Good luck with your future Mike I can't even remember who was the play by play man before you
That really sucks. I've been listening to Mike since I was a student decades ago... he's the best. I'm sure he could have made a lot more money in the big city, because he's a terrific announcer - he's just an expert at it, and I also love the fact that he loved the Salukis and is a Saluki. Impossible to replace. How lucky we were to have a terrific announcer who was also a Saluki.
Wow. This was not something I expected when I woke up this morning, but totally understand where you are coming from. When it is time, you know. I am glad to hear it is not your health or anything "sinister". You will be sorely missed. I hope you stay connected somehow with SIU Nation. You covered some great moments in SIU Sports, and we were there for them all, if not in person then through your broadcasts. You told it like it was. If we sucked, you didn't sugar coat it. If we were hitting on all cylinders, your excitement was evident without sounding like a "homey". I still have memories of walking out of the Arena (not yet the Banterra Center) on a few cold wintry nights and hearing you post game interview being broadcast into the parking lot, and then once in the car, turning on the radio so we could listen to the final wrap up. Best of luck, Mike. No more trips to Frostbite Falls or Terre Haute. Enjoy your retirement, 48 years is plenty long enough. Thanks for the memories.
Mike's departure leaves a very big hole to fill. Thanks for your love of Saluki sports.
Mike, thanks for all your work with Saluki Athletics and enjoy your retirement. You will be missed.
Hey mike thanks for all the years of terrific support for the Dawgs. Enjoy your retirement.
mike reis has been a big part of my life for a very long time. i used to drive thru storms, up and down the hills of southern illinois, desperately searching for a place where his voice would come thru. i have heard every PBP man alive, and mike reis, even today, is as damn good as any of them. we have been blessed far more than we deserve for a very, very, long time.
enjoy your retirement, my friend.
Wow - simply the best of the best. Very grateful we had him for so many years and so many moments.
The one word that best describes Mike Reis is CLASS. He is to SIU athletics what Jack Buck was to the St. Louis Cardinals; the consummate professional. Whoever is hired as a replacement will have to climb Mt Everest. Thanks a million Mike, you deserve to be in the hall of fame!
The advancement and diffusion of knowledge is the only guardian of true liberty.
James Madison
Congrats to Mike. He's had an incredible run at SIU. Everyone who has that job in the foreseeable future will be compared to him.
I do remember spending many Saturday nights in the 80's and 90's, sitting in my car, listening to Saluki basketball, because it was the only place I could get a decent signal from the MetroEast.
Meanwhile, Tim Leonard and the University have a tough job ahead to find someone to fill Mike's shoes. Maybe tougher than most, if not all, coaching hires.
Good luck with your future Mike I can't even remember who was the play by play man before you
Bill Criswell???? Or maybe Ron Hines????
I am not embarrassed to admit that my eyes watered up hearing of Mike's retirement. My roomate and I would listen to EVERY road game and his voice transcended over the decades, even still. Impossible to replace !!! While selfishly very bummed, I could not be happier for him as there isn't a more deserving person. Good luck and God bless (speed) Mr. Reis.
Mike Reis = GOAT
Class person and unreplaceable. Enjoy retirement. Saluki Nation loves you buddy.
Congratulations to Mr. Reis, a true gentlemen and Saluki. Special to hear such a unique voice, and so many great Saluki moments.
As Tina Turner said many years ago:
You're simply the best, better than all the rest.
Better than anyone, anyone I've ever met.
Enjoy your retirement Mike, you have certainly earned it!
