http://www.baynews9.com/site/OurPeople.cfm?storyid=41
Al Ruechel - Anchor On the WebAl Ruechel is an original in many senses of the word. He is Bay News 9's senior anchor and has been with the 24-hour news channel from day one. To call him a fixture in Tampa Bay is an understatement. He brings over 30 years of experience, knowledge and perspective to the anchor desk, including 16 years as an anchor/reporter right here in the Bay area. His energy and enthusiasm can be seen weeknights on Bay News 9's Your Evening News, 9 at 9 and Your News at Ten.
Al is a graduate of Iowa State University and has worked in Des Moines; Albany, NY; Ft. Myers, FL; and St. Louis, MO as an anchor/reporter. He came to Tampa in 1986 and worked with then-ABC affiliate WTSP-TV, joining Bay News 9 when it launched in 1997.
During his career he has won three Emmy awards for investigative reporting and over 20 other state and national reporting and anchoring awards. His assignments have included presidential elections, the space program, the Persian Gulf War, medical advancements and Caribbean politics. He also produces and reports on Bay News 9's weekly Extra on the Web segments, offering reviews and helpful tips on successfully surfing the internet. Viewers can catch those reports Sundays beginning at 5:23 p.m.
But those in the Bay area also know Al is a family man deeply committed to his community. He's coached youth soccer, both recreational and competitive, for over 14 years. He's currently the worship leader at his local church, where he also composes and performs original Christian contemporary music. He has volunteered more than 2,000 hours with Bay area school children and helping the Pinellas County school system with their TV interview programs for the past 11 years. He was a missionary to East Africa for two years, and currently serves on a number of advisory boards for local charities, the Pinellas County government, USF and his homeowners association. . .
I'm getting too tired to do this justice, and do not want to be unfair. I'll reread it in the am.