This year, I’ve been fortunate enough to attend six state tournaments. The atmosphere, venue and hype are second to none, and I love watching the athletes perform at the highest level. However, as a reporter the experience has been less than ideal.

As a local media representative, I cover teams throughout the entire season through the highs and the lows. I travel the long distances to the playoff games and events. I stay at the office late to edit photos or write game recaps. Yet, when it comes to the biggest stage, I am pushed aside for other media outlets that jump on the bandwagon at the last minute.

At state track and field, I overheard a TV reporter in the media room comment on an interview they had with an athlete that just made the podium: “I had to ask the good old, ‘How does it feel to make the podium at state’ question because I didn’t know anything else about this kid.” The reporter just chuckled.

Excuse me, but, what?

At state softball, Big Radio and I were among the last media to interview players and coaches following Brodhead’s state championship game. We had to wait while a digital streaming service, that had picked Somerset to upset Brodhead in the semifinal, interviewed Mckenna Young and, with an arm around her, called her a close friend.

Hmph.

My previous columns have served many purposes — to give advice, educate or share my stance on a subject. This column serves an entirely different purpose: to start a discussion.

Why is it that, after a season of hard work and dedication to a team, local reporters are second best? Why do TV stations or other digital platforms think they can butt in when they don’t know a single fact about a team or player outside of what they’ve Googled? 

How hard would it be to respect one another and recognize the work that’s been put in up to that point? Don’t pretend to know everything about a team or a player when it’s your first time meeting them. Need more information that isn’t readily available? Let’s work together instead of against each other.

I encourage more discussion on the topic. Maybe in the end large and small media outlets can reach and understanding and work better together.

— Natalie Dillon is the sports editor for the Times. She can be reached at ndillon@themonroetimes.com.