I have been thinking about this a lot today. The difference between knowing your subject matter well and not knowing at all is quite a thing for a journalist. The dilemma is when you really know you subject you grow attached to them somehow. The Saegertown baseball and softball teams I have watched grow up. Literally. I then became their photographer over the last few years as I worked as a commercial photographer shooting their team photos. Over the years I have photographed these kids in their highest of highs and lowest of lows for the paper. I have gained respect for them as athletes and human beings as they are growing into men and women. When I cover them now I think about that respect and I know that even if they do not win(which seldom ever happens) that I need to be there to document the tears as much as I do their cheers!! Its important that history records accurately, I believe that utmost in my work at the newspaper. Right now the Saegertown Panthers are riding an incredible high...three district championships in a span of three days--two in one day! These are good young people at the top of their game. I do hope it continues, though as a journalist, I need to remain neutral and document fairly the outcomes. Inside I hope to see a state championship or two, or three!!! This has been a special group of people!
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