Dempsey presents Rider hoops to ‘The Bronc’

By Brandi Lukas

Building the Rider community, highlighting past games and creating a personal connection with the players characterize the eager intentions of Rider hoops, as presented on Head Coach Tommy Dempsey’s newly broadcast radio show.

The “Tommy Dempsey Rider Basketball Radio Show” originates live on Tuesdays from Joe’s Crab Shack on Rt. 1 in Lawrenceville, and can be heard on 107.7 The Bronc.

“Joe’s Crab Shack is a nice location because it’s a very kid-friendly place,” said Dempsey. “We decorate the venue with Rider basketballs, posters and pompoms. It’s a venue to let people in the community know that we’re here.”

Students and fans can come out to the Crab Shack for insight into the day-to-day things going on with the program that they might not know about from attending a game.

“It’s a good venue for the students and fans to get to know the players better,” said Dempsey. “Sometimes people might not be comfortable approaching players as they are walking across campus. This is much more informal, and everyone is there having a good time.”

The show occupies the airwaves from 7-7:30 p.m. During the first segment, past games are reviewed and Dempsey discusses where the Broncs are in the standings and their performance.
“For the second segment of the show we bring on a player to ask him how he thinks the team played,” said Dempsey. “After that we do a segment called ‘Get to Know the Player Off the Court,’ which involves a series of questions, and then we preview the upcoming games.”

In addition to the dedicated segments, other players come to the show, sign autographs and enjoy the food with students and fans.

Rider basketball announcers Daryl Fein and Steve Rudenstein host the show with Dempsey.

“There is a lot of personality at the show, and that starts with Daryl and Steve,” said Dempsey. “We try to have fun for half an hour, while at the same time promoting Rider University, Rider basketball and our players and coaches.”

The coach’s show started in the mid-’90s and was previously broadcast on WBUD-AM 1260. This is Dempsey’s fourth year of hosting the show. There will be a show “for as long as I’m head coach,” Dempsey said.

Since Rider’s radio station has been reimaged and now has the equipment for off-campus broadcasting, this is the first year the show has been on 107.7 The Bronc, which is now the home of Rider basketball.

“It’s nice to work with The Bronc because it’s all about Rider,” Dempsey said. “We feel like we represent the entire student body every time we play, so having it broadcast on the student radio station makes more sense.”

The men’s team, 12-9 overall, will take on the Siena Saints in MAAC action tomorrow at 1 p.m. in Alumni Gym.

The game will be reviewed during Dempsey’s radio show this Tuesday at 7 p.m.

“We’re just trying to encourage people to get involved in our program,” Dempsey said. “It’s a good opportunity to get to know me and the players on a more personal basis.”