Mike Kearns was an amazing broadcaster, co-worker and friend. Since I heard the news of his passing, I can’t stop thinking about all the fun times I was lucky enough to be a part of. There were just so many, but here’s one that still really makes me smile.

Every year, after basketball season, Mike would take a couple weeks off and go on vacation to the Phoenix area. He’d play golf, visit with friends and just relax after a long sports season. When he would return, we would marvel at Mike’s tan. He’d leave here “pasty Wisco-Mike” and return after two weeks looking like he jammed 3 months of golf in! Every year, you’d hear people in the hallway say, “Hey,… did you see Mike’s tan? I hate that guy!”

In 2016, someone had a great idea. We snagged a pile of paint chips from the hardware store and had people randomly pull one out of the box, put their name on the back and tape it to the board. Whoever had the chip closest to Mike’s tan… WINS! You should have heard him chuckle when he saw the board of paint chips.

I don’t remember who won the jackpot, but I’ll never forget Cinnamon Stick. Mike’s tan.. was Cinnamon Stick.

Thanks for all the laughs Mike.