BEAUMONT, Texas — 12News Sports director Ashly Elam knew from an early age he wished to be concerned in professional sports activities both as a participant or a journalist and now that he’s accomplished a type of for greater than 24 years he’s transferring on.

We’re unhappy to announce that Elam, who has been part of 12News since 1999, will quickly be leaving us.

When requested for an elementary faculty mission what he wished to be when he grew up Elam replied that he wished to “play for the Houston Astros or become a sports anchor.” 12News is glad to have helped him make a type of desires come true.

But don’t fear, he gained’t be going too distant and you continue to might run into him out and about in Southeast Texas.

Elam will develop into the director of communications for Hardin-Jefferson Independent School District on July 11, 2023. His final evening on-air at 12News will probably be on the ten p.m. newscast on Sunday, July 9, 2023.

He began at 12News as a tape editor when he was a 19-year-old Lamar University pupil. He additionally helped on Friday nights with The Blitz and later joined the sports activities group full-time.

Elam briefly left in May 2017 to work for a Southeast Texas sports activities journal and web site however returned to 12News in February 2019.

“KBMT has been a second home for over 20 years, and I can’t thank everyone enough for their support,” Elam stated.

While at 12News Elam gained many accolades together with a number of awards from the Press Club of Southeast Texas for finest podcast, sports activities anchor and sports activities present of the 12 months.

“Ashly’s contribution to 12News and to Southeast Texas is immeasurable,” stated information director Ginny Sweeney.

“He is the backbone of local sports in this area and I’m so grateful to have gotten to work with him,” she added.

Elam lined all the things from youth sports activities to the World Series, Super Bowls, All-Star video games for each the MLB and NBA and NCAA basketball and baseball tournaments whereas at 12News.

“I loved covering our local athletes from Little League to the big leagues, but now it’s time for me to spend more time with my family,” he stated.

Elam has additionally lined the various journeys Southeast Texas groups have made to the playoff and state championships.

But Elam is flexible and repeatedly and elegantly pitched in to cowl different main occasions in Southeast Texas like a number of hurricanes and storms in addition to serving to host 12News’ Mardi Gras protection.

“Southeast Texas is a special place, and I look forward to continuing to give back to the community in my new role at Hardin-Jefferson ISD,” he stated.

12News will miss Elam and desires him effectively on his subsequent job with the Hardin-Jefferson faculty district.

“We are thrilled for this new opportunity for him and his family. Ashly will be greatly missed in the newsroom,” Sweeney stated.

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