Gator 99.5 In Lake Charles Welcomes Chaston Tavares To The Team

Today, a new era in Gator County starts as we welcome Chaston Tavares to the team. Chaston will be taking over the afternoon drive spot on Gator 99.5 and will be on the air from 3:00 pm to 7:00 pm each weekday.

Chaston was the perfect person to take over the show after the passing of Your Buddy Russ Conrad. Russ mentored Chaston throughout his college years and he was like Russ's protege.  They became very good friends and Russ showed him the ins and outs of radio while Chaston started his radio career up in Deridder/Leesville area.

Russ was and will always be a huge part of the Gator 99.5 family and we will never let his legacy go away. Chaston is here to take over for his mentor and will honor Russ every weekday at 5:00 pm with The Buddy Russ Drive At 5.

If you missed our announcement a couple of weeks ago, please allow us to introduce you to Chaston.

Hey, this is Chaston! Here’s a little bit about me. I was born and raised in DeRidder, La. I graduated from Rosepine High School in 2018, and from there I attended (very poorly) McNeese State University in Lake Charles. I started in radio as a 16-year-old kid in High School who just wanted to call sports. I started with football and have now grown to call the three major sports. During those seven years, my love for the radio came…

 

I began to be on the air at a station in Leesville, KVVP - Today's Country 105.7. Throughout my time attending McNeese State University, I got connected with a guy named Buddy Russ and the rest was history. Russ mentored me and really showed me the reins of the Radio DJ world. A few of my favorite things to do are meet new people, listen to live music, watch sports, and just have a great time with folks in the community!! --Chaston Tavares

 

How cool of a story is that? We can't be happier to welcome Chaston AKA Chaz to the team and look forward to keeping YOU entertained all day long every day. Please help us welcome Chaston to the team and to Southwest Louisiana!