TUSCALOOSA, Ala - The student-run station at the University of Alabama, New Rock 90.7 FM, announced today that its exclusive coverage of Alabama gymnastics has set a record for the number of listeners for a sports broadcast on WVUA. The first four meets of the 2005 season, which included two in Tuscaloosa and two in Gainesville, Florida, brought in a total of just under 1,700 listeners on the internet alone.

Since New Rock 90.7 FM is a non-commercial station, Arbitron ratings and actual listener numbers are not given.

WVUA-FM began its exclusive coverage of the Alabama Gymtide on January 7th of this year with station sports director, Chad Anderson, and Leesa Davis calling all the action. The sport that many thought would be difficult to translate into an audio format has been successful thus far.

"I'm completely thrilled and motivated by the response of the listeners," Anderson said. "I knew with gymnastics being an elite program at Alabama that fans would give the broadcast a try, but I didn't think the response would be this large."

Anderson and Davis, who just met during the summer, have meshed well early and already built on-air chemistry, with Anderson as the host and Davis describing routines.

"People tell me after meets or at practice that the broadcast sounds terrific, which is great because it's always nice to know people are enjoying what they hear," Anderson said. "Even though this was my idea, I'm the farthest thing from the star of the broadcast. If it wasn't for Leesa and her extensive knowledge, it wouldn't be anywhere near what it is. She truly makes the show incredible and is the best. I'm just there to guide everything."

Alabama coach, Sarah Patterson, is in her 27th year at Alabama. During her tenure, she has been more than successful with four national championships, five SEC titles, and seventeen individual national champions. Since the beginning, she has had confidence in the broadcast and knew it would be great for the program and its fans.

"It doesn't surprise me that the broadcast has generated such interest," head coach Sarah Patterson said. "Chad and Leesa are a tremendous team that has provided the Tide faithful with the best coverage in the nation for women's gymnastics. I felt that with time, our fans would realize what a wonderful benefit this would be and think this is just the beginning of a great relationship between WVUA and Alabama Gymnastics."

Exclusive coverage will continue for the rest of the season, including all post-season meets. Fans interested in listening, can do so on 90.7 FM in Tuscaloosa or on the web at www.rolltide.com and www.gymtide.com. WVUA is also the exclusive home to Alabama softball, volleyball, and women's soccer and has won multiple awards in broadcast competitions, including two national championships.