Austin may be a long way from home for Mike Berman, but he’s thrilled to be in Central Texas, a place he believes is right up there with the most passionate sports markets in the country.

Mike came to News 8 Austin in October 2008 after a two-year stint as a sports reporter/anchor at WICS-TV in Springfield, Ill. Prior to that, he spent two years working as a sports reporter/anchor/producer at KOMU-TV in Columbia, Mo. While in Columbia, he also lent his voice to Missouri Tiger Baseball as its PA announcer for two springs.

Mike grew up in Northbrook, Ill., about 25 miles north of Chicago, living and dying with the Bulls, Bears and Cubs. Raucous nights at the Chicago Stadium and United Center, freezing cold Sunday’s at Soldier Field and summer afternoons at Wrigley Field are some of the best memories he has of growing up in “The Second City.”

Mike has a degree in Broadcast News from the School of Journalism at the University of Missouri. As a result, he’s a die-hard Mizzou fan. Mike says he bleeds black and gold.

When he’s not at the station, Mike likes to fish, play basketball and golf as well as spend time with family and friends.

Mike welcomes your story ideas. E-mail them to him at mberman@news8austin.com.