New Web site caters to Bronco fans
March 15, 2002
KALAMAZOO -- Most print publications have added corresponding online versions. Broncos Illustrated is a new Web site that plans to add a corresponding print version, and both are intended to cater to the interests of fans of Western Michigan University varsity sports.
Broncos Illustrated is not affiliated with Western Michigan University nor with the University's Division of Intercollegiate Athletics. It is an independently owned and operated Web site that specializes in news about WMU varsity teams and athletic events.
The Web version of Broncos Illustrated <www.broncosillustrated.com> contains multiple fan chat rooms and news about each of the 20 varsity teams. Broncos Illustrated went online Feb. 10, and owner Bryan Knoll says the Web site will offer same-day game scores for all varsity sports by September, with more in-depth coverage for many of the teams. The first issue of a companion magazine also may be published as early as this fall.
Knoll is a 1994 WMU graduate with a degree in accounting and significant experience with the World Wide Web. The Portage, Mich., resident also created a similar Web site for the University of Miami Hurricanes.
"Eventually," says Knoll, "some of the services on the Web site will require a membership fee, but for the next few months, everything we offer will be free. Right now, we are trying to expose as many people as possible to what we have to offer."
Knoll says that some services, including game scores and coverage will continue to be free, even after membership fees are required.
"Broncos Illustrated is not an official Web site of WMU," says Robert D'Amelio, assistant athletic director for sports marketing and media relations. "It's a completely independent operation.
"However," says D'Amelio, "we've been impressed with what Bryan [Knoll] has done so far, and suspect that some of our fans may be very interested in his product."
Adds D'Amelio, "We plan to provide Broncos Illustrated with the same news releases, information and other support that we give to all the public sports media."
Media contact: Thom Myers, 269 387-8400, thomas.myers@wmich.edu