HARRISONBURG, Va. – For the first time in 38 years, there will be a new radio voice of James Madison women’s basketball. Craig Orndorff will take the call as the play-by-play announcer on the JMU/Sprint Broadcast Network, and he takes over for David Taylor following his retirement from the mic in March 2016.
A 1990 JMU graduate, Orndorff is a Shenandoah County native and Central High alum who began his radio career in 1987. Upon graduating with a degree in communications, Orndorff continued to pursue a career in radio. During the mid-90s, Orndorff worked with the JMU Sports Network, providing halftime and post-game reports for varsity events.
“It’s a thrill to be joining the JMU broadcast team and to be chosen for a position at my alma mater,” Orndorff said. “It’s also a tremendous honor to succeed David Taylor. It’s impossible to put into words how integral David’s presence was for the program and the Dukes’ radio listeners. I’m looking forward to being part of the Sean O’Regan era as he continues to build on the success and excitement of JMU women’s basketball.”
The JMU/Sprint Broadcast Network, in its entirety, is overseen by Learfield’s JMU Sports Properties, the university’s athletics multimedia rights holder. Orndorff is excited for the opportunity to call games for the Dukes, citing it as an opportunity to continue his passion at a higher level. Orndorff describes his broadcasting style as relaxed, easygoing, fair and honest.
Orndorff is the owner of Valley Sports Radio, providing live play-by-play of local high school athletics and producing daily sports reports for five stations within the Shenandoah Valley. He is also the host of “Seems Like Old Times,” a nationally-syndicated weekend music program featuring jazz, standards and traditional pop hits.
Orndorff’s first call can be heard on Nov. 11 when the Dukes tipoff the season against No. 13/14 Tennessee at 7 p.m. Fans can tune in to Friday’s radio broadcast on V-100.1 FM.