photo by: Journal-World File Photo

Journal-World sports editor Matt Tait

A longtime Lawrence resident and reporter has been named the next sports editor of the Lawrence Journal-World.

Matt Tait will oversee sports coverage in the Lawrence Journal-World, LJWorld.com and KUsports.com. Tait previously had served as editor of KUsports.com, while also covering the University of Kansas men’s basketball team.

Tait will continue to serve as the beat writer for men’s basketball, in addition to his new duties as sports editor.

Tait, a graduate of both Lawrence High and the University of Kansas, brings a strong familiarity to the programs, people and traditions of the KU and local sports scenes, Journal-World editor Chad Lawhorn said.

“Matt will bring a lot of passion and dedication to this position, which is important in a town that loves sports as much as Lawrence does,” Lawhorn said. “Matt and his staff will work very hard to bring area sports fans the type of comprehensive coverage they expect.”

Tait has been with the Journal-World since 2007. He previously covered the KU football team and also has covered local and area high school sports.

“I’ve always felt so fortunate to be able to advance my career in my hometown at the same newspaper and am thrilled to accept yet another new role with the Journal-World,” Tait said. “I am very much looking forward to what’s ahead, for both me and our sports department, and am excited about the opportunity to lead our coverage — from games and places to people and faces — in print and online.”

Tait replaces Tom Keegan, who left the Journal-World to become the lead sports columnist for the Boston Herald.