Chris Collins

Since I was a small child, I wanted to be a professional baseball player. Since that didn’t work out, I switched to “Plan B”, which was broadcasting. I have worked at several Ohio radio stations, and two in North Carolina, in my nearly 30 years in the business. Along the way, I held a few jobs outside of broadcasting, including a couple of years as an assistant baseball coach at Sinclair Community College and as an assistant promotions director at Wright State University. During my career as a newscaster and radio host, I have also had the opportunity to call the radio play-by-play for the Wright State University men’s basketball team. I am beginning my 17th year covering the Raiders. I am not a fan of hearing the alarm clock go off at 2 am, but I do enjoy being a part of the WHIO team! You can listen to Chris every weekday morning from 5 a.m. to 9 a.m. during Miami Valley's Morning News. Q & A  Where were you born? Indianapolis, Indiana  Where did you grow up? Huber Heights, Ohio  What was your favorite TV show then? The Andy Griffith Show  What was the first thing you ever wanted to be? A professional baseball player  How might someone have described you in high school? Shy and naïve  What was your first job? Inventory specialist What was your first job in radio? An evening disc jockey at WKTN Kenton, Ohio  What do you like about your job? I enjoy the camaraderie with my co-workers  What do you not like about your job? That’s easy, the early hours  What might people be surprised to know about you? I’m a proud grandfather of three beautiful grandchildren  What is the hardest thing you ever did? Waking up at 2 am!  What would be a perfect day for you? Any day that includes 8 hours of sleep  What advice would you have for someone wanting to go into the business? Always be open to continued education and absorb as much as you can from your veteran co-workers  If you could only keep one 5-minute tape from your career what would be on it? A mix of my work including, sports play-by-play, newscasts and radio show host.  Favorites  Favorite book: Tuesdays with Morrie  Favorite radio program: Miami Valley’s Morning News  Favorite dream car: Mercedes Benz CL-Class Coupe  Favorite food: Italian Favorite hobby: Working in my Yard  Favorite Miami Valley place: All Parks and Recreation spots  Favorite movie: Shawshank Redemption  Favorite music: The Eagles. The best band EVER!  Favorite travel destination: Anywhere warm!