Mike Heller’s introduction to University of Wisconsin athletics as a reporter came during the 1988 football season opener in the second year of the short-lived Don Morton era.
Heller, serving as the weekend sports anchor for the local NBC affiliate, filmed highlights from the Camp Randall Stadium turf, conducted postgame player interviews in the old weight room and returned to the field for his final stand-up shots. He then headed back to the TV studio to anchor the 6 p.m. and 10 p.m. sports segments.
That night, he told the story of Wisconsin’s 24-14 loss to Western Michigan — a performance that represented the Broncos’ first-ever victory against a Big Ten opponent and served as a precursor of more low moments to come under Morton before Barry Alvarez was hired and authored a remarkable program turnaround.
In other words, Heller has seen a few things involving Wisconsin athletics over the years. Along the way, he has developed a wealth of institutional knowledge while building a longstanding career in both television and radio in the Madison market.
Among his many Badgers-related responsibilities, Heller has hosted the Barry Alvarez Show, called Wisconsin men’s basketball games at Madison Square Garden, been the radio voice of the women’s basketball team and served as the football pre-game host on the Badger Radio Network since 2012. He also recently completed a 22-year run hosting his own local sports talk radio show.
We are thrilled to announce that Heller will now bring those skills to Badger Connect, providing even more coverage of your favorite Wisconsin teams through interviews with players and coaches.
“I’ve been so lucky to be able to cover Rose Bowls and Cotton Bowls and Final Fours,” Heller said. “It’s been a joy to be with a team on-site that this fanbase is so passionate about. To be able to continue in the role that I’ve had in football and now to add Badger Connect puts me front and center with the teams that I identify with most.”
For more on Heller’s background, check out his Badger Connect video introduction here:
(Top photo of Mike Heller courtesy of Wisconsin Athletics)
