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By Lon Austin
The View from the bleachers
Wow! What a difference in perspective a couple of weeks can make. As of Tuesday I am a brand new sports reporter. The first article with my byline on it appeared in the Central Oregonian July 17.
For those of you who don't know me I graduated from Crook County High School in the 70's, and have been living in town since 1991. I have two daughters, both who competed in athletics and graduated from Crook County. For the last 11 years I have been a teacher, coach, and athletic director at Central Christian High School in Redmond. I have also acted as the athletic director for Crook County Christian here in Prineville. This summer I left my teaching job, and quit my last full time coaching position in pursuit of a new career in journalism.
In high school and college I was an athlete first, and a student second. When I graduated I immediately went to work as a physical education instructor and coach, and have been involved in coaching for more than 20 years. Recently I have been coaching volleyball, basketball, and track. My favorite sports to watch on television are Football, Nascar, and Track.
At no time have I ever even attempted to write a sports story. I have, however often complained when I have been "misquoted" by the press. For years as a coach, and athletic director I have "had to deal with the press." Now in a moment of insanity I have of all things become a sports reporter. I suddenly have a new appreciation of the press, and what they sometimes go through to report the story.
This week I have spent a great deal of time on the phone talking to answering machines, or waiting for a return call. I have attempted to accurately quote people, but you know, they talk really fast, and I write really slow, and that's a bad combination. Everyone wants their sport covered, at least when they win, but if everyone is like I was as a coach they don't really want to have to talk to the press.
I am not a great writer. In fact when I was offered this job it was with the understanding that I have writing deficiencies and need to be willing to accept criticism and to attend writing seminars. I hope I am up to the challenge. My new coworkers have been very helpful, and the job seems challenging and interesting.
If you have story ideas, or tips, please either give me a call at 447-6205, or you can email me at laustin@eaglenewspaper.com . Well that's it for now. I'm sure that we will see each other around town. If you see me at games I am the tall bald guy with a camera, and a note pad.
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