WICHITA, Kan. - Following a national search led by Shocker Sports Properties, a division of Playfly Sports and the exclusive multimedia rights holder and partnership representative of Wichita State Athletics, it was announced today that Denning Gerig has been named Director of Broadcasting for Wichita State Athletics. In his role, Gerig will serve as the next "Voice of the Shockers," assuming play-by-play responsibilities for men's basketball and baseball beginning with the 2026-27 season.

In addition to his broadcasting duties, Gerig will help lead the development of original content, storytelling initiatives and coaches' programming in partnership with Shocker Sports Properties and Wichita State Athletics, creating new opportunities for fans to connect with Shocker student-athletes, coaches and programs throughout the year.
 
Gerig succeeds Mike Kennedy, whose 46-year broadcasting career made him one of the most recognizable and respected voices in collegiate athletics and synonymous with Wichita State Athletics.
 
Following a national search that attracted more than 100 talented and accomplished candidates from across the country, Gerig emerged as the choice to carry forward one of the most respected broadcasting traditions in college athletics.
 
"Growing up in Wichita and listening to Mike Kennedy broadcast Shocker Athletics, I knew from a very young age what I wanted to do in life," Gerig said. "I'm deeply honored to follow in Mike's footsteps and promise to bring Shocker fans the same level of commitment, preparation and love for this university with every broadcast. I know from experience how powerful the connection is between Wichita State and this community. There is no place I would rather be and no job I would rather have."
 
A Wichita State alumnus, Gerig has been a familiar voice to Shocker fans for more than a decade. He first began broadcasting Wichita State events in 2015 as part of the university's initial Valley on ESPN3 productions and has since called baseball, volleyball, men's basketball and women's basketball contests on ESPN+, in addition to serving as color commentator with Kennedy on the road for Wichita State baseball.
 
In addition to his collegiate experience, he spent five total years in professional minor league baseball with the Wichita Wingnuts and Cleburne Railroaders, earning American Association Broadcaster of the Year honors in 2021.

"Mike Kennedy's impact on Wichita State Athletics is impossible to measure," said Director of Athletics Kevin Saal. "For nearly five decades, Mike served as the trusted voice of the Shockers, connecting generations of fans to some of the most memorable moments in our history while helping build one of the most recognizable brands in collegiate athletics. We are deeply grateful for his extraordinary service and the legacy he leaves behind.

As our staff and coaches looked toward the future, it was essential to find someone who understands both the privilege and responsibility that come with representing Wichita State University in an evolving multimedia landscape. Denning's diverse talents, passion, and authentic connection to Wichita State make him the right successor to carry that responsibility forward.

This role is about far more than calling games. It is about telling the stories of our student-athletes, supporting all our coaches, connecting with Shocker Nation and helping grow enthusiasm for Wichita State Athletics. Denning will play an important role in elevating all 14 of our programs while helping maximize engagement and revenue growth. We are excited to welcome Denning into this important role and look forward to his contributions as we continue pursuing championships and advancing the Shocker brand."
 
Kennedy concludes a legendary 46-year broadcasting career that helped define generations of Wichita State Athletics. His voice narrated some of the most memorable moments in Shocker history while building lasting connections with student-athletes, coaches and fans across nearly five decades. His legacy is permanently woven into the fabric of Wichita State Athletics, symbolized through the Mike Kennedy banner hanging inside Charles Koch Arena and Mike Kennedy signage displayed on the facade of Eck Stadium, Home of Tyler Field at Gene Stephenson Park.
 
"Denning has an incredible work ethic, a creative mindset and genuine passion for all things Shockers," said Jeff Jacobsen, General Manager of Shocker Sports Properties. "We are thrilled to have him calling Shockers games on our network next season. His enthusiasm for the game, his connection to our players and coaches and his commitment to the Wichita community will resonate with fans in every broadcast."
 
To celebrate this transition, there will be a public reception on Friday, June 12, from 5-7 p.m. at Social Tap in Braeburn Square. Fans will have the opportunity to meet Gerig and join the Wichita State community in honoring Kennedy as he concludes his historic broadcasting career.
 
Audacy and their flagship stations will continue to serve as the radio home of Shocker Athletics. All men's basketball games and select women's basketball games, including postseason play, will air on KEYN (103.7 FM). All baseball games will be exclusively broadcast on KFH Radio (97.5 FM /1240 AM).
 
Shocker men's basketball, women's basketball and baseball broadcasts will continue to be streamed live at no charge through GoShockers.com, Audacy.com, along with the GoShockers Mobile App on iPhone, iPad and Android devices.
 
In addition to game broadcasts, Audacy will continue producing and distributing coaches' podcasts across multiple podcast platforms hosted by Gerig. Gerig will also play a key role in developing exclusive content and storytelling initiatives in partnership with Wichita State Athletics, providing fans with enhanced access to Shocker student-athletes, coaches and programs throughout the year.
 
Throughout the year, fans can also follow Wichita State Athletics through ESPN+ broadcasts featuring familiar Shocker voices and personalities, including Pat Strathman, Shane Dennis and additional members of the broadcast team. Shocker broadcasts and original content are available through GoShockers.com, the GoShockers Mobile App, Audacy platforms and official Wichita State Athletics media channels.
 
Additional broadcast programming, digital content initiatives and coverage plans for the 2026-27 season will be announced throughout the summer.