Greyhound fans have something extra to look forward to this football season with the announcement of a local radio broadcast taking place for every game, both home and away.
Adam Green and Kyle Sears will be broadcasting the first game of the year Aug. 20 from Mercer as the Jones County Greyhounds take on Northside. Kickoff is at 4 p.m. The team has plans to broadcast each Greyhound football game this year.
The games are broadcast on Mixlr online radio by simply downloading the free Mixlr smartphone app or going to mixlr.com on a computer. The Greyhound Sports Facebook page gives up-to-the-minute information about upcoming games and information about the broadcasts.
The broadcasts begin approximately 15 minutes prior to kickoff. The pregame show typically includes an interview with Jones County High School Head Coach Mike Chastain.
Green and Sears started their radio broadcasts in 2018, at that time for only away games. The broadcast of away games continued in 2019 and in 2020, and in 2021 fans had the option of paying to watch the home games on video.
Sears said the decision was made this year to make the online radio broadcast available at no charge for both home and away games.
“Coach Chastain feels broadcasting the home games is a big bonus for everyone and won’t take away from the home crowd,” he said. “Anyone can listen to the broadcasts.”
The availability of Wi-Fi was an issue for video, but the radio broadcast can be done with limited bandwidth.
“You can’t do both, and this opens the broadcasts to everyone. Fans can listen on their phones with the Mixlr App or listen on the computer,” Sears added.
The broadcaster said he is excited about this year’s Greyhound team, and he is looking forward to another good year. He said he feels like broadcasting every game will provide better continuity for Greyhound fans.
Green said downloading the Mixlr App adds another dimension. He said they can see who is listening and from where. Fans can interact with them and even ask questions during the broadcast.
Green and Sears usually set up their equipment somewhere near the press box and have a tent to use during inclement weather. Sears is a 2005 graduate of JCHS and attended Mercer University. He is now employed by the university as Senior Director of Media Relations and looks forward to broadcasting the first game from Five Star Stadium. Green graduated from JCHS in 2006. He attended Georgia College for his degree and masters. He is employed as a member experience manager with Best Pick Reports in Atlanta.
The broadcaster said he feels like they improve each year. Sears usually calls the play-by-play, and Green is the color commentator, who does not curb his enthusiasm.
“Kyle is a great partner. He enables me to look at the game in different ways,” Green said.
He said last year they even switched roles for a game, which was an interesting experience for both.
Sears said he enjoys the chat aspect of the broadcast.
“We do this because we love the sport and are proud of our alma mater. It’s great to see who is listening and where people are. I’m glad we can bring this to them,” he said. “I feel like we are in our glory days.”
He said he and Green bring a different perspective.
“I’m from a journalistic background and Adam provides more of the fan perspective. We are trying to get better in both roles.
The color analysis is a challenge on the radio because you want to give people a mental picture of what’s happening,” he said.
Green said he enjoys watching the NFL but has questions.
“I’m confident if I ask a question on air, Kyle can answer it,” he said.
The broadcaster said the Greyhounds had a lot of younger players on the team last year and this year brings the expectation of seeing how much they have improved.
Sears said he sees a lot to be excited about with the 2022 Greyhounds. He said it will be exciting to watch Zion Ragins and Javious Bond.
“We have an experienced offensive line and an exciting new quarterback. I have as high expectations with this team as ever,” he said.
Sears said the first part of the Greyhound schedule is challenging as always but that is by design.
“We started out with a couple of loses last year but it didn’t impact us with the region,” he said.
Green pointed out the advantage of the improvements to the field and the stadium.
“The turf is beautiful. It’s amazing to see where this program is. I feel like we are watching a college game,” he said.
“It’s so much better for the players.”
Sears agreed. “The improvements have raised the culture of the program. It’s been fabulous to watch. In the last five years, we became one of the top programs in the state. It’s fun to be part of it,” he said.
Green said he enjoys broadcasting the Marching Greyhounds’ halftime show.
“Greg Mullis brought it up and we love it,” he said.
Sears said the broadcasts are possible because of support of Chastain, Lance Rackley, Dr. Hince and the sponsors of the broadcasts.
“We are excited that anyone anywhere can listen free,” he said.
