From inside the clock tower

MEMORANDUM

TO: Beacon Journal newsroom
FR: Mizell Stewart III
RE: Sports Department news
DA: February 28, 2006

After nearly eight years at the helm of The Beacon Journal's award-winning sports department, Larry Pantages is stepping down.

Larry was appointed Deputy Sports Editor in 1991 and promoted to Sports Editor in April 1998. During his tenure, the sports staff has been recognized both statewide and nationally for outstanding enterprise reporting, game coverage, feature writing and commentary. The accolades include an Honorable Mention from the Associated Press Sports Editors for best Sunday sports section in the country in 2003 and four Top 10 APSE awards for enterprise reporting.

When it comes to important sports stories that are vital to our readers, The Beacon Journal sports staff has consistently outpaced the competition. From the return of the Cleveland Browns to the rise of LeBron James, Larry's perspective as a lifelong Akron resident and his background as a reporter and editor in the sports and business departments helped us bring those stories home like no one else.

He demonstrates outstanding planning and organizational skills. Even better, Larry has a keen eye for finding stories that others might miss, regardless of what section they eventually appear in.

Larry has worn many hats over more than 30 years at The Beacon Journal, including stints as a professional and high school sports reporter, a business reporter and columnist, deputy business editor and deputy sports editor. In every assignment, Larry has carried a positive attitude and the determination to serve readers to the best of his ability.

It is my hope that Larry will continue to be a vital part of our sports operation, and we are discussing what form that new role will take. We will be filling the position of sports editor internally. If you are interested in taking on that role, please contact me or Debra Adams Simmons by the end of the day on Thursday, March 2.