The Wolverine: Covering University of Michigan Football and Sports
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INSIDE MICHIGAN ATHLETICS MICHIGAN, IMG TEAM UP KARSCH, JANSEN FOR PREGAME Michigan fans can tune in for some familiar, informed voices on the Wolverines' radio network this fall, prior to football games. The U-M athletic department and IMG College announced that Doug Karsch and former Wolverine Jon Jansen will handle the pregame "Tailgate Show" this fall. Karsch, a longtime contributor to The Wolverine and TheWolverine.com, as well as a Detroit radio personality, retains his duties as sideline announcer during games. Jansen, an All-American tackle who performed with U-M's 1997 national champions, will supply halftime and postgame commentary, as well as joining Karsch to host the two-and-a-half-hour tailgate show. Both are ready to produce a dynamic pregame show, leading up to broadcasts by the new team of play-by-play man Jim Brandstatter and analyst Dan Dierdorf for the games. They'll also team up for pregame shows when the Wolverines are on the road. "I have gotten to know Jon Jansen over the years and he is a great guy," Karsch said. "He is a very good story teller and he's been in the battles in the Big Ten. Jon is going to be able to provide fans with a real unique insight into Michigan football. … I can't wait to get started." Jansen, who has broadcast with the Big Ten Network on conference football games, concurred. "I'm excited to be a part of the team that IMG and Michigan has as- sembled to bring Michigan football to our fans on Saturdays this fall," Jansen said. "The university and football program have always been very special to me, from my days as a player, as a fan and now as a broadcaster. Football season can't get here fast enough, Go Blue!" The pregame show figures to have an even more intense focus on the team and the game, according to Ron Melnyk, the general manager of Michigan IMG Sports Marketing. "We're very excited to have Doug and Jon bringing to Wolverines fans a pregame show more centered on Michigan football," Melnyk said. "Fans will be more engaged in the show than ever before." The tailgate show will feature guest appearances by Michigan direc- tor of athletics David Brandon, as well as former U-M football stand- outs and media members. JON JANSEN