If you are a fan of country music there is a good chance that the format of a station you have tuned into has been programmed by former Eastern Illinois offensive lineman George Tuzil.
For the past two plus years the former center has served as the Vice President/Programming, Network Formats for Westwood One. In that capacity he oversees the company's Country 24-hour formats which air on nearly 700 stations nationwide, including Mainstream Country, Hot Country, Classic Country and Real Country 24-hour radio formats.
Prior to that Tuzil worked as a program director and operations manager at several different stations after 18 years as an on-air personality in the Phoenix, Arizona area. All of those stops made possible by an early internship opportunity he found through EIU.
"During my senior year I was offered an internship at WGN Radio and TV in Chicago. I ended up working there for about a year before relocating to Phoenix in 1983," said Tuzil. "I got my first on-air job as an overnight jock at the oldies station. After my first night on the air, my boss left me a note that said my last name was too ethnic and asked me to change it right before I was going on for my shift. Right in front of me was a phone book, I flipped it open and saw a business "King (something)". I said 'George King', that'll work tonight and I've kept that professional name for over 30 years. My first full-time job in radio was with Buck Owens owned KNIX in Phoenix where I spent 18 years. I started out as a weekend jock eventually moving up to Program Director. My career has taken me and my family to some great places – San Antonio, Washington D.C., Allentown (Pa.), Ft. Collins (Colo.) and now Westwood One in Denver."
The career behind a microphone and behind the scenes of country music radio somehow translate from the career Tuzil had on the field as an offensive lineman. Playing a faceless position where people know what you do but not necessarily who you are translates to a career where people know your voice or your station but again not necessarily who you are.
For Tuzil his time on the football field came as the offensive center playing from 1979-82 for the Panthers as they transitioned from NCAA Division II to the NCAA Division I ranks. He filled in for the injured starter Scott Gilleland during the 1980 season and earned All-Conference honors as a senior in 1982 as the Panthers advanced to the Division I-AA (now FCS) playoff quarterfinals.
"Playing for the Division II National Championship my sophomore year in 1980 was definitely a career highlight. We had an exceptional year and came so close to winning a second championship for EIU."
During that time he created a lifelong bond with quarterback Jeff Christensen who would go on to play in the National Football League and recently be inducted into the EIU Athletic Hall of Fame. Christensen was someone that inspired Tuzil as he ventured out into a career of his own.
"The camaraderie of our teammates is something you cherish as you move on past your days as an athlete. From the blood, sweat and tears we left on the field; to the empty beer bottles we left in the bars. My dear friend, teammate and roommate, Jeff Christensen was someone I created a special bond with. He was the guy you wanted the ball to be in his hands and he inspired us to some great wins."
Tuzil was able to grind out four years on the football field at Eastern Illinois but it was the other opportunities on campus that propelled him towards his future career. In his senior year media guide bio, he stated that his future career plans were to be a broadcaster. His activities on campus helped offer that opportunity to the communications major from Schaumburg, Ill.
"I was able to take many speech-communications classes at Eastern which helped prepare me. I think one of the biggest things for my career was helping start the first TV station on campus (what is now WEIU-TV). At EIU begin a student gave me the education and knowledge that I needed to succeed. Being an athlete gave me the discipline, team-work and confidence to help me be successful."
Those building blocks acquired as a student-athlete at Eastern Illinois helped set a foundation for Tuzil that he has carried over into success as both an employee and manager in the country music business. He has been a member of the Country Music Association and Academy of Country Music Association for almost 25 years. While at KNIX in Phoenix the station won numerous awards including 6 CMA's, 4 ACM's and 1 National Association of Broadcaster's Station of the Year Award.
In addition to the awards that Tuzil has been able to help his station's win, the journey has been filled with many incredible moments.
"Some of the best moments for me in this business have been meeting new country artists and watching their careers soar from unknown, starry-eyed performers to Country Superstars; artists like Garth Brooks, Carrie Underwood, Jason Aldean, Taylor Swift and Brett Eldredge. It has also been an honor to meet some of the legends of the business like Merle Haggard, Buck Owens and Tammy Wynette."
All-in-all the move from blocking for conference championship football teams to helping further the careers of aspiring musicians has provided Tuzil with a sense of fulfilment. He looks back fondly on his memories as a student-athlete and still has passion for his current career and for what lies ahead.
"There are two main reasons I love my job; 1.) Being able to be creative, 2.) Introducing new music that moves and excites me to our Country Music audience."
Major: Communications
Graduation Year: 1983
Sport: Football
