There’s the theory and then there’s the practice. A summary of my first year.
Let me explain.
I remember first applying to this job. And of course, I remember my interview. I was sitting in our publisher’s former office. I remember the glint of the sun-soaked water glass sitting on top of a University of Miami coaster, the decades of colorful sports paraphernalia that brightened the room, and the green sage of the painted walls.
But most of all, I remember Noel Nash explaining the full extent of “hyper-local.”
Hyper-local reporting is defined as source reporting in a confined area, with local faces, local scenes, and local noise.
As I nodded along to the concept, I knew that the execution would be a different story. And indeed it was.
In my first year, I experienced the humble reality of the sheer volume of the historical depth that the Willamette Valley holds. There were many stories, colorful personalities, iconic moments, and local rivalries I had to catch up on. This was in addition to a rich sports history that went deeper than I expected. But most of all, there was a distinct composition within each school I covered. So while I was applying the theory, I felt deeply behind in the application.
It was then that I understood that “hyper-local” is a unique and special type of reporting that one would only be privileged to experience. To know a community so deeply and so intimately, just like a human relationship, is a gift. It’s a gift to see the individual threads that create the grand tapestry of a community.
Higher expectations
After meeting the new faces, seeing the sights, and witnessing the scenes, I’m happy it was an exploratory first year, filled with novelty, but I’m ready for more now. I hope that my relationship development with all of you will continue to grow deeper and pave the way for even more transparency, openness, and vulnerability.
So it was refreshing to go out to practices this week, see old connections and continue that streak. It was great to see the recognition. Many of the practices, assistant coaches and the staff would greet me and were surprised to see me return. Many were inviting and open. I was even given a free ice pop from a Creswell football player after practice. Not sure if he even knew I was a reporter, but he felt I was waiting around the field long enough to be included.
There are many aspects of this beat I look forward to this year. For fall sports, well, you can read here what we can all anticipate! But I’m eager to see Thurston’s football revival and Cottage Grove’s Class 4A transition. Of course, there’s also the new arrival of Pleasant Hill coach Kenny Koberstein and Creswell’s Chase Beach. Cottage Grove’s cross-country program is also a delight to see each year. For soccer, the boys soccer program at Cottage Grove had made real noise in the playoffs last year. For the girls, the Pleasant Hill vs. Creswell rivalry will be another heated one. I still vividly remember the teams’ battle to a scoreless finish last season. For volleyball, a Creswell and Pleasant Hill matchup might be tighter than in years past.
More seasons to come
For winter sports, of course, Thurston’s wrestling is a favorite. There’s also Creswell and Pleasant Hill basketball, both saw an explosive season. Pleasant Hill, in particular, made a run to the state championships and finished second overall in Class 3A.
For spring sports, I’ll keep watching Thurston baseball, which, despite losing its chance of a three-peat, remains a favorite in the Midwestern League. Pleasant Hill softball and baseball are also developing programs that are catching fire.
Creswell baseball also made its first postseason run since 2009. Finally, the Creswell girls’ track team is an all-time favorite in 3A after they claimed their first title in history last season.
So thanks for the hype, the sounds, and the memories. It gives me an outline for this next year. Same as Koberstein and Beach, I have my own “blueprints” as a reporter for this upcoming year. I have my own playbook and many of the schemes will look different. And I’m eager to try them out.
McKenzie Days covers high school sports for The Chronicle.
