Celebrating a decade as Valley’s home for local sports coverage

By JEREMY SELLEW
Sports Editor
jsellew@yourmvi.com

It’s hard to believe it’s been 10 years sitting in the chair of the sports desk here at the Mon Valley Independent.

At the beginning of 2016, I remember vividly Jeff Oliver calling me in the middle of remodeling one of the bedrooms in my house, asking me if I would return for this new venture and be the sports editor.

Now, as I sit at the desk in that same room, writing this column on the latest version of the sports desk – it’s hard to believe that this thing actually worked.

Starting a newspaper during a time where you see newspapers going by the wayside … it’s a great feeling to know that the MVI is a modern-day success story.

I know Stacy Wolford will mirror this sentiment, so I’m not going to get into it all that much. But one thing remains the same – sports, namely high school and local sports, still makes this place we call home go round.

The tradition is rich here. That’s not something I have taken lightly sitting in this chair. And contrary to the belief of some out there, it’s not easy. But boy is it worth it.

Covering games, sorting through statistics, trying to pick the perfect photo to go with a story … that’s what makes this special.

There’s nothing better than hearing that people are reading the sports section, whether they like what they’re reading or not. Did their team win or lose? What did the neighboring teams do on a Friday night? Did our rivals lose this week?

The many thanks I receive from parents for supporting their student-athletes. Hearing that college coaches are reading and being sent our stories that feature players they’re looking to join their programs — there’s nothing better.

As far as I’m concerned, that’s the job right there.

My goal and my job is to highlight our local athletes, our local schools and all of our local teams. Again, is it easy? Not at all. We cover 15 school districts now. Depending on the season, that’s 30-45 teams, if not more.

It’s understandable when I read the emails that may not like the coverage, or the lack there of, of certain teams. I get it, and I really wish we can be in more places at once. Myself and the MVI sports staff, we honestly do our best. And I’m proud of that.

I must say, the best part of this job – besides the acknowledgment and thanks – is the relationships that have been forged throughout the past decade.

Whether it’s with former staffers, student-athletes, coaches, athletic directors and school administrators, there’s no doubt that a lot of the people I’ve come across in the past 10 years I proudly call them friends.

Without the cooperations of coaches, players, families and ADs, this sports section doesn’t survive. Especially considering with the sheer amount of athletes, teams and sports we cover.

Phone calls, text messages, hundreds of emails and conversations are the straw that stirs the drink here at the sports desk.

I have been fortunate to have the ability to continue a long legacy of success covering Mon Valley sports. Working with the “old-timers” Brian Herman and Jeff Oliver. Rick Bruni Jr. teaching me that the best way to train to cover football games was practice by watching him play Madden on Playstation and comparing my stats with the game for accuracy.

The editors I’ve had along the way, shaping my style and grammar, like the late “Bumawitz,” Joe Abramowitz and Karen Peters. Bob Burke, who took a chance on a guy with a master’s degree in sports management that just seemed to have a knack for writing. Carl Hill, who always cleans up and makes sure the sports section is triple checked. And Wolford, of course, who has been a mentor, office mom, and every once in a while, has to be the voice of reason to talk me down every once in a while. Don’t let her fool you, the best gift she ever received was the can of Vienna Sausages she was gifted from the sports guys.

That being said, I’m only good at what I do because I work with those that are good at what they do. Writers have come and gone, but again, relationships and bonds were formed that will never be broken. All of them, yes, even Jose Negron, know they’re always a part of our success here. (Just kidding, pal!)

To all the student-athletes, coaches and teams, it has been an absolute privilege to cover your games and tell your stories. There isn’t a local newspaper out there doing what we do, and I’m filled with pride knowing that it is appreciated.

I was going to produce a top stories of the decade feature for this insert, but honestly, that would be impossible. Why? Because we have had so many success stories.

From players moving on to college, even making the big leagues, there are just too many to go through and select only 10. But here’s the stat that may make me the proudest of what we do here in the sports department.

Over the past decade, we have covered 106 WPIAL champions, whether it’s a football team, softball team, wrestling champion or a gold medal winner on the track.

On top of those 106 WPIAL champions, we have covered 18 PIAA championships. I’m not sure if any hyper-local newspaper the size of this one can boast those numbers.

So to conclude, I must say again, thank you to all of our readers.

Thank you to all of the grandfathers and grandmothers that still get the paper to cut out those stories and photos of their grandkids’ sports achievements. Thank you to all of those that read our paper, whether it’s in print or online, for your continued support.

While a lot has changed in the newspaper business and this new digital world, the support for our paper continues. We wouldn’t be able to celebrate the 10 years without all of you.

Whether you’re a Leopard, Bearcat, Cougar, Tiger, Jaguar, Warrior, Titan, Bear, Gladiator, Greyhound, Commodore, Ram, Trojan or Eagle … thank you for your support of the Mon Valley Independent and MVI Sports.

Jeremy Sellew can be contacted at jsellew@yourmvi. com.