Oct. 3, 2006

Princess Anne, Md. - The University of Maryland Eastern Shore (UMES) Department of Athletics is pleased to announce that Ben Wagner has accepted the position of Director of Broadcasting for Athletics. With the position, Wagner assumes all play-by-play duties for Hawk Basketball, calling all the action for the men and women's teams and coordinating all aspects of the broadcasts.

Wagner is no stranger to the Eastern Shore, as he made many trips to the area with the 2006 South Atlantic League Champion Lakewood BlueClaws. The BlueClaws played in Salisbury, Md. against the Delmarva Shorebirds a total of 17 times in 2006. He just completed his second season with the baseball team.

Previously, he spent three years on the Sycamore Radio Network, while also appearing weekly on the Indiana State Coach's television show and working for Crossroad Communications, Terre Haute. During that time he served as the color commentator for football and lead play-by-play announcer for women's basketball. He also worked a variety of other sports and worked on the weekend for the local ESPN Radio affiliate. He covered nearly 400 athletic events while a student at Indiana State University. His efforts did not go unnoticed as the University recognized him during his final regular season broadcast, as he became the first non-athletic student recognized for his contributions to the Indiana State Athletic Department.

A Native of New Paris, Indiana, he currently resides in New Jersey with his new wife Megan.

"Ben has done so much in radio, we are thrilled to have him," said Acting Director of Athletics Keith Davidson. "Not only is his experience, drive and determination incredible, his game calling is outstanding," added Davidson. "We have been fortunate to have the a great announcer in Josh Maurer the last three seasons, but we feel that Ben will pick up right where Josh left off and keep our fans informed and entertained."

Maurer resigned at the end of last season to accept a similar position with Charleston Southern University, overseeing their basketball and football broadcasts. Like Wagner, he currently spends his off-season in the South Atlantic League, as the voice of the Charleston Riverdogs.

"Josh did the University, the Athletic Department and both basketball programs a great service," said Head Women's Basketball Coach Fred Batchelor. "We will miss him and wish him well in his new endeavors, however, I have am thrilled to have someone of [Wagner's] talents come on board. He will be great for our fans."

As they have the previous three seasons, all games can be heard on local WTGM-AM 960, The Team. For those not on the Eastern Shore the games can be found online at www.umeshawks.com. The Coach, David Byrd, will return to the sidelines at all home games providing his own basketball knowledge to the broadcasts as the color commentator. Assistant Director of Broadcasting for Athletics, Randy Scott, will also return on select broadcasts.