Sports reporter Ryan Shaver has announced on social media that he's starting a new position with Twin Cities Orthopedics as a Digital Video/Social Media Specialist in a few weeks. Shaver said the announcement was "the toughest tweet I've ever had to write."
Growing up as the son of local sportscaster Randy Shaver, all Ryan ever wanted to do was cover sports on television. Just shy of four years ago, he achieved a double dose of that dream by joining Dad, now a KARE 11 anchor, at the Golden Valley-based station, where the two displayed their familial camaraderie when co-hosting "Prep Sports Extra."
Ryan Shaver married in November and said in the post about his departure that "the TV business makes having a family a challenge and I want to be around as much as possible in the future." He has also supported his father, who recently turned 60, through two bouts with cancer.
In an interview, Shaver said his father's experience had shown him how difficult it can be to juggle sports reporting and family. While his dad worked very hard to be home whenever he could when his children were young, his job required him to be gone for weeks at a time when covering the Olympics, and be on call for breaking news. Shaver said his new role will give him a more consistent schedule while allowing him the opportunity to tell "inspirational" stories of athletes who have made remarkable comebacks from severe injuries. "I won't be straying too far from the things I did at KARE that put the pep in my step," he said.
Shaver's last day with KARE will be July 19. Between now and then he'll continue to make the most of what he described as a "bucket list" gig working with his dad.
