Update and Call to Action for Observer HS Sports Coverage

[Michael Deneen]

As many of you know, the Observer has covered HS sports over the past decade.
Back in the 20th century, the "old" Sun Post provided a lot of "scrapbook memories" for high school athletes in Lakewood.
We've made that type of coverage a goal here at the Observer.

I'm pleased to announce that we are expanding our HS sports coverage this year, due in large part to Alex's arrival.

We plan to add the following:

*A photo gallery for each Ranger football game
*Photo galleries for other sports throughout the year, including nonrevenue sports
*Photo galleries for some St. Edward games and sports

I will continue to do writeups for individual football games, and season updates and tournament coverage for boys and girls hoops, plus baseball.

Kris Kantor of "Lakewood Football Reports" has been a huge help over the years.
Stephanie Toole has been very helpful writing stories on track and cross country, and Christine Gordillo offers stories on postseason events in many sports.

HOWEVER, we are looking for print stories on many other sports (including but not limited to hockey, volleyball, softball, etc).
If you or anyone you know is involved with these programs, please encourage them to sign up in the Membership Center and submit stories.

WHY IS THIS IMPORTANT?
This week NEOMG VP Chris Quinn announced yet more cutbacks to HS sports coverage by the PD/Sun/Cleveland.com. Quinn says they will shift their focus toward heavily recruited star players, and away from game reports and the traditional team/community focus.
They are also cutting nonrevenue sports coverage outside of tournament play.

This is due not only to budget cutbacks, but also reflects the broader media trend that treats HS sports more as "farm teams" for major colleges, and less as meaningful pursuits in their own right.

Mr. Quinn's full editorial can be found at this link:
http://www.cleveland.com/opinion/index. ... rts_c.html