Sept. 6, 2007
NORFOLK - Ted Alexander, news and sports reporter for WTKR New Channel 3, and Tony Mercurio, the sports director at ESPN Radio 1310, will lead the radio announcer teams for Old Dominion University men's and women's basketball game broadcasts, respectively, on 94.1 FM and coaches shows on ESPN Radio 1310, as announced today by the ODU athletic department.
In addition, the ODU Football Update show, featuring head coach Bobby Wilder, will begin airing on ESPN Radio1310 for 10 weeks, starting Wednesday, Sept. 12 from 6-7 p.m. The call-in show will be anchored by Mercurio and include discussions on ODU's emerging football program as well as CAA football and the national college football scene.
"We are delighted that Ted has joined our radio team," says athletic director Jim Jarrett. "He will bring a wealth of local experience and knowledge of our program to the broadcasts that I know our fans will enjoy."
Alexander served as sports director at WTKR News Channel 3 from 1998-2000, and 2001-2005. After a stint as morning host at WWDE Radio, he returned to News Channel 3 in April. He will continue his television reporting in addition to broadcasting the ODU games and coaches shows. He will be joined by long-time color analysts Billy Mann, former ODU basketball great, and Rick Kiefner on the game broadcasts.
"This is a dream come true, "Alexander said. "I've followed ODU basketball for years and to be part of the broadcast team is incredible. I appreciate the opportunity from ODU and the flexibility with my schedule from the new management team at News Channel 3 to do the games and shows."
The men's basketball show, featuring head coach Blaine Taylor, will air on ESPN Radio 1310 Mondays from 6-7 p.m., beginning Nov. 12.
Mercurio will begin his 17th year as the voice of the Lady Monarchs basketball program. A 13-time Virginia Sportscaster of the Year, he will also anchor the women's basketball coaches show, featuring head coach Wendy Larry, on Tuesdays from 6-7 p.m, beginning Nov. 13. He will be joined by color analyst Susan Montgomery, a former Lady Monarch assistant coach, on the game broadcasts.
""We (Max Media) are thrilled to have Ted Alexander as the play-by-play announcer for ODU Men," noted Mercurio."This starts a new era for ODU, with Ted starting his first year on a new station, 94.1 FM...Ted is well known in the area and should be a major asset for the Monarchs broadcasts".
"I am excited to be returning for my 17th year of calling the ODU Lady Monarch basketball games", adds Mercurio. "Ironically, it has been 16 years of doing the games and 16 CAA tournament championships and it is my hope that my 17th year will again result in another CAA women's basketball championship. I look forward to working with Coach Susan Montgomery again on the broadcasts this season on 94.1 FM."