"I'm a lifelong San Diego sports fan, and that puts me in some great company."

Being a part of the 10News sports team is a dream come true for Ben Higgins.

The graduate of Torrey Pines High School has been a die hard sports nut his whole life, growing up with the Padres, Chargers, Aztecs, Toreros, Gulls, Sockers, and even the Clippers, attending dozens of games every year. One of his favorite memories is attending Game 5 of the NLCS at Jack Murphy Stadium, and seeing the Padres beat to Cubs to advance to their first World Series.

Ben decided to pursue his passion straight out of Pomona College, when he joined XTRA Sports 690 radio in 1997. Three years later, he was chosen to co-host San Diego Padres Pre- and Post-Game Shows on AM 600 KOGO. During Spring Training 2003, Ben showed off his play-by-play skills, working alongside the legendary Jerry Coleman. He first joined the 10News sports team in 2002, and was part of the station's special coverage leading up to Super Bowl XXXVII at Qualcomm Stadium.

In addition to his nightly coverage at 6 p.m. and 11 p.m., Ben has hosted several 10News specials, including a trip to Williamsport, Pa., to cover the Little League World Series in 2005. To this day, following the kids from Rancho Buena Vista remains one of his favorite stories.

Ben, his wife Sheli, and their two sons Jack and Graham, live in North County. In his spare time, Ben is an avid golfer, carrying a single-digit handicap.

Want to contact Ben? You can e-mail him at ben_higgins@10News.com.