After 46 years as the radio voice of the Wichita State Shockers, Mike Kennedy has announced he will retire at the conclusion of the 2025-2026 athletic season.
The 77-year-old began calling games for the university in 1980. In 2023, he reached a milestone of announcing 1,400 consecutive Wichita State Shockers men’s basketball games.
During his tenure, he’s called basketball, baseball, and football broadcasts for the university.
In a video published to social media, Mike Kennedy shared the reasoning behind his decision.
“When the current academic and athletic year comes to an end in the spring, I have made the decision to retire as the play-by-play voice of Wichita State athletics,” Kennedy shared. “This has not been an easy decision, as you can imagine. But after a great deal of thought and consideration, I know in my heart it’s the right time to take this step, and at the forefront of my decision is a desire to be able to spend more time with my family.
“I have been truly blessed to do something I love for a university I love for 46 years now,” Kennedy continued. “Over that time, there have been so many great moments and memories, but above all has been the opportunity to develop so many long standing relationships and friendships with coaches and administrators, student athletes, fellow broadcasters and you, the fans.”
“Mike Kennedy is synonymous with Wichita State and his connection to – and throughout – our journey is immeasurable,” Wichita State Director of Athletics Kevin Saal said. “His professionalism, authenticity, and unwavering commitment to excellence have elevated our broadcasts, uniquely connected Shocker Nation to our sports programs in authentic ways and strengthened the Shocker brand for nearly half a century. His legacy is profound, lasting, highly impactful and irreplaceable.”
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