The Observation Deck

As many of you know, I've been covering high school sports for the Observer for many years....dating back to when the paper started in 2005.
I've done so on a voluntary basis, because I've enjoyed covering the kids and the games. As opposed to my political analysis, I have maintained an overwhelmingly positive tone in my sports pieces.

For example, in many cases I won't write a game story if LHS or Ed's loses. The exceptions are:
1. Football, where all ten games are big events.
2. Rivalry games such as Ed's/Ignatius or Ed's/Lakewood.
3. Tournament losses that end a season.

I also refrain from badmouthing coaches or administrators, even when it's called for. I also don't single out kids for poor performance.
In my view, the kids aren't like crooked politicians....they are youngsters that choose to spend their after-school time representing the school and the community.

I've been criticized recently for my coverage, particularly for not writing up stories on losses.

I'd like to hear some thoughts on this.
Would you like me to be more aggressive in my coverage?
Would you like to see all the losses documented in the paper, even when some teams rarely win?
Do you want to see coaches and players called out for mistakes?

Please share any thoughts you have, I will take them under consideration.
However, please keep in mind that there is only one of me.....I cover as much as I can, but I unfortunately miss many teams. There isn't anything I can do about that.

Mike-- I think the style and philosophy in your coverage is correct. When we started the LO project this was a new concept in community based news coverage. I was the City Council reporter. We all had to find our own style while breaking new ground. To that end I think we were and are largely successful. In your case I think the desire to get the sports news out while respecting the youth and amateur level of the athletes - and - providing a civic boosterism is the right mix.
Personally, your coverage gives me the opportunity to keep up with an essential part of Lakewood while allowing some nostalgic memories! Stan

Mike


While I appreciate your honest coverage of sports...

These statements are not true, I am going back and pulling out all of the coverage you have of losses and I am past 30 stories already, and we know you bad mouth administrators and school boards which is well within your rights.

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we know you bad mouth administrators and school boards which is well within your rights.

Is the criticism of school administration related to policy decisions regarding sports, or not?

I do not recall any sports related coverage that “bad mouthed” the administration or school board.

But do correct me if I’m wrong.

I just get the feeling that two different subjects are being discussed here

Mr. Deneen,

Your sports coverage is awesome!

Keep up the great work.

I agree wholeheartedly with Mr. Essi. Mike Deenan does an amazing job with Lakewood sports journalism. Please keep up the good work. Thanks for all you do.

Mike, This is a good moment to say thanks for your sports coverage. For what it's worth I think your tone and approach are pitch perfect. I always enjoy reading your stuff.

Mike I agree with the other posters your coverage is Good! I like the way you approach it.

Covering local sports, like local theater and restaurants, requires the experience and sensitivity that Mike brings to it. He has exactly the right touch as far as I'm concerned.
I'm not that into local sports, but I appreciate knowing what's going on, and in doing that, Mike is providing a real service. His critics are misguided.

Carry on!

Mike- your report of the Lakewood/Avon girls basketball game is just damned good. Got me involved and I could just visualize the contest. Illness does wonders for your reporting! Stan