Wichita State Athletics has found its next lead broadcaster.
Following a nationwide search conducted by Shocker Sports Properties, a division of Playfly Sports and the multimedia rights holder for Wichita State Athletics, Denning Gerig has been named Director of Broadcasting and will become the new "Voice of the Shockers" beginning with the 2026-27 season.
Gerig will take over play-by-play duties for Wichita State men's basketball and baseball while also helping develop original content, storytelling projects and coaches' programming designed to strengthen connections between fans and Shocker athletics.
The Wichita native succeeds Mike Kennedy, whose 46-year broadcasting career made him one of the most recognizable figures in Wichita State sports history.
Gerig, a Wichita State graduate, said the opportunity is especially meaningful because he grew up listening to Kennedy's broadcasts.
"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."
More than 100 candidates from across the country applied for the position before Gerig was selected.
Gerig has been a familiar voice for Wichita State fans for more than a decade. He began calling Shocker events in 2015 as part of the school's early broadcasts and has since handled play-by-play duties for baseball, volleyball, men's basketball and women's basketball. He also served as a color analyst alongside Kennedy during Wichita State baseball road games.
Beyond the collegiate level, Gerig spent five seasons broadcasting professional minor league baseball with the Wichita Wingnuts and Cleburne Railroaders. In 2021, he earned American Association Broadcaster of the Year honors.
Wichita State Director of Athletics Kevin Saal praised Kennedy's impact on the university while expressing confidence in Gerig's ability to continue the tradition.
"Mike Kennedy's impact on Wichita State Athletics is impossible to measure," Saal said. "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."
Saal added that Gerig's connection to Wichita State and his ability to tell stories across multiple platforms made him the ideal candidate for the role.
"This role is about far more than calling games," Saal said. "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."
Kennedy's broadcasting legacy includes nearly five decades behind the microphone and recognition throughout Wichita State athletics, including a banner inside Charles Koch Arena and signage at Eck Stadium.
Jeff Jacobsen, general manager of Shocker Sports Properties, said Gerig's passion and ties to the university stood out during the search process.
"Denning has an incredible work ethic, a creative mindset and genuine passion for all things Shockers," Jacobsen said. "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."
Wichita State will host a public reception honoring Kennedy and welcoming Gerig on June 12 from 5 to 7 p.m. at Social Tap in Braeburn Square.
Audacy will remain the radio home of Shocker Athletics. Men's basketball games and select women's basketball contests will continue airing on KEYN 103.7 FM, while all baseball broadcasts will remain on KFH Radio 97.5 FM and 1240 AM. Game broadcasts will also continue to stream free through GoShockers.com, Audacy.com and the GoShockers mobile app.
In addition to game coverage, Gerig will host coaches' podcasts and help create new digital content and storytelling initiatives for Wichita State Athletics. More details about broadcast programming and coverage plans for the 2026-27 season are expected later this summer.
