if they can't come to meets," Filetti said.
"I thought it was really cool to hear that gymnastics would be on the air," Miles said. "I actually started listening to 90.7 in the car and like it a lot."
WVUA will be the first radio station in America to broadcast a gymnastic team's entire season at the collegiate level. Leesa Davis of the Medalist Club will assist Anderson during each broadcast, and when Anderson has to fulfill his softball duties, WVUA staff member, Herb Ragsdale, will be called upon to fill in.
"I'm excited about having Leesa as a partner and Herb as the fill in," Anderson said. "Leesa has such a great knowledge of the sport, and knowing that Herb will be there when I am with softball leaves me with no worries. I have complete confidence in both of them!"
Despite the report that Alabama gymnastics will reach the radio waves on January 7th, many fans are still skeptical at how the sport will translate to a strictly audio format. It's a concern that Anderson not only understands, but utilizes.
"I think that question and underestimation just motivates our entire staff more and more to make everything perfect," Anderson said. "I almost like the fact that no one believes it can be done because when it is accomplished, people will begin to take us seriously."
Patterson believes that the job can get done if you have the proper announcers.
"The way we can be on the air is having qualified announcers who can describe the event and what's happening," Patterson said. "I think we do have that, and our announcers have the skills to relate what the athletes are doing to the listeners."
The gymnastics season begins on January 7th with the Super Six in Gainesville, Florida. That will be the first Alabama gymnastics meet to ever be broadcast on the radio. Chad Anderson and Leesa Davis will have all of the exclusive coverage LIVE from Gainesville beginning at 5:30 PM (CST) Tuscaloosa time. Fans in the Tuscaloosa area can tune in on WVUA-FM 90.7, while listeners outside of the area can listen on the web at www.rolltide.com.
