Racer Dave

Runnin With the Racers

(St. Louis, MO) – ‘Racer Dave’ has been a constant presence during Murray State’s long run of successful basketball. Dave Winder (@RacerDave23) is the media relations man at Murray has been ‘runnin with the Racers’ since 2001.

Last year’s historic season was high lighted by a conference championship, an NCAA Tournament win and watching star player Ja Morant become the second selection in the NBA draft. Several Racer basketball stars have played in the NBA and coach after coach have catapulted from Murray, Kentucky to higher profile programs.

Winder is an announcer, journalist, photographer and is our conduit for Murray State basketball information. One of the Ohio Valley Conference charter members is fortunate to have such a passionate Racer fan handling its media responsibilities.

Racer Dave says his entire life is emersed in the Murray State community.

 

 

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Strange to say we have a game tomorrow (2p CT) & it’s early Aug. This once every 4yrs international exhib tour is a great experience for our SAs on & off court. Bahamas here we come! I’m seated with two of the greatest behind scenes guys. @ChaseMcAtee @realMChapman pic.twitter.com/7ImQxz4o29

— Dave Winder (@RacerDave23) August 8, 2019

 

Speaking with ValleyHoopsInsider.com, literally hours before leaving on Murray’s foreign trip, Dave describes the major thrust of his job as MSU’s Media Relations Coordinator.

 

 

The nineteen-year veteran of Murray State PR work says he is the proverbial ‘middle man’ between members of the media and his basketball coaches. His weekly Monday media availability for coach Matt McMahon and a player helps local media members get the information they need and it helps the coach fulfill his obligations in a consistent way.

Winder says trust between he and the coach is the key to a successful work environment.

 

 

Morant Effect

Racer Dave had a fun AND stressful season. The ‘Morant Effect’ was real. As the sophomore sensation Ja Morant exploded into the college basketball consciousness, Winder’s job became increasingly difficult.

While program notoriety was positive and the Racers were having a great season, many media members only wanted to talk about one player.

 

 

The media crush was not easy. While Morant fought a foot injury, McMahon and Winder decided to limit his media access to allow him to rest, rehab and relax. Winder admits he’s looking forward to watching Morant and the Memphis Grizzlies.

 

 

The season culminated with an NCAA Tournament win and Morant’s NBA selection. Racer Dave says there were times when he was a little annoyed at media members and their lack of respect for Murray and the Ohio Valley Conference.

 

 

Hoopalooza

Hoopalooza is a semi-annual Murray State basketball celebration. Racer Dave says Hoopalooza is a great time to remember the program’s past exploits.

 

 

Follow Dave’s work at goracers.com and his podcast ‘Runnin’ With the Racers‘.

Do Good

 

Editor: The 23 on the @RacerDave23 twitter handle is in honor of Dave’s favorite childhood baseball player. Cardinal catcher Ted Simmons wore number 23.