Sports are a big deal here in Cincinnati.
In the last year, two of the biggest-name local sports reporters have begun to write for WCPO.
John Fay, longtime Reds beat reporter, joined WCPO as a freelance sports columnist late last year.
Then in January, we hired the best high school sports writer in town, Mike Dyer, to join our team.
The Reds and high school sports are important parts of this community.
College sports -- in particular college basketball -- are also important.
That’s why we have connected with Shannon Russell.
Shannon has covered sports in Cincinnati for the last 15 years. She has covered Xavier University sports for the last nine years.
No reporter in town knows Xavier basketball better than Shannon.
Now, as the Xavier men’s basketball team heads into what could be a historic season -- the team is ranked in the top 10 in both preseason polls -- Shannon brings her Rolodex of sources and her considerable writing talents to WCPO.
Already, Shannon delivered an exclusive update on star guard Myles Davis’ legal status.
Shannon Russell
Expect Shannon to continue to break news about this standout Xavier program. But she also will bring you in-depth stories about Xavier and other college sports programs.
We are excited about what Shannon brings to you, the reader.
@slrussell @WCPO @XavierMBB @GoBEARCATS Great news Channel 9 really understands the value of community and local media Thank you! #Values
— Mr. H (@MikeHaverland) October 31, 2016
Shannon is equally eager to get the chance to continue to tell great stories.
“I couldn't be more excited to continue the beat I know best: College sports,” Shannon said. “My ties to that community are vast and I plan to bring the absolute best coverage to WCPO.com.”
