Mike Hartsock

BIO

I was born in Dayton and grew up in Waynesville; the Miami Valley has been home all my life.

I got my start at WPFB Radio in Middletown in 1977 after graduating from Eastern Kentucky University. In 1979, I was hired as a news reporter at WHIO radio, and also was the play-by-play voice of the Game of the Week broadcasts. From there, it was a short trip across the newsroom where I became at reporter at WHIO-TV. My beat was city/county government and politics.

I made the move to sports in 1982 and became Sports Director in 1989. I’ve been lucky enough to cover 3 Super Bowls, the 1990 World Series, and the 1996 Olympics. I also serve as the play-by-play voice for Dayton Flyers basketball games on WHIO-TV.

When I’m not covering a game, you can probably find me on one of our local golf courses. I’m a very lucky husband and father. My wife Janet, my daughter Jessica, and our 10 year old Pug Phoebe. A great family and a hometown career…what more could a guy ask for?

Q & A

Where were you born?

Dayton

Where did you grow up?

Waynesville

What was your favorite TV show then?

Bonanza

What was the first thing you ever wanted to be?

Pro Golfer

How might someone have described you in high school?

Busy

What was your first job?

Mowing Lawns

What was your first job in television?

News reporter

What do you like about your job?

I get into games for free

What do you not like about your job?

Long hours

What might people be surprised to know about you?

I'd love to learn how to play the piano, but I just don’t have the patience.

What is the hardest thing you ever did?

I cannot think of anything

What would be a perfect day for you?

Spending time with my wife and my daughter and working in a round of golf too.

What advice would you have for someone wanting to go into the business?

Prepare to work long hours

If you could only keep one 5-minute tape from your career what would be on it?

Super Bowl XVI-my first sports assignment, 1990 World Series, 1996 Olympics, and the 2002 BCS Championship.

Favorites

Favorite book: Anything by Clive Cussler

Favorite CBS show: NCIS

Favorite dream car: 1965 Mustang

Favorite food: Grouper

Favorite hobby: Golf

Favorite Miami Valley place: Bosco's

Favorite movie: Caddyshack

Favorite music: Country

Favorite travel destination: Italy