Good Morning, Lisa Cornwell

Lisa Cornwell's new role at Channel 9 news finally has been revealed… when she showed up as the "breaking news center" anchor on "Good Morning Tri-State," as WCPO-TV downsizes its sports department.

Cornwell, 33, a sports reporter for 2-1/2 years in Mississippi and here, has never done TV news. Sports producer Mike Mattingly, who has appeared on camera occasionally, has been transferred to special projects. Sports now has only four staffers: Dennis Janson, John Popovich and two photographers.

"I took a hard look at the newsroom and thought they (Cornwell, Mattingly) could be better used in what the audience wants from us – breaking news and special projects," says Bob Morford, news director.

Cornwell, 33, tells me that she's always been a news junkie.

"When I wake up in the morning, I put on MSNBC first, and then ESPN 'SportsCenter.' I get my news first, and my sports second," she says. "I'm really excited. I've never done news on television. It's definitely a change for me."

Cornwell grew up in Fayetteville, Ark., where she was a two-time all-state basketball player in high school, a three time All-American junior golfer and the 1992 Arkansas Female Athlete of the Year. She became close friends with Tiger Woods when they played on the same American Junior Golf Association team.

Woods' father gave her some golf tips. "He would never talk to Tiger on the course, only on the practice range. Because of that he had a lot of time to help me out during my practice rounds."

More changes are coming for "Good Morning Tri-State." By the end of the month, Kathrine Nero should have a new co-anchor to replace David Rose (and fill-in Terry Daniels).