Clearing up misconceptions

Now that I'm in the blogging business, I find myself checking other forums and gauging people's feelings. One thing I believe needs addressed is the Observer-Reporter sports department's policy on getting results into the newspaper. Yes, there is a policy and here it is.

First, we require that results of games, matches, tournament, etc., be called in on the day they are held. We have an 800 number (1-800-222-6397) so there is no charge. We need the results before our deadline, which is 11 p.m. for an evening event. Anything called in after that is iffy to get into the newspaper, but we try to accommodate.

Normally, we don't run results two or three days late. Why? For the same reason that you would not want to read about the Steelers' victory on Sunday in Tuesday's paper. If results are accepted late, then inevitably teams won't call in on the night they are held and Monday's dual meet could end up in Thursday's paper and Tuesday's event might appear in Wednesday. All it would do is confuse people.

We have one person covering wrestling for our newspaper, me, and I depend on the high schools to provide info on their dual meets and tournaments. Do we miss stuff? Sure, every newspaper does. Each November, coaches are sent out questionaires, detailing our policies reminding them of our 800 number. Still, we do not always get cooperation. If a tournament or dual meet is not in the newspaper, the most likely explanation is that the coach or scorekeeper either conveniently forgot or just did not care enough to call. It's not because we don't want to take them.

The best thing you can do as a wrestling fan is complain to the athletic director if you don't see the results of your team's matches in the paper. I complain to them, but your voices are more effective.