JEFFERSON CITY, Tenn. – Carson-Newman Associate AD for External Operations/Media Relations Adam Cavalier has set the Eagle Sports Network's on air crew for the 2024-25 academic year.
Carson-Newman Hall of Famer Mike Turner will don a different kind of headset and join Cavalier and Leannda Carey during home football broadcasts this fall as the Eagle Sports Network's color analyst. Eagle Club Director David Needs will continue in his role as color analyst for road contests. Additionally, Cavalier has announced the hiring of two graduate assistants in C-N and ESN alum Jay West, as well as Virginia Tech alum and former Salem Red Sox voice Tyler Katz.
"I'm thankful that Mike Turner answered the call to join us on air for the upcoming season," Cavalier said. "I've known of Mike Turner's prowess for football long before I arrived at C-N. (Marshall radio voice and former C-N play-by-play man) Steve Cotton spoke at a class I took at Marshall and explained that he learned how to broadcast football thanks to Mike taking the time to show him film and diagnose offenses early in his career.
"That prowess was only confirmed when I took the job here. Mike was a joy to work with when he was offensive coordinator; he was a joy to work with when he was head coach and I have no doubt that he will be a joy to have alongside in the booth this year. I hope what was often left on the cutting room floor for The Mike Turner Show is what makes it to air on gamedays."
Turner spent 38 years on the on the banks of Mossy Creek, two as a player, 33 as an assistant/coordinator and the final three as the 18th head football coach for the Eagles. Across those 38 seasons, Turner accrued 346 wins against 95 losses. As the Eagles' head coach, he was 24-10. The .705 winning percentage is the third best in program history.
The maestro behind Carson-Newman's veer-option attack, Turner's offenses were transcendent over the years. In his 36 seasons on the sidelines at Carson-Newman, Turner's teams scored 14,333 points. From 2000-2019, the Eagles rushed for 70,517 yards, or 40.07 miles.
He guided Carson-Newman to the NCAA playoffs for the 26th time in his final season as head coach. The Eagles defeated previously unbeaten and 11th-ranked Bowie State 17-9 for C-N's first playoff road win in a decade.
"We are truly blessed here at C-N to have not one, but two communicators like Mike and David Needs who can break down effectively what's happening on air," Cavalier said. "While I'm thankful that Mike is willing to join us at home, I'm equally as appreciative for David to continue to join us on the road as he begins his new venture as Eagle Club Director."
West and Katz will round out the C-N Athletic Communications/Eagle Sports Network crew.
West has spent the last three years as a work study with the ESN. One of the network's top camera men, West sought more responsibilities in his time at C-N, moving up to director broadcasts and run replay, which he has done for all of C-N's sports.
"There aren't too many undergrads who have directed one of our football broadcasts," Cavalier said. "But that is Jay. We're looking forward to him making the next leap forward as he prepares for his career."
West will handle media relations duties for Carson-Newman's cross country, swimming and beach volleyball programs.
Katz was the Sports Director of 3304 Sports, the online multi-media home for sports media at Virginia Tech.
As Sports Director of 3304 Sports, Katz managed a group of about 150 students through broadcasts of Virginia Tech athletics, recap articles, podcasts and studio shows.
"Tyler came highly recommended by several people I trust implicitly," Cavalier said. "His tape is strong and he has a great voice. I think our fans will enjoy what he brings to the microphone."
Katz also has three years of professional experience serving as the Director of Broadcasting and Media Relations for the Pierre Trappers, a summer collegiate baseball team in the Expedition League based in Pierre, South Dakota, and the Waterloo Bucks, a summer collegiate baseball team in the Northwoods League in Waterloo, Iowa.
Most recently, he served as one of the broadcasters for the Salem Red Sox of Minor League Baseball, the Single-A Affiliate for Boston, where he was a part of the youngest duo of broadcasters in affiliated baseball.
He will appear on air as a host during Carson-Newman football broadcasts while handling play-by-play duties for volleyball, soccer, baseball and softball. He will also be one of the regular hosts for the Mossy Creek Conversations Podcast. He will handle media relations for indoor volleyball, track & field and tennis.
