Aug. 23, 2003

Bright and early Monday morning across North Carolina, as you get ready for work or drive to your job, there's a good chance you'll probably hear me discussing the pre-season progress of the Tar Heels with head coach John Bunting on a Tar Heel Sports Network affiliate in your area. If you miss us, there may be another opportunity in the late afternoon or early evening to hear the daily five-minute program as you drive home.

If you're out and about in the Triangle late in the evening, WTRG-FM--the powerful oldies station in Raleigh--broadcasts INSIDE CAROLINA FOOTBALL just prior to its music break at 10:00 p.m.

Just in case our schedules don't mesh on the radio, there's always the computer. Go to TARHEELBLUE.COM, UNC's official athletic website, and click on WOODY DURHAM'S DAILY FIVE-MINUTE RADIO SHOWS. Then pick the day of your choice to monitor the programs leading up to Saturday's home opener (8:00 p.m.) against nationally-ranked Florida State.

During Monday's program, Bunting will discuss the overall progress of the team after 24 pre-season practice sessions leading up the first game. As the countdown to kickoff continues, the third year coach will discuss quarterback Darian Durant, the rest of the offense including a trio of talented but inexperienced wide receivers, the relatively young defense, and inconsistent kicking game along with Saturday's opponent, the 12th-ranked Seminoles.

THURSDAY AT 7:00 P.M., Coach Bunting will be back at Lucy's in Chapel Hill for his weekly radio call-in show. The downtown watering hole at the corner of Henderson and Rosemary Streets is almost standing room only when the head coach arrives. The one-hour show is also your chance to call and talk about the Tar Heels with the popular Bunting. The toll free number is 1-866-TAR HEEL.

Then SATURDAY AT 9:00 A.M. Bunting's weekly television show can be seen on FOX SPORTS SOUTH. During the past year several Carolina fans ask me why the head coach was not doing a weekly TV program. They were among many who were accustomed to seeing the 30-minute production in a Sunday time slot on various stations across the state. Last year Bunting agreed to have his show moved to a Saturday time slot on a network which would not only carry the show on various cable systems across North Carolina, but throughout the Southeast. I'm sure you can appreciate the recruiting value of such a move.

Some fans indicated their difficulty in finding the show, but the football show is seen on the same cable channel which provides loads of ACC basketball--including the Sunday night variety--during the winter. I bet you found that programming so I know you can find the weekly Carolina football show to either watch live or record.

Of course, next Saturday the Tar Heel Sports Network takes to the air at 7:00 p.m., and I'm looking forward--along with Mick Mixon and Stephen Gates--to another exciting season of Carolina football. I've got my fingers crossed that it'll be better than the pundits are expecting.