The Meadows Racetrack and Casino is happy to announce Jeff Zidek as its new announcer, replacing Roger Huston who resigned in November.
Zidek, a native of North Apollo, PA, has been calling races for 32 years as the backup announcer for Huston since 1987, as well as County Fairs in Pennsylvania and Ohio.
Zidek’s racing resume is lengthy, as he has worked in all aspects of the sport. He has owned and trained Standardbreds, worked for more than 10 years as a publicist for the Pennsylvania Harness Racing Commission serving the PA Fair circuit, and has worked as a marketing consultant for the Meadows Standardbred Owners Association, as well as a track handicapper at the Meadows.
His professional career outside of harness racing includes stints at Fox Sports Pittsburgh and Fox Sports Radio as an on-air host, and he has spent the past 17 years as the Sports Information Director at Saint Vincent College in Latrobe, Pa.
“I’ve had a great career both in and outside of the racing industry, but for me, this is like coming home,” said Zidek. “The Meadows gave me my first opportunity in broadcasting, and then gave me my first opportunity in public relations and marketing. I built my career off that foundation, and now I get to come back home and serve the racing community on a full-time basis again. I can’t wait to get started.”
“The Meadows is thrilled to have Zidek join the team as the announcer. His talents are unlimited and we look forward to working together to make the Meadows better than ever,” said Mark Loewe, the VP of racing for the Meadows.
Zidek will begin his new position on December 6.
(Meadows)