Larry Hansgen

Larry Hansgen has been the host of Miami Valley’s Morning News since 2003.  He joined the staff of WHIO Radio in 1981 as an overnight board operator, and quickly rose through the ranks.  He became the Sports Director that year, and in 1982 became the play-by-play voice of University of Dayton basketball.  In 1988 he also added Flyer football announcing.   As part of Cox Media Group, he is also a regular contributor to the Dayton Daily News and WHIO-TV.  In addition to his work in the media, Larry is a certified personal trainer, with a specialization in Russian kettlebells.  He speaks German and also performs as a stand-up comedian at comedy clubs in Southwest Ohio and Indiana.  Larry lives in Washington Township with his wife, Laura, son, Alex and daughter Andrea.  His oldest daughter, Lauren, is the director of an art gallery in Cleveland. Q&A Where were you born? Columbus, OH Where did you grow up? Columbus What was your favorite TV show then? Combat What was the first thing you ever wanted to be? Major League baseball player How might someone have described you in high school? Nice hair. That was then, this is now. What was your first job? Bag boy at an Italian grocery store What was your first job in radio? Sunday morning sign-on at WNKO in Newark, OH What do you like about your job? I love that I operate in the “now” whether it is telling listeners what world awaits them as they start each day, or describing the action of a Flyers game What do you not like about your job? 2:20am alarm What might people be surprised to know about you? I can speak German and I perform stand-up comedy What is the hardest thing you ever did? In February of 1996 I announced on the morning show that UD basketball player Chris Daniels had died in his sleep. Knowing Chris and knowing how it would impact fans, it was gut wrenching What would be a perfect day for you? Golf in the morning, beach in the afternoon, watch a baseball game in the evening What advice would you have for someone wanting to go into the business? Always put your own ego and desires secondary to the wants and needs of your listeners If you could only keep one 5-minute tape from your career what would be on it? An interview with Jamie Dupree during an election year, a conversation with Clark Howard, last second shot of UD vs. DePaul in 1984 and final play of Dayton vs. Drake in football in 2010 Favorites Favorite book: A Prayer for Owen Meany Favorite radio program: Miami Valley’s Morning News….of course Favorite dream car: I am not a car guy. Just something reliable and comfortable. In my world there are only 2 kinds of cars: red and not red. Favorite food: Chicken wings Favorite hobby: Working out with kettlebells and golf Favorite Miami Valley place: UD Arena and Walnut Grove Country Club Favorite movie: Casablanca Favorite music: Classic Rock…as played on the Eagle! Favorite travel destination: Cancun