PEORIA, Ill. - "Tradition Plays in Peoria" will be the theme for a special Bradley Athletics luncheon June 2 for fans to welcome new Director of Athletics Dr. Chris Reynolds and men's basketball head coach Brian Wardle to the Bradley community.

Chaired by former Bradley University business manager Ken Goldin and emceed by Hall of Fame Voice of the Braves Dave Snell, the welcome luncheon will combine many of the elements from the popular Braves Club Game Day Luncheons, as well as the preseason Bradley Basketball Gala. Planned for the Renaissance Coliseum main arena June 2, doors will open and lunch service will begin at 11:15 a.m. with the speaking program to begin at noon. Snell is preparing one of his popular videos, the speaking program will include remarks from both Reynolds and Wardle and Goldin will conclude the event with his classic presentation of door prizes.

A native Peorian and Peoria High School graduate who played college basketball for Bobby Knight at Indiana before embarking on an impressive administrative career in college athletics, Reynolds officially was introduced as Bradley's 10th Director of Athletics March 16. After an immediate evaluation of the Bradley Basketball program, Reynolds moved expediantly with changes in the program's leadership and announced Wardle as the program's 14th head coach March 27.

Both Reynolds and Wardle cited the relationship between Bradley University and the local community as a primary factor in the decision to pursue their current positions and the June 2 luncheon is designed as a demonstration of the community's passionate support.

Tickets for the event are on sale now through the Braves Club Office by contacting Jackie Rea (309-677-2667 or jdiemer@bradley.edu) and are $20 for Braves Club members, $25 for the general public.