Thank you

As 2015 comes to a close, I want to thank all of the events that I have covered and all of the outlets which let me cover these great events.  It was a great year and 2016 should be even better.

I also want to thank everyone who stops by Johngy's Beat.  Whether you check it daily or once a month, I appreciate your support.

On the Beat with Coach Ted Dent of the Rockford IceHogs12/21/15

Coach Ted Dent recently celebrated his 175th win with the Rockford IceHogs.  After three winning seasons under Dent, the IceHogs reached the playoffs last season for the first time in his tenure.  This season, the IceHogs are in first place in the Western Conference (and obviously in the Central Division).  Succeeding like this while supplying players to the Stanley Cup champions 3 of the last 6 years is no easy task.

I really like and respect Dent.  At 46 years old, he still has plenty of time to land an NHL coaching job, if that is his goal.  Otherwise, I'd love seeing him be a long time coach with the IceHogs.

Coach Dent always faces the media professionally.  He doesn't duck questions and he always speaks candidly.  You know what he is thinking because he lays it out there.

Obviously, he wasn't happy with the penalties, especially from Hartman, and he expressed this when asked.  Also, when Johngy's Beat Hockey Correspondent Jason Fleigel asked him if he talked to Mark Visantan after pulling him midway through the second period, Dent's short "no" answer spoke volumes.  He wasn't happy with Visantan's play, yet he wasn't going to brutalize him either.

Dent's IceHogs head into the Christmas break for a few days off.  They return December 26 against the Admirals in Rockford.  With the Admirals trailing them by one point, this is a big game.  I won't be there, but I will be at plenty more games going forward.

I encourage everyone else to follow the IceHogs online and in person.  Stay tuned to Johngy's Beat for continual coverage.  Head over to IceHogs.com for more info, news and updates.

(Post-game media session video courtesy of IceHogs.com)

On the Beat with Ryan Hartman of the Rockford IceHogs12/21/15

As I wrote yesterday, the Monday game between the Rockford IceHogs and the Milwaukee Admirals was a bit ugly, with sixteen penalties totally 46 minutes.  The biggest penalty was charged to Ryan Hartman, who followed his 2 minute unsportsmanlike conduct penalty with a 10 minute match for a check to the head.  That put his season total at 69 minutes.

Like a real pro, Hartman stood tall in the post-game media session.  He took responsibility and talked about candidly his play.  While he definitely needs to cut down drastically on his penalties, I give Hartman credit for owning up to everything and speaking to the press professionally.  In the same situation, other players might have ducked the media.

After such a game and facing the same team right after Christmas, I will be keeping an eye on Hartman.  It will be interesting to see how the Admirals play him.  Does he have a target on his back?  Will teams start to prod him into penalties?  How will he respond to all of it.

All is good right now, because the IceHogs are riding high in first place.  Hartman knows he needs to cut down on his penalties to be effective and to not put his team in short-handed situations.  Going forward, Hartman is one to watch.

I encourage everyone to watch Hartman and the whole team.  Stay tuned for more coverage on Johngy's Beat.  More importantly, get out to a game.  The IceHogs are playing great.  Check out IceHogs.com for more info, updates and news.

(Post game media session video courtesy of IceHogs.com)

On the Beat with Jeremy Morin of the Rockford IceHogs 12/21/15

The Rockford IceHogs head into the Christmas break with a record of 18-7-2-2 with 40 points, which is good for first place in the Central Division and first place overall in the Western Conference.  That's pretty impressive and even more so because they started out 1-3.

Unfortunately, Monday night, Johngy's Beat Hockey Correspondent Jason Fleigel and I saw the IceHogs lose to the Milwaukee Admirals, their division rivals.  The second place Admirals now have 39 points.  The two teams will meet again December 26 in Rockford.

Monday's game was a bit ugly.  There were 16 total penalties for 46 minutes.  Coach Ted Dent discussed this in the post game media session, as did Ryan Hartman, who got a 2 minute misconduct and a 10 minute match for a check to the head.  Thes penalties came early in the first.

Mark Visantan started in goal for the IceHogs.  It was his eighth game of the season and not a good one for him.  Coach Dent pulled Visantan in the second period after the Admirals jumped to a 3-0 lead.

On the bright side, Jeremy Morin kept up his hot streak.  Morin scored the first IceHogs goal in the third period.  That made the score 4-1 in favor of the Admirals.  He now has 9 goals and 11 assists for 20 points, to lead the IceHogs.  Morin extended his goal scoring streak to 4 games and his point streak to five games.

Check out the interview session with Morin.  Also, be sure to check out an IceHogs game.  Go to IceHogs.com for more info, including the schedule and other updates.

(Media session video courtesy of IceHogs.com)

On the Beat with Jeremy Morin of the Rockford IceHogs

Rockford IceHogs left wing Jeremy Morin has bounced between the IceHogs and the Chicago Blackhawks since the 2010-11 season.  He spent part of last season with the Columbus Blue Jackets, but rejoined the Blackhawks organization for this season.  In his 6th season, at only 24, Morin seems to have a bright future.

In 22 games this season, Morin has 6 goals and 9 assists for 15 points.  He is tied for third on the team in points.  His +/- is 6.  In Saturday's game, he had one goal on four shots.  

After the game, we took part in a media session with Morin.  That session can be found at Postgame Jeremy Morin 12/12/15.   Despite the tough loss, Morin graciously answered all of the questions and remained upbeat.  Of course, still being in 1st place helps lighten the mood.

Stay tuned for more coverage of the IceHogs soon.  Until then, check out IceHogs.com for more info and updates.

Jeremy Morin and me in Rockford, IL-December 2015.

On the Beat with Rockford IceHogs Head Coach Ted Dent

Johngy's Beat made it back to Rockford to resume coverage of the Rockford IceHogs.  Make that the 1st place Rockford IceHogs.

At 17-5-1-2 with 37 points, the IceHogs found themselves at the top of the Central Division of the Western Conference of the AHL.  Their opponents for Saturday were the Grand Rapids Griffins, who were in 4th place with 23 points.

The IceHogs were coming of of 5 straight wins, while the Griffins had a 9 game win streak.  Obviously, one streak would end.  Unfortunately, the Griffins were just too much on this night and their streak lives on, while the IceHogs look to start another streak.

The Griffins jumped out to a 1-0 lead and seemed to be playing more aggressively than the IceHogs.  The IceHogs hung tough though and tied the score to end the first period.

The second period seeme dto see a slight shift as the IceHogs seemed poised to start taking control.  The game headed into the third period tied at one, but the UIceHogs looked like they had taken the best punch from the Griffins.

The third period was a battle, but the Griffins struck first and second and then added an empty net goal to make it 4-1, which is where the game ended.  Despite the 4-1 margin, the game was a lot tighter.

After the game, we took part in a media session with Head Coach Ted Dent.  Dent was his usual honest and open self.  There were no excuses or no apologies.  That media session can be found at can be found at Postgame Ted Dent 12/12/15.  Yours truly got in a question near the end.

Stay tuned for more coverage of the IceHogs tomorrow.  Thank you to the Rockford IceHogs for their continued hospitality.  GFor more info on the Icehogs, go to IceHogs.com.

Ted Dent and me in Rockford, IL-December 2015.

PJ Soles Loves Johngy's Beat

I have had a crush on PJ Soles since my grade school days.  Her portrayal of Riff Randall in Rock 'N' Roll High School is one of my favorite roles of all time.  PJ combining with the Ramones made for pure magic.  I love this movie.

I have met PJ many times over the years and each time seems to get better.  Actually, the first time I met PJ, I think I was so nervous that I didn't even enjoy the experience.  That was one of the few times I have ever been that excited about meeting a celebrity.  This was PJ though!

Since then, I have had the pleasure of interviewing her and talking to her at length about the Ramones, her career and other silly, fun things.  PJ is simply awesome!  I might sound like I am gushing, but I make no apologies.

At the recent Days of the Dead, I asked PJ for a promo for Johngy's Beat and she graciously obliged.  That promo is below and also in the left column of promos.  This one , like PJ herself, will always be special.

Christy Hemme Loves Johngy's Beat

I have liked Christy Hemme from her debut in the WWE.  She is a great combination of looks, personality and ability.  I have watched her evolve from a Diva Search contestant to a wrestler to a broadcaster.  Besides that, she is also an accomplished singer!  More importantly, she is a real sweetie.

I had the pleasure of interviewing Christy at TNA's Bound For Glory in Chicago a few years back.  The PR guy gave me a list of possible subjects and I immediately jumped at the chance to talk to Christy.  I have since interviewed her a couple more times.  Unfortunately, I have not seen her in a couple years.  I miss Christy.

I did recently get a little Christy fix, thanks to a wonderful video message she sent me.  Christy gave me the most energetic, fun promo I have ever gotten.  I absolutely love this and I love her for it.
I really, really hope to see Christy this year.  It's been way too long.  Until then, I'll always have this video, which is permanently in the left column of promos!

Felissa Rose Loves Johngy's Beat

Actress Felissa Rose gained stardom from Sleepaway Camp, the1983 cult classic slasher film.  She has done other films since then and is firmly cemented as one of the all time great scream queens.  She is also a sweetheart and I happen to be lucky enough to call her a friend.

Of course I knew her from her famous role.  At Days of the Dead a few years ago, I was determined to get my first interview with Felissa.  While she was perfectly willing, her lengthy line of rabid fans delayed the interview several times, but I was not going to be deterred.

I finally got the interview and Felissa was every bit as fun as I had thought she'd be.  Since then, I have talked to her many times and been part of the PsychoBabbleTV interview with her and she is just as crazy fun every time.

She is also just as sweet every time.  At the most recent Days of the Dead, we hugged like lifelong friends.  We talked, laughed and goofed around every time we ran across each other during the event.

I presented Felissa with a Johngy shirt and asked for a Felissa promo.  She eagerly obliged and gave me one great promo!  That promo is below and will take a spot in the left side promo column.

Thank you Felissa!  Love you bunches!

On the Beat with Michael Leighton of the Rockford IceHogs-10/24/15

Continuing our coverage of the Rockford IceHogs, today we feature goalie Michael Leighton, a real hockey veteran.  Leighton is in his 18th season of pro hockey.
Leighton was originally drafted by the Chicago Balckhawks and made his NHL debut with them in the 2002-03 season.  He played in eight games that season and 41 the next (splitting time with the Norfolk Admirals.  He spent all of 2004-05 in Norfolk.
In 2006-07, Leighten logged in one game for the Nashville Predators and four with the Philadelphia Flyers.  He resurfaced again in 2007-08 with the Carolina Hurricanes and played there for 2.5 seasons, before Philly reacquired him via waivers.  He played one game in 2010-11 and one in 2012-13 with the Flyers.  He joined the Rockford IceHogs last season.
Leighton is a good fit for the IceHogs.  He gives the parent club Blackhawks extra insurance, while also serving as a pseudo-coach for the young goalies in Rockford.  Of course, he also wants his chance to shine, whether it is a Calder Cup championship in Rockford or a Stanley Cup title in Chicago.
Leighton had a very good night during the 4-3 win.  He stopped 33 of 36 shots, including many tough saves.
We had the pleasure of taking part n the post-game media session.  That interview is below (courtesy of the Rockford IceHogs).  A full recap on the victory can be found at IceHogs.com.  You can also read my story for Tru School Sports at Rockford IceHogs Move to 4-3.

Video courtesy of IceHogs TV IceHogs.com

On the Beat with Coach Ted Dent of the Rockford IceHogs-10/24/15

Last Friday, Jason Fleigel and I made the short trip to Rockford to kickoff the Johngy's Beat coverage of the Rockford IceHogs for this season.  I was really looking forward to getting back into the hockey mode.

The IceHogs are the American Hockey League affiliate of the Chicago Blackhawks.  As I have repeatedly written, the IceHogs of today are the Blackhawks of tomorrow.  I like to say I am doing advance scouting for the Hawks and I lay claim to a small part of their Stanley Cup championships.

Seriously, I love going to see the IceHogs.  Over the last few years, I have attended more IceHogs games than any other Chicago pro team.

Our night started early at the BMHO Harris Bank Center with some lively music on the concourse.  Greeted by Hammy (the IceHogs mascot) and dazzled with appetizers and a "Happy Hour," the usual upbeat fans got a bit more amped.  This was such a cool experience.  I have never seen anything like it at a hockey game.

We reconnected with Mike Peck and Nate Haeni, our media contacts.  We talked about the growth of the IceHogs and some exciting things planned for this season.

From our seats in the auxiliary press box, we saw the IceHogs jump to an early 2-0 lead, only to see the Wolves eventually claw their way back.  The tied game continued through the new 3-on-3 5 minute overtime period and into the 3 man shootout.  The IceHogs scored twice in the shootout to win the game.

A full recap on the victory can be found at IceHogs.com.  You can also read my story for Tru School Sports at Rockford IceHogs Move to 4-3.

After the game, we took part in the post game media session.  Coach Ted Dent talked about the win and answered questions about his reconfigured lines, the penalties, the new overtime format and more.  Below is video from that interview courtesy of the IceHogs.  JohngysBeat.com's Jason Fleigel can be heard asking about the overtime, about halfway through the video.

We are so excited to be back on the IceHogs beat.  We look forward to another exciting, successful, fun season.  We will be providing coverage here, at Tru School Sports, the Patch and Global Traveler.  We hope you enjoy our reporting and even more importantly, we hope you come out to some games!

For more info on the IceHogs, including their schedule, promotional dates and ticket info, go to IceHogs.com.  

Video courtesy of IceHogs TV IceHogs.com

Barry Bostwick Loves Johngy's Beat

At the Wizard World Chicago 2015 Press Reception, I had the pleasure of interviewing Barry Bostwick.  I even fluffed my hair with Bostwick.  That interview, including our hair fluffing, can be found at On the Beat with Barry Bostwick at Wizard World.

I had interacted with Bostwick previously at Days of the Dead.  While mingling before this interview, Bostwick brought up our time at Days.  I am always amazed when celebrities remember me like that.  Bostwick meets thousands of fans at these conventions.  He meets hundreds of press and public relations people.  I would think the experiences are a blur.  Yet, there we were and there he was remembering me.  It just strikes me as funny.

After our interview, Bostwick did a promo for Johngy's Beat.  That promo is below and also has taken its rightful place in the promo column on the left.

On the Beat with "Tales of Halloween" at Wizard World Chicago 2015

At Wizard World Chicago 2015, Johngy's Beat Special Reporter Scott Steiner and I had the pleasure of getting a lot of insider's views on feature film "Tales of Halloween," which is to be opening nationwide on October 16.  We interviewed Writer-Director Axelle Carolyn, Writer-Director Mike Mendez and Actor Barry Bostwick.  We also talked to Actress Cerina Vincent and Actress Adrienne Barbeau.  That's a lot of talent and we are excited about the interviews and the movie.

"Tales of Halloween" is comprised of ten stories occurring on Halloween night in the same town.  There are some links to the stories and there are also character crossovers at times, but each story stands alone in all it's frightening glory.

The movie also boasts several appearances of varying lengths of many familiar faces.  I won't reveal them, because I don't want to spoil the fun, but a keen eye will spot the Directors mixed in there.  You can always check out the "Tales of Halloween" IMDB page for that info.

In the interview below, Director-Writers Axelle Carolyn and Mike Mendez give us a little preview of what to expect, along with other interesting info.  There is also a quick bit of our other interview with Actor Barry Bostwick.

Everyone is very excited about "Tales of Halloween."  Aside from the people we "officially" interviewed, we talked to Actresses Cerina Vincent and Adrienne Barbeau.  One recurring theme is that the movie is done in an old-school manner, relying on multi-layered stories with subtle touches added.  It isn't a standard horror slasher gorefest.

The makeup and special effects were praised for their realism without going over-the-top with technology.  It has the feel of a horror movie from way back, with a modern look.

Vincent and Barbeau joined Bostwick in his enthusiasm and excitement over "Tales of Halloween."  I have been around this stuff log enough to know that they are really happy about the project and not just out on a publicity tour.

While we were unfortunately unable to attend the debut of "Tales of Halloween" at Wizard World, plenty of our friends went and loved the movie.  One bud said he hadn't seen a movie like this since childhood.  Another needs to see it again to catch all of the cameos and appearances.  By all accounts, "Tales of Halloween" is going to be a winner.  I know on October 16, I will be sitting with my big Coke in a movie theater.

You can check out the "Tales of Halloween' trailer on YouTube.  You can also check out the "Tales of Halloween" Facebook page for info and updates.

On the Beat with Chris 51 and Josh Bodwell at Wizard World Chicago 2015

"Epic Ink" premiered on the A&E Network about one year ago.  Two of the stars of the show are Chris 51 (tattoo artist and owner of the Oregon tattoo shop) and Josh Bodwell (tattoo artist on staff).  I had the pleasure of interviewing these two at the Wizard World Press Reception prior to the actual convention.

Chris and Josh were about as loose and funny as anyone I have ever met at any such media event.  I got the first interview with the pair and I had a lot of fun with it.

We talked about their start in the tattoo business, their strangest tattoo requests, the Chicago Cubs and other fun stuff.  Chris is not a fair-weather Cubs fan either.  He had his own personalized "Chris 51" jersey.  I ordinarily am against personalized jerseys, but with his name-number combo, this one worked.

We also talked about the tattoo Chris has on his stomach.  This one cracked me up.  They both also swear that they have the answer to one of the great Simpsons' mysteries, but you'll have to watch the interview to see what that is.

Thanks as always to Wizard World for treating the press so well.  Thanks, too, to Chris and Josh for being great interview subjects.

On the Beat with Jodie Sweetin at Wizard World Chicago 2015

At Wizard World Chicago 2015, Jodie Sweetin was one of my top interview targets.  Thanks to the work of Wizard World PR King Jerry Milani, I was able to get her first interview at the con.

Jodie costarred in "Full House," the immensely popular television show of several years back.  Like a lot of child stars, she encountered some personal problems, but fortunately has overcome her issues and has rebounded well.  She will be resuming her role as "Stephanie Tanner" in the upcoming "Fuller House."

It's always funny.  No matter how many of these I do, I end up thinking, "Wow, I'm talking to Stephanie Tanner" (or whatever role the person played).  Maybe the younger generation is more accustomed to this sort of thing, but in my younger years, such interaction would never be thought possible.  It was a thrill to meet just one of your favorites.

The first thing that struck me is that Jodie is incredibly cute.  She grew from a cute girl to a beautiful young woman.

As I started to talk to her, she came across as a very articulate, poised person.  We talked about being on the set of "Full House" with so many talented grown-ups, as well as reprising her role on "Fuller House."  She even talked a bit about overcoming her problems and revealing things in her book "Un-Sweetined."  I have read that book and I found her candor refreshing and interesting.

I walked away from the interview feeling good about things.  Something felt right that little Stephanie Tanner was in a good place.

Thank you to Wizard World for this opportunity.  Thank you to Jodie Sweetin for her time, consideration and for many years of entertainment.  Here's hoping for much future success!

On the Beat with Michael Rooker at Wizard World Chicago 2015

Michael Rooker's first role was the title character in "Henry: Portrait of a Serial Killer."  It was an intense movie and Rooker's portrayal of Henry was amazing.  It set the stage for Rooker to play many "heavy" roles as his career progressed.

I had the pleasure of meeting and interviewing Rooker at the recent Wizard World Chicago Press Reception.  Knowing Rooker lived in Chicago starting in his early teens, I decided to ask him about his favorite Chicago spots.  He gave me a solid response.  Then I asked him about answering the repetitive questions and he gave me an even better answer.

Rooker is probably one of the biggest names I have ever interviewed and he was also one of the nicest.  We joked a bit before and after the interview and even briefly at the convention the weekend after the reception.

Rooker had one of the longest lines at the convention, but nobody complained.  He is just that popular, but he is also very good with his fans.  Everyone left feeling like he gave them that special moment that everyone wants with their favorite celebrities.

I hope you enjoy my interview with Rooker.  Also, check out all of my interviews from Wizard World on the Johngy's Beat Wizard World playlist on YouTube.

On the Beat with Kassie DePaiva at Wizard World Chicago 2015

Upon meeting Kassie DePaiva at Wizard World last week, she asked me if I was a fan of horror movies.  Being that she was in "Evil Dead II" and we were at a comic con, that was not a strange question.  My answer might have been a bit strange though, but I am not ashamed to say I was a fan of her work on tv's "One Life to Live."

Strange or not, Kassie seemed to really like that answer.  Why not?  She starred on it as  Blair Daimler Cramer Manning for over 19 years.  Our happiness at making that connection turned bittersweet though, as we both are sad that OLTL came to an end.

We talked about her role on "Days of Our Lives" and her husband James (formerly her love interest Max on OLTL).

I mentioned that I was supposed to interview her the next day, but with the hectic convention schedules, it was never set in stone.  Kassie smiled and told me she would do the interview either way.  Then on Sunday, I ran into her as she was heading to a panel.  She told me a time to come back and we would do the interview.  True to her word, she returned and we did the interview below.

I had a blast doing this interview.  It ranks among my favorite interviews of all time.  I felt like I was talking to an old friend (similar Kassie's thoughts on the allure of OLTL).  Kassie could not have been any friendlier or sweeter.

Meeting Kassie was awesome.  Talking to her and interviewing her later was a little bit surreal, but totally a wonderful experience.  Even now, I look at the screen cap of Kassie and me and I think, "Wow, I'm standing there talking to Blair>"  How cool is that?

I want to thank Wizard World for this opportunity.  I also want to thank Kassie for her time and consideration, as well as for her years of entertaining her fans.  After you watch our interview, check out KassieDePaiva.com and follow Kassie DePaiva on twitter.

Kassie DePaiva is a talented actress and a real sweetheart.  I will always fondly recall this experience with her.  What a treat!

On the Beat with Barry Bostwick at Wizard World Chicago 2015

Prior to the actual start of Wizard World Chicago 2015, I was invited to a Press Reception at Level 257 in Schaumburg, IL.  Michael Rooker, Barry Bostwick, Chris 51 and Josh Bodwell were the celebrity guests there and I was fortunate enough to interview all four of them.

Bostwick gained longtime fame from his role in "The Rocky Horror Picture Show," which has become a classic.  He co-starred in television's "Spin City," along with doing other episodic television and feature films.

I have met Bostwick several times, but this one was special.  We talked about which role of his blew up much bigger than he expected and which under the radar role of his he really loved.

We also fluffed our hair together.  Yes, you read that right.  We fluffed our hair together.  He started off our interview by commenting on my hair and followed that with suggesting we fluff our hair together.  I followed his lead d fluffed.  He's Barry Bostwick!  I am not going to snub Barry Bostwick.  Fluff away, I did!

When you see and talk to these celebs so much, they become comfortable around you and things like fluffing your hair might come up.  Why not?  Everything doesn't have to be too serious.

I really like Bostwick.  I have liked so many of his roles, too.  The more I meet and interact with him, the more I really like him.

We didn't talk about "Tales of Halloween" in this interview, because everyone else was going to ask him those questions.  In an upcoming interview with the Directors and Bostwick, we learn a bit about that latest movie project of his.  Until then, enjoy this video and then check out the "Tales of Halloween" Facebook page.

On the Beat with Chicago Bandits Broadcaster Eric Katz 2015

The Johngy's Beat and Justin's World of Softball joint coverage of the 2015 Chicago Bandits brings us to Eric Katz, who joined Mike Knezevich in calling the games.  Eric is interning while attending college.
An early season search for new angles to cover for the Chicago Bandits lead me to Eric.  Eric and I exchanged several messages and worked to get together for an interview.

Scheduling conflicts delayed the interview until just recently (very late in the season), but it worked out well.  Eric had a chance to get almost the full season of experience.  I am sure he had a much better perspective on things now than he would have at the start of his internship.

Eric has done a great job for the Bandits.  As you will hear in the interview, his duties also include selling, a responsibility he gladly accepted.  Eric proved he is a team player all the way.

His work on the broadcasts was excellent, too.  With a veteran broadcaster like Mike next to him, Eric was in good hands.  Eric was relaxed, prepared and interesting on the broadcasts.

It is too early to know whether Eric will return to the Bandits next season.  I am hoping he does.  Either way, he has a bright future.  I am sure we will be hearing more from Eric down the line.  I will just be glad I can say I interviewed him way back when.

Good luck Eric and thanks for all you did.

On the Beat with Chicago Bandits Broadcaster Mike Knezevich 2015

The Johngy's Beat and Justin's World of Softball joint coverage of the Chicago Bandits brings us to their broadcaster Mike Knezevich.  The veteran broadcaster was kind enough to grant us a few minutes of his time, along with inviting me into the broadcast booth (but more on that in a future story).
Knezevich brings a wealth of broadcasting experience to the Bandits.  He also brings passion and professionalism.  I'd love to talk baseball over a pizza and cold Coke with Mike.  Actually, I shouldn't just say "baseball," because Mike's
For the last 21 years, he has been with the Regional Radio Sports Network, where he broadcasted Northwest Indiana high school sports of all sorts.  His list of accomplishments is too lengthy for this spot, but does include being inducted into the Indiana Sportswriters & Sportscasters Association (ISSA) Hall of Fame, being named Indiana Sportscaster of the Year (4 times) and being a three time winner of the National Sportscasters and Sportswriters Association “Indiana Sportscaster of the Year” award.  Clearly, Mike has taken home a lot of hardware over the years!
In our introduction interview with Mike, we glossed over his career, talked about his broadcasting favorites, his special moments, the Bandits and more.  It was a real pleasure talking to this pro.
I thank Mike for his time and for great listening pleasure on the Bandits broadcasts all season.  I also thank him for letting me join him for a bit in the booth.  Stay tuned for that experience.