Mark McClune, Arizona Family’s sports anchor and host of 3TV's “The Extra Point," is a fixture in the world of sports, rubbing shoulders with Arizona’s biggest stars.
Meanwhile, April Warnecke is the Valley’s beloved weather queen of Good Morning Arizona. She’s AZ's go-to for everything from sunny skies to stormy forecasts.
Married for 18 years, this Arcadia TV duo juggles careers, two sons, and daily on-air magic with grace and humor. In our chat, Mark and April share life on and off camera.
Mark, you roll with Arizona’s biggest athletes. What's that link?
Mark: It’s a crazy, surreal ride. Every day is different, and I love being at the heart of Arizona’s sports world. Whether I’m interviewing athletes or catching a game-winning shot with the Suns, the excitement is contagious. Being part of the Suns and Cardinals pre- and post-game shows gives me the chance to really dive into the action.
April: It’s wild. Mark comes home after talking to some of the most famous athletes on the planet, and I’m just waking up getting ready to start my job.
April, how do you balance working early mornings with Mark’s unpredictable sports schedule?
April: It’s a juggling act, but we’ve gotten the hang of it. My day starts at 3:30 a.m., and then I’m on-air from 6 to 10 a.m. While I’m out predicting the next storm, Mark’s getting ready for whatever big sports story he’s covering. It’s kind of like we’re living in different time zones.
Mark: When we do cross paths, it’s usually a quick hello and catching up over lunch if we’re lucky. The small moments make it work.
Did sparks fly when you met in Medford, Oregon starting your TV careers?
April: Not exactly. When I saw Mark’s bio, it said, “intramural chair for his fraternity,” and I thought, “Hard pass on the frat guy.”
Mark: Ouch!
April: But he was always planning fun outings and was hard to ignore.
Mark: And she had an adorable dog, Merton. I couldn’t resist.
April: Yeah, Merton was the real draw, but Mark’s spontaneity sealed the deal.
Mark: I knew I had to win her over, so karaoke, dancing, and mechanical bull riding became my strategy. Being from Texas, I felt obligated to flaunt my mechanical bull riding skills, even though I grew up on a cul-de-sac.
Mark, what’s your go-to karaoke song?
Mark: “Living on a Prayer” by Bon Jovi.
April: It’s like he’s trying to win "American Idol" every time.
With two kids in the mix, how do manage it all?
April: It’s a constant balancing act. The kids do everything from baseball to basketball, and Mark’s off covering all sorts of sports. It’s a lot of carpooling, organizing, and making sure everything gets done.
Mark: I’m there for the big moments. We’ve got a good system.
What’s your favorite way to unwind?
Mark: We keep it simple. A quick walk around the neighborhood or grabbing dinner at a local spot.
April: And if there’s margaritas and queso involved, even better.
Who’s more competitive?
April: Me, no question. Whether it’s a board game or a friendly bet, I’m all in.
Mark: She gets so into it! She’s always acting like it’s the Super Bowl. April should really coach one of the local professional teams.
If you had to pick a TV show to binge together, what would it be?
April: Yellowstone, but only if we can dial down the violence.
Mark: Agree. If I wasn’t a sports broadcaster, I’d want to be a cowboy.
What values are you trying to instill in your boys?
April: Faith, resilience, kindness, and a strong work ethic. Life isn’t always fair, but how you handle setbacks defines you.
Mark: Gratitude and humility. I tell them to appreciate every opportunity and to stay grounded, no matter their successes.
How have your individual strengths helped you navigate life together?
April: Mark’s extroverted, spontaneous nature balances my introverted, detail-oriented approach. He pushes me to have fun, and I help him stay organized.
Mark: We complement each other perfectly. April’s planning skills keep us on track, and I think my adaptability helps us handle life’s curveballs.
Mark, who’s your all-time favorite sports player?
Mark: There are so many great athletes here. ASU legend Danny White, who was the quarterback of the Dallas Cowboys when I was a kid. It’s also cool to have fellow Longhorn Kevin Durant here... he's an all-time great.
What’s one thing you wish you could do better?
Mark: I’d love to be better at cooking. April’s a great cook, and I’m just the one who shows up hungry. But I'm good at doing dishes.
What’s the funniest on-air blooper you’ve seen each other have?
April: Mark once unexpectedly made out with the Phillies mascot live on the D-backs pregame show. He really needs to stop trying to interview mascots.
Mark: On April’s first day on-air, Brad Perry made her dance during her intro. Live TV, no warning—she handled it like a pro!
Mark, how would you describe April as a type of weather?
Mark: Thunder snow—rare, exciting, and one in a million.