Meet the New On-Air Talent for University Rush on theScore
The 11th season of University Rush on theScore kicks off Saturday, September 8 at 8 p.m. as the Queen’s Gaels travel to Waterloo to take on the Wilfrid Laurier Golden Hawks under the lights of University Stadium. OUA football fans tuning in will not only be treated to the familiar voice of Donnovan Bennett, but some exciting new on-air talent as well.
Bennett returns for his second season in the booth. The former Western running back has been with theScore since 2007, where he worked the sidelines for University Rush until moving upstairs last season. While with theScore, he has also covered NCAA basketball and was a part of the Gemini nominated theScore celebrates Black History Month series. Bennett is a 2007 graduate of Western University and during his career as a Mustang he racked up 14 touchdowns and over 1500 yards rushing.
New to the booth full-time this season is Simon Bennett. Bennett is a 14-year veteran of theScore and in addition to calling the 2011 University Rush game between Queen’s and McMaster, was the voice of the 2009 CIS women’s hockey championship and has voiced highlights for the network since 2001. Bennett also serves as the public address voice of the Toronto Marlies.
“I’ve had the pleasure of previously being covered by and working with the voice of the CIS Tim Micalllef. Now my luck continues as I get to stand side by side with one of the best broadcasting voices in the business, Simon Bennett,” said Donnovan of his new partner. “Simon has demonstrated an appreciation and respect for amateur sport in this country for some time. I’m excited to be the direct beneficiary of his enthusiasm and football acumen and I know both the players and OUA fans will find his full-time addition to the University Rush coverage invaluable.”
Joining Simon and Donovan this season from the sidelines will be Paul Brothers. Brothers may be best known for winning Gillette Drafted: The Search For Canada’s Next Sportscaster, beating out over 3000 applicants to win a contract at theScore and become a National Spokesman for Gillette. The native of Bishop’s Fall, Nfld. Has worked in broadcasting since 1998, which included stints on Much Music and with Steele Communications in Newfoundland.
A brand new feature to University Rush this season will be studio segments with Laura Diakun and former Laurier receiver Andy Baechler. Before each game, the pair will highlight key players and storylines from the week’s featured game, and during half time and after the final whistle they will catch fans up with highlights and results from the OUA and NCAA.
Diakun has been with theScore for eight years including on-air hosting duties for the last four. In addition to University Rush, she can be seen hosting Bet Night Live and NBA Court Surfing and has worked the sidelines for previous OUA games.
“I'm really happy to be a part of theScore's first pre-game show for University Rush,” said Diakun of her new role. “We are dedicated to giving fans the most up-to-date and in-depth coverage on one of the best leagues out there. Andy and I will be breaking down the major storylines for our featured game of the week and are excited to be sharing this journey to the Yates Cup with our viewers.”
Baechler played five years of CIS football with the Laurier Golden Hawks and was a Vanier Cup winner in 2005. In his career he collected 128 catches for 2262 yards and 20 touchdowns in regular season action. After graduating with a degree in English in 2007, Baechler moved right into a position at theScore and has been there ever since, writing scripts, voicing highlight packages and will become a co-host on the new OUA/CIS podcast/vodcast which can be seen beginning September 10 on thescore.com
"The experience I gained during my time in the OUA helped me prepare for the competitive nature of the broadcasting industry,” said Baechler of his transition from athlete to broadcaster.
The new team is primed and ready for a new season of OUA football on University Rush. The first broadcast of 2012 will see the Queen’s Gaels visiting the Laurier Golden Hawks, presented by Wilson Sports Equipment Canada and coverage on theScore begins at 8 p.m. For the full 2012 University Rush schedule, visit oua.ca
