KOMU Sports Director Chris Gervino To Retire

Chris Gervino

Sports Director Chris Gervino is set to retire from NBC affiliate KOMU Columbia-Jefferson City, Mo. (DMA 137), after spending more than two decades on the air providing national and local sports information to mid-Missouri.

“My wife Gina and I are grateful to be able to retire together from our full-time jobs while blessed with good health. I appreciate the kindness and support from the viewers over many years,” said Gervino.

Gervino joined KOMU in January 2000 as sports director and started hosting Sports Xtra with Chris Gervino, formerly NBC 8 Sports Show, soon after. Before coming to KOMU, he was the sports director of KMIZ Columbia from 1988 to 1999 and sports director at KFRU-AM-FM Columbia from 1992 to 2001.

“Crossing four decades, Chris Gervino set the standard for local sports broadcast journalism,” said KOMU General Manager Matt Garrett. “His dedication and commitment to local sports in mid-Missouri showcased many triumphs generations will recall throughout their lifetime. The best way we can recognize and thank Chris is to continue his tradition of community and respect for all those involved in athletic competition.”

His work covering sports across Missouri will continue as a football sideline reporter and basketball color analyst for the Tiger Radio Network.

KOMU  will take a look back and celebrate Gervino’s career on the final Sports Xtra with Chris Gervino this Sunday, June 21. Gervino’s last newscast will be during KOMU 8 News at Ten on Thursday, June 25.

KOMU 8 is an auxiliary enterprise of the University of Missouri and is expected to generate all revenues for station operations. Its operations and investments in broadcast technology are funded entirely by advertising and retransmission revenues. The station receives no funding from the university or state.