McReynolds sports 'positive attitude'

Kenny McReynolds

Kenny McReynolds

Thirty-five years as a sportscaster in Chicago have taught Kenny McReynolds a thing or two about overcoming obstacles on and off the field. They're valuable lessons as he faces serious health issues of his own.

McReynolds, veteran sports director and host of a weekly talk show for Weigel Broadcasting, has been on the disabled list since May. Last weekend, he missed the first season opener of Chicago high school football in nearly 15 years on the sports beat for Weigel's stations.

"It's been a long battle since May and I've had some tremendous challenges," McReynolds said from home, where he's recovering from his third surgery in four months. He wouldn't talk specifically about his condition except to say that all three operations had been "successful." Though he'll be on crutches through at least the end of the year, he was hopeful about returning to work on a limited basis before then.

"I'm doing much better and I feel really good today," he said. "I’m 1,000 percent confident I’ll be back hosting 'Sports Edition' soon and doing high school sports real soon on The U Too."

McReynolds' bosses marvel at his unbeatable optimism. "No person has a more energetic outlook on life, and his positive attitude is a lesson for all of us to be inspired by," said Fred Weintraub, executive producer of sports and 'The U Too Game of the Week" for Weigel.

U TooHis absence is felt particularly this season, Weintraub said, because The U Too "has among the most competitive high school football in the country with the Catholic League Blue."

Joining "Game of the Week" play-by-play announcer Jim Blaney while McReynolds is away is color commentator Jack McInerney, a former football player and coach, and former president of the Illinois High School Football Coaches Association.

If McReynolds has his way, he'll soon be turning up alongside Blaney and McInerney. "I love what I do," he said. "It’s my driving force to get back me back to 'Sports Edition' and the high school games. I just can’t wait to get back."