When Chris Gervino signed off his final sportscast Thursday night on KOMU-TV it wrapped up a nearly 32-year run on Columbia television. The Mizzou graduate started at KMIZ in 1988, then moved across town and spent the last 20 years at KOMU. The first morning of his retirement, Gervino joined Brad on the Chariton Valley Magic City Sports Talk Show to discuss his decision. He said family was the biggest factor….

His parents also have moved to Columbia. Gervino will continue to be a part of the broadcast team for Mizzou football and basketball on the Tigers Radio Network. Gervino said the mix of radio with TV kept him in Columbia….

Gervino came to Mizzou from Tulsa, Oklahoma, where he was a classmate of a former Big 8 basketball star….

KOMU is unique in it’s affiliation with the University. Gervino said it’s been more satisfying than frustrating to work with and mentor aspiring TV sportscasters….

Chris Gervino said he has heard from over 100 former students after he announced his retirement. You can hear the full program with Chris Gervino by going to the Chariton Valley Magic City Sports Talk page in the sports section of centralmoinfo.com.