Jan. 17, 2008

ABILENE, Texas - The sports information directors from each of the Abilene Universities and ESPN Radio 1560 AM KZQQ have joined together to create a weekly talk show about the happenings in the athletic departments at Abilene Christian, Hardin-Simmons and McMurry Universities.

The show will take place every Wednesday at 6 p.m. CST immediately following local journalist Al Pickett¹s 5 p.m. show "Let¹s Talk Sports" Pickett's sports show covers everything from national headlines, to the Big 12 Conference, to local sports. However, the new show named "Abilene Universities Sports Report", will focus completely on collegiate athletics in Abilene.

Pickett was asked by the station and the three local SIDs to moderate a live one-hour show divided into three segments, one for each school. The respective SID will be the primary guest for each segment, but will have the freedom to bring coaches, athletes, administrators and alumni to discuss the respective school's week-to-week events.

Listeners will have the opportunity to catch up with the local university's sports schedules and results as well as find out more about the personalities of its players and coaches.

Parker Cannan, the president of Radio Abilene, supported the idea and has been the backbone of the project.

"We at Radio Abilene, are excited about the airing of a show dedicated to Abilene's three university's outstanding sports programs," said Cannan. "We feel that there is more news and stories than what has been reported and this show will give the opportunity for all sports to be recognized. Not just the normally covered sports, but the other sports as well."

Tentatively, Abilene Christian University will take the first 20-minute segment followed by Hardin-Simmons and will conclude with McMurry¹s sports report. Cannan has also discussed the possibility of replaying the Wednesday show on the weekend.

The first scheduled show will take place Feb. 6 at 6 p.m., which is also national signing day for NCAA football institutions, giving Abilene Christian ­ the only athletic scholarship program locally ­ an opportunity to release its signings.