News7's Travis Wells will become News7's sports director when Mike Stevens leaves the position later this month.

"It was clear right away that Travis was the right journalist for the job," said news director Amy Morris. "WDBJ7 is his Hometown Station and Travis
knows how to cover the people and sports in the many communities we serve."


"Having grown up in this area, I know full well the history of News7 Sports," said Wells, "and I really look forward to having the chance to continue that legacy."

Wells succeeds Mike Stevens in the position he has held for 16 years. "I'm very happy for Travis and equally happy for the loyal WDBJ viewers,"Stevens said. "I know Travis will do a tremendous job of carrying on the News7 Sports tradition of emphasizing local sports coverage in hometownsthroughout southwest Virginia."

Wells started at WDBJ7 as an intern. In 1995 he was hired as a photographer.Wells gained on-air experience at television stations in Charlottesville and Bristol. In 2003, Wells returned to Your Hometown Station following the death of longtime sports anchor Roy Stanley. Wells and sports reporter Grant Kittelson are at work on plans for the 25th season of Friday Football Extra. They expect to announce a third member of their on-air team before the start of the high school sports season.

Stevens is leaving to become communications director for the city of Salem. His last broadcast will be July 30.