Aug. 15, 2002

Wayne State University Radio Broadcast Crew Selected

DETROIT  - Wayne State University Director of Athletics Rob Fournier announced today the hiring of Cliff Russell and Eric Pate as the radio broadcast crew for Warrior football.

“To have someone of Cliff’s and Eric’s expertise and professionalism join together as our broadcast team is exciting,” stated Fournier. “Their knowledge of athletics, the community and the University will benefit the department in a number of ways both in the booth and outside our broadcasts. I look forward to their association with WSU Athletics.”

Russell has been working for nearly 25 years in the Detroit-area media in both radio and television. The press secretary for former Detroit Mayor Dennis W. Archer, Russell has also served as a full-time lecturer at Wayne State.

A Detroit native, Russell was a two-time all-state basketball player at the Roeper School and graduated from WSU with a degree in broadcast communications.

“I think it is a wonderful opportunity for myself,” said Russell. “It is a dream come true. I attended school here, played basketball at Wayne State and I taught at the University. I’m very excited and I think it will be a great season for everyone involved.”

Pate has been a sports reporter for newspapers in Michigan, Minnesota, Florida and Indiana for the last 15 years as well as a radio talk show host since 1997 on WDFN Radio in Detroit.

Pate received his bachelor’s degree in 1986 from the University of Detroit in Communication Studies and Journalism.

“I think it will be a new and exciting adventure,” commented Pate. “I am looking forward to growing with Wayne State University as they embark upon their newest journey. Cliff Russell is a consummate professional and someone I respect a great deal.”

Wayne State begins the 2002 football campaign on August 29 at Northern Iowa. Kickoff is slated for 8:05 p.m. Eastern.