Sean Chase took over duties as sports editor at The Daily News on Monday. (Daily News photo)

IRON MOUNTAIN — The Daily News welcomed its new sports editor, 33-year-old Sean Chase, to its ranks earlier this week.

Chase, who hails from Newaygo, took over the sports editor’s chair on Monday, succeeding former sports editor Dennis Mansfield. Mansfield is still with The Daily News in the role of sports writer, though he and his wife, Margaret, are planning to move to the Battle Creek area in late September.

“I love the Upper Peninsula and the Iron Mountain area,” Mansfield said. “But my wife was offered a great professional opportunity downstate and I’m very proud — and excited — to be part of her new challenge. Not to mention, we have family in the Battle Creek area who we will now be able to see far more often.”

Chase brings a wealth of life experience with him, having served in the U.S. Army. He also recently graduated from Central Michigan University with a bachelor’s in journalism. He also holds an associate’s degree in communications from Grand Rapids Community College.

During his educational stops, Chase worked as editor-in-chief, managing editor and sports editor for The Collegiate Live, the student newspaper at GRCC, where he received multiple awards from the Michigan Press Association and Michigan Community College Press Association. And, at CMU, he held the post of sports editor at the Central Michigan Life.

While new to Dickinson County, Chase said he came here with one goal in mind.

“Growing up, I would pour over the newspaper looking for a picture of myself and I want to help kids from this area have the same experience,” he said.

With the ink on his diploma still wet, Chase said he knows taking over as the new sports editor at The Daily News will be a challenge.

“Having graduated in May, I know there will be a learning curve due to the sheer amount of schools in the coverage area,” he added. “But I’m up for the challenge.”

Mansfield said he believes Daily News readers will enjoy Chase’s energy and passion for reporting local sports.

“Sean has a promising future ahead of him,” Mansfield said. “I have no doubt he is going to take the coverage of the teams in the Dickinson County area to new heights.”