Feb. 28, 2008

ST. LOUIS, Mo. - Missouri Valley Conference Commissioner Doug Elgin announced today that long-time Southern Illinois University radio personality Mike Reis has been selected as the 2008 recipient of the John Sanders Spirit of The Valley Award.

The Missouri Valley Conference presents the John Sanders Spirit of The Valley Award to honor a student-athlete, coach or university administrator who exemplifies the spirit of John Sanders, former MVC assistant commissioner for operations. Criteria includes, but not limited to, passion for the Conference, strong work ethic and sense of humor.

The presentation of the award will take place during the Rawlings Coach of the Year Luncheon in the Landmark Ballroom at the Renaissance Grand & Suites on Thursday, March 6, that begins at 11:30 a.m.

"Each and every Missouri Valley Conference award has its place," said Commissioner Elgin, who is in his 20th year with The Valley. "The John Sanders Spirit of The Valley Award holds a special meaning for not only our staff but the league as a whole. We are extremely honored that Mike Reis will accept this award from our membership."

The league began presenting the award during the 2005 Rawlings Coach of the Year Luncheon, when former Indiana State director of athletics Andi Myers became the first recipient. Since then, Missouri State director of athletics Bill Rowe (2006) and MVC television personality Mitch Holthus (2007) have been so honored.

In 29 years as the radio play-by-play voice of the Southern Illinois Salukis, Reis has distinguished himself as one of the top announcers in collegiate sports, and his passion for the Salukis and the Missouri Valley Conference permeates each broadcast.

A 1978 graduate of Southern Illinois' radio and television program, he immediately began serving as SIU's play-by-play voice upon graduation and has done so every year, except for one season in which another radio station held the rights to SIU's contests.

His work is so respected that he became the first announcer in school history to be inducted into the Saluki Hall of Fame. He is also a member of the Illinois Basketball Coaches Association Hall of Fame.

Reis demonstrated extreme perseverance in the wake of three intestinal surgeries in the summer of 2004. He did not miss a single game during the 2004-05 season.

Tickets to the Rawlings Coach of the Year Luncheon are $50 per person. For information on how to attend the event, please contact the Missouri Valley Conference office at 314/421-0339.