THIBODAUX, La. - An expanded Colonel Sports Radio Network returns to the airwaves on Sept. 1 when the Nicholls State University football team opens its 2012 season at Oregon State at 2 p.m.

All games can be heard live on the flagship home of Nicholls Athletics, 100.3 FM KLRZ – The Rajun' Cajun. A Coastal Broadcasting Radio Network station based in Larose, KLRZ broadcasts at a powerful 89,000 watts, covering a large portion of southeast Louisiana, including New Orleans. Fans outside the region can also listen live at klrzfm.com.

“We are extremely proud to be the Flagship of the Colonels,” said Coastal Broadcasting owner Jerry “Truck” Gisclair. “With our new and improved signal, our coverage now extends to the Northshore.”

KLRZ's sister station, 1600 KLEB-AM, also returns to the network. Based in Golden Meadow, KLEB simulcasts KLRZ's programming and covers the Gulf Coast from Larose to Mobile, Ala.

“We're thrilled to have KLRZ return as our flagship,” said Mike Wagenheim, Nicholls Assistant Athletic Director for Communications. “Their operation, led by Truck Gisclair, is second to none and they are fantastic partners.”

Nicholls is also proud to announce the addition of Houma-based LA 106.3 FM – Rock Hits Radio. Broadcasting at 25,000 watts, KXOR is a Sunburst Media station serving the greater Houma/Thibodaux area.

“We're also delighted that KXOR is on board this year,” Wagenheim said. “Since our partnership, they have really gone all-out.”

Each Colonel Sports Radio Network football broadcast includes the Colonel Countdown pre-game show 30 minutes prior to kickoff. Additionally, LA 106.3 FM will commence game-day coverage two-and-a-half hours prior to kickoff.

“We are very excited to bring an added dimension to the Nicholls football radio broadcasts this season,” said Scoop Daniels, LA 106.3 Morning Show and Colonel Insider host. “Not only will our pregame show, The Colonel Insider, offer in-depth analysis of each game through interviews with coaches, players and media, but will also give Nicholls State University administrators and officials the chance to highlight non-athletic departments and programs offered at Nicholls.”

The Colonel Insider, presented by the United States Air Force, will be broadcast live from the tailgate area outside of John L. Guidry Stadium prior to home games and from the studio during away trips.

“The tailgate experience at each of the home games is our station's way of showing new fans that Nicholls football is a fun, exciting and an affordable way to spend time with their family and friends, all while supporting our area's only university,” Daniels added.

Additonal area stations could be added to the Colonel Sports Radio Network at a later time.