The Meadows: Jeff Zidek to take over as track announcer

The Meadows Racetrack and Casino has named Jeff Zidek as the new announcer, replacing Roger Huston, who resigned in November. Zidek, a native of North Apollo, Pennsylvania, served as the backup announcer for Huston since 1987 and has also called county fairs in Pennsylvania and Ohio.

Zidek’s racing resume is lengthy, working 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, 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, Pennsylvania.

“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, Vice President of Racing for The Meadows.

Zidek will begin his new position December 6.

--press release (The Meadows)--