Childhood dreams of becoming an entertainer have become a reality for sports radio host Rich Perkins.
Perkins, an Auburn graduate, works for the Auburn Network and hosts sports radio show, "The Drive," on ESPN 106.5.
Although he majored in political science, Perkins first experience with radio came from working through Auburn University's WEGL 91.1. After he took some drama classes in high school, Perkins decided that it was his dream to become a performer.
After college, he worked in sales for 10 years, but decided to change direction.
"I went to a local radio station to stay busy," Perkins said. "And then one thing led to another, and I had a full-time air shift."
It wasn't until September 2011 that Perkins joined the Auburn Network and started "The Drive." Perkins explains his show is more about the stories than the stats. He wants "The Drive" to be a show even his wife and her friends wouldn't be bored listening to.
"I can't tell you who the third best tackle is from Texas, that's not our show," said Perkins.
However, Perkins explains his co-host, Ron Anders, has much more knowledge on sports statistics.
"He was a cheerleader at Auburn and has encyclopedia knowledge about Auburn sports," Perkins said.
When asked to describe Perkins, co-workers Chris Hines and Chris Davis laughed.
"Quirky, funny and talkative," Hines said.
Davis, who works for Auburn IMG Sports Marketing, said Perkins is friendly and accommodating.
"He does his homework," Davis said. "He is pretty well read and astute."
There is no way to tell the exact amount of listeners "The Drive" reaches daily because it is broadcast in an un-rated market. However, Perkins explains it uses social media to get the word out. The show has a Facebook page and a Twitter account.
Even though the show is relatively new, "The Drive" is continuously gaining a greater amount of listeners.
"Sports radio is a very habit-based thing," said Perkins.
Since the show started airing, Perkins has hosted high school and college sports coaches, bloggers, reporters and a regular contributor who runs a recruiting website.
Perkins currently lives in Auburn with his wife, Dr. Kirsten Perkins, an academic counselor at Auburn University, and their 11-year-old son, Dirk, or "D-man" as Perkins refers to him on the show.
"This is a new venture for me," said Perkins. "Sports really is a new venture for me."
Tune in every Monday through Friday from 4-6 p.m. to listen to Perkins show, "The Drive," on ESPN 106.5 FM.
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