"You put a lot of effort into dragging people into the building and trying to put on a good show for them, and then when you take off the next week and you're gone, it's tough," said RoadRunners director of media relations Arch Ecker, who will also be the voice of the team.

"Radio just allows people to get that much closer to their team, and I think you'll find over time that people start bringing the radios with them to the game because it becomes a nice companion to learn a little bit more about the game itself and about the players."

The RoadRunners were on the radio during their first season in Topeka, but were unable to finalize a broadcast deal last season. Plans are to broadcast all of the RoadRunners' games this season, beginning with Wednesday's 4:30 p.m. opener against the Motor City Metal Jackets.

Topeka coach Scott Langer said it's good to have the team, and Ecker, back on the air.

"(New owner) Don (Stone) and everybody have this bigger and better attitude, and I think (radio) goes along with it," Langer said.

"We have one of the best voices in the league with Arch. He just does a tremendous job and his knowledge of the game is huge. So, I think it can only be beneficial."

Ecker said that it was important to get a radio deal back in place for this season.

"For me it's always been a big priority, because I'm a radio guy and I've always seen the intrinsic value of it," Ecker said.

"I'm very fortunate that when Don Stone took over the franchise, he immediately recognized that need as well and it was a big priority for him."

The RoadRunners will also have a weekly coaches show with Langer, and guest players, at 3:05 p.m. each Tuesday on WIBW (AM 580).

Ecker said that broadcasting RoadRunners games, as well as other changes this season, are part of Stone's long-range goals for the franchise.

"One of the neat things that I think about Don and Barb (Stone) being involved is that creating a family fun environment atmosphere has been something that has been a forefront of their vision since they got here," Ecker said. "We're very fortunate right now to have a group of people working within the franchise that are of the same mind, in a sense.

"We share a common goal and we're working toward the same thing. We are a team and everybody smiles when they come to work. We all put in a lot of hours, but nobody complains because we love what we do, and we believe that the Topeka RoadRunners are going to be a big part of this community for years to come."