ESPN 1250 The Zone will be the radio home for Incarnate Word football in 2009 when the Cardinals play the first-ever season of competition in school history.

Located at 1250 on the AM dial in San Antonio, ESPN will air all 10 UIW games beginning with the grand opener on August 29 against international power Monterrey Tech of Mexico. Gametime is 7 p.m. at Gayle and Tom Benson Stadium in the Incarnate Word campus.

Along with the announcement of the radio agreement, UIW and ESPN said veteran play-by-play man Paul Alexander will be the voice of both game action and of the weekly Mike Santiago Coach's Show set for air each Thursday at 7 p.m.

“ESPN 1250 The Zone is thrilled to join Cardinals football in their kickoff season,” station Director of Operations Greg Martin said. “We hope for a great season for the Cardinals and we look forward to a long relationship in bringing every play to San Antonio fans.”

The radio package includes a pre-game show, game action, and ending with the post-game wrap-up show.

“This is a great opportunity for Incarnate Word,” Cardinals Athletic Director Mark Papich said. “To be tied in with the ESPN brand name as we begin our football program is both beneficial and exciting for the University. Also, Paul Alexander is a true veteran of sports broadcasting including his time in the NFL and he has a history with Incarnate Word having earned his master's degree here and he taught and coached at our St. Anthony's High School.”

This fall the Cardinals will play a 10-game NCAA Division II independent schedule including five games at home and five on the road. Then, on July 1, 2010, Incarnate Word will become a full-fledged member of the Lone Star Conference.