Sunday, August 05, 2001
Groeschen reenters preps athletic world
Enquirer reporter replaces Schutte
Hello again, prep fans.
The Enquirer is making a few changes with its high school coverage this year, including my appointment as senior preps reporter. What does this mean? Several things, but be assured that we plan to continue this newspaper's long tradition of expansive prep coverage.
Long-time preps reporter Dave Schutte will continue to cover games and write features for the Friday “Preps Plus” page. Ray Schaefer will continue to focus on Kentucky schools.
In Dave's case, he finally gets a well-deserved break. For years he has worked the equivalent of two full-time jobs, here and at Daimler Chrysler. He has opted to go full-time again in the auto business but will continue as our top prep stringer.
Some of you may remember that I have done this before. I covered Northern Kentucky preps (1979-82) and Ohio preps (1983-86) before moving to other as
signments. I was University of Cincinnati beat writer (1986-93) and have been the No. 2 Bengals beat writer for most of the past decade. Since 1997 I have also been our auto racing writer, a beat I will continue to cover.
Because of changes at the newspaper, I was able to take this “new” preps job. Having been away from the preps beat for 15 years, I'm not as familiar with the schools, athletes and coaches as I once was. Bear with me while I get to know you again.
One thing I do know is that Cincinnati is a fantastic town for prep sports. In fact, the top sports “beats,” as far as fan interest, are the Bengals, Reds and high school sports. Don't believe it? Check the “Talk” section of Cincinnati.Com, where the recent sports postings showed the Bengals (1,978 posts), Reds (1,853) and prep sports (1,198) atop the charts. Next was college sports (722).
I also know what it's like to be a high school athlete. I played baseball and basketball at Bellevue High School (Ky.) in the 1970s, and I know the thrill of seeing your name in the newspaper. I know the sacrifices involved in being a student-athlete.
For those who have watched prep events, you know they can be as memorable as anything you've seen. I've been privileged to be part of The Enquirer's coverage of the Bengals in the Super Bowl (1988 season), the Reds in the World Series (1990) and the UC Bearcats in the Final Four (1992). I've covered the Indy 500 and the Daytona 500. I was there when Pete Rose broke Ty Cobb's record.
And still, some of the most exciting things I've ever covered were high school events. One that comes to mind is Simon Kenton's improbable Kentucky boys state basketball title run in 1981, which remains the only state basketball championship for a Northern Kentucky team. I've seen girls and boys break state records in track, I've covered future Olympians, and I saw Ken Griffey Jr. play at Moeller.
Many of you have seen much more than that. I look forward to being part of it again.
We'll try to bring you a wide cross-section of coverage, incorporating as many sports as possible. We'll try to get to all parts of town during the season. It's a big town with lots of schools, and hopefully we'll get to yours sooner than later.
Also this season, The Enquirer sports department will be working closely with Cincinnati.Com to boost our total coverage. You'll be able to find more statistics, rosters and schedules online. It's just the beginning in our push to improve the way technology helps us deliver the news more quickly and more completely.
If you have any good story ideas, let us know!
ROSTERS COMING: Because of an oversight, some athletics directors did not receive The Enquirer mailings requesting 2001-02 coaching rosters. The blank forms will be mailed soon, and athletics directors should return them as soon as possible.
NEEDS COACH: Anderson High needs a girls varsity golf coach and a reserve girls tennis coach. Contact athletics director Mike Morgan at 232-2772.
Contact Tom Groeschen at 768-8450; fax: 768-8550; e-mail: tgroeschen@enquirer.com.
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Groeschen reenters preps athletic world