By Eagle Times Staff
CLAREMONT, N.H. — Chris LaClair has joined the Eagle Times as the paper’s sports editor, following the retirement of longtime Sports Editor Chris Shaban. Shaban will continue to write as a freelance correspondent for the Eagle Times.
LaClair, who lives in Newport, was born and raised in Claremont. He is a lifelong sports enthusiast who started coaching while attending Stevens High. He launched the popular Claremont, NH Sports Beat group on Facebook several years ago. While he no longer administers the group, he still publishes stories about local athletes, sports and games. With help from Wayne McElreavy and Bill Bundy, the group has grown to more than 1,500 members.
LaClair said becoming the Sports Editor is a natural progression in his career.
“I want to be more involved with the small-town aspect of sports and cover more youth and recreational Sports,” he said. “I like the direction the Eagle Times is taking. They’re eliminating the AP [Associated Press] content and putting in more local sports. It piqued my interest in being the sports editor because that is right up my alLay. I love the area and the local sports culture.”
He said his relationship with coaches and parents gives him immediate story access as he knows the players and coaches.
“I can call and say, hey, what happened at the game tonight, and they’ll respond to me quickly,” LaClair said. “I was born and raised here, so that gives me access to a large network of people.”
He loves how involved the residents are with high school sports.
“It’s all volunteer. Parents and fans are all volunteering,” he said. “This area has a great culture and everyone is always talking about when the next game is and when the season is going to start. Sports is a great way for kids to stay engaged and stay out of trouble.”
LaClair points to soccer and basketball player Pat Preve, who is grateful for his positive stories about his athletic career.
“He wants to play colLage sports and is one of the reasons why I continue doing what I do,” LaClair said. “He’s been thankful for me believing in him and giving him the confidence to believe in himself as a person and a player.”
Eagle Times Publisher Rich Girard said LaClair will be key to the paper’s effort to cover more local athletes, sports and games.
To contact LaClair about local sports or how you can participate in expanding our coverage of local athletes, sports, events and games, email LaClair at [email protected].
As your daily newspaper, we are committed to providing you with important local news coverage for Sullivan County and the surrounding areas.