Michael Rodgers has been named sports editor of Greenville Newspapers LLC and will oversee coverage of sports and leisure time activities for The Greenville Advocate.

He has already assumed the role, replacing Austin Phillips, sports editor of the newspaper for the past year. Phillips has accepted an editorial position with the Shelby County Reporter, a sister publication of The Advocate.

&#8220While we hate to see Austin leave,” Kevin Pearcey, group managing editor of the Greenville papers, said, &#8220we're happy to have someone of Michael's knowledge and ability join us.

&#8220He will be an asset not only to the newspaper, but the entire coverage area as well.”

Rodgers, a native of Red Level, is a recent summa cum laude graduate of Troy University with a degree in print journalism.

He served a reporting internship with The Andalusia Star-News last summer and was co-sports editor of The Tropolitan, Troy's student newspaper, for the past two years.

Rogers was a member of Phi Kappa Phil, Lambda Pi Eta, Delta Epsilon Iota, Ph Mu Alpha Sinfonia and the Sound of the South marching and concert bands.

&#8220I am excited to be moving to Greenville and look forward to working closely with area coaches, organizations and booster clubs,” Rodgers said. &#8220Greenville and Butler County are known for their high quality of life and excellent sports programs. Living here will be a privilege. Having the opportunity to work at the newspaper named Alabama's best weekly is a challenge I am eager to begin.”

The Advocate's sports section, under Phillips' guidance, was recently named the best in Alabama.

&#8220We will miss Austin,” Pearcey said of the Hueytown native, &#8220but he will do well wherever he goes.”