KU News Release

LAWRENCE — As the University of Kansas men’s basketball team prepares for the NCAA tournament, another team is putting its experience to the test alongside them.

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For the first time, the sports staff at student-run KJHK 90.7 FM will provide live courtside play-by-play of the tournament.

“The time and dedication our staff members have put into developing as broadcasters has gotten us to this milestone,” said Michael Spero, sports director at KJHK. “The upcoming tournament coverage is yet another one-of-a-kind opportunity for KJHK to broadcast basketball for arguably the most tradition-rich program in America, this time on its biggest stage.”

KJHK has been broadcasting from the KU campus in Lawrence since 1975. It is managed through the Union Programs Office at KU Memorial Unions, a division of Student Success. In 2009, the station received 15 awards for student programming efforts, including six first-place honors, from the Kansas Association of Broadcasters.

“This is an outstanding learning experience for our students,” said Tom Johnson, KJHK general manager and program adviser. “It’s difficult for college stations to gain access to this event usually, but Kansas Athletics and KJHK’s award-winning sports staff helped make it a reality this year.”

In addition to Spero, a senior from Lenexa, KJHK staffers covering the games include Kyle Larson, a senior from Olathe; Ryan Elder, a senior from Topeka; Kyle West, a senior from Ellsworth; and Michael Smith, a senior from Osawatomie. West and Smith also will be part of student television station KUJH’s coverage of the tournament.

“I already feel very privileged to able to call Kansas basketball games at Allen Fieldhouse,” said Spero. “There is so much tradition and passion inside the walls of this historic gym. Just like Bill Self’s players, we are eager to begin KU’s tournament run.”

Student broadcasters are listed below by hometown, level in school, major, parents’ names and high schools.

ELLSWORTH COUNTY
From Ellsworth 67439
Kyle W. West, senior in business management and marketing; son of Kristi and Randy West; Ellsworth High School.

JOHNSON COUNTY
From Lenexa 66215
Michael L. Spero, senior in business management; son of Jeffrey and Marilyn Spero; Shawnee Mission Northwest High School.

From Olathe 66062
Kyle D. Larson, senior in journalism; son of Leslie Terrill and David Larson; Olathe High School North.

SHAWNEE COUNTY
From Topeka 66614
Ryan L. Elder, senior in journalism and political science; son of Gary and Kimberly Elder; Hayden High School

MIAMI COUNTY
From Osawatomie 66064
Michael E. Smith, senior in journalism; son of Ronald and Roanda Smith; Osawatomie Senior High School.