Floor your readers with amazing stories

Columnists are reporters with an opinion. The best columnists are also keen observers, precise writers, and excellent storytellers. Frequently, we forget that readers love stories. But that is difficult to do in 13 inches or 400 words. We need to expand columns on days when a writer finds a terrific story.

Columnists frequently write opinion pieces, offer notes, or playfully address an issue, but how frequently do columnists tell stories to get their points across? Not enough. That's why reading pieces by a great writer like Bill Plaschke is a treat. Plaschke's piece -- "Floored" -- is among the best column I've read in some time.

"Floored" is an amazing story, a column that might have fallen through the cracks had Plaschke not also been a curious observer and a diligent reporter. Ultimately, the column succeeds because Plaschke is an excellent storyteller. Readers love a good mystery, something he clearly understands. Consider the opening:

The name is in giant cardinal letters, stripped across two sides of the new basketball court in this city's new basketball treasure, the signature on USC's signature arena.

It will be stepped upon by generations of Trojans basketball players.

It will be seen by millions of Galen Center fans.

Yet it is cloaked in mystery.

Jim Sterkel Court.

"Are you sure?" asks his wife, Joanne Sterkel. "His name is on what?"

Plaschke starts with a simple detail and then pulls us in with the idea of a mystery before adding an intriguing detail -- that Sterkel's wife is shocked. Hmmm. How does his wife not know something major like this? What else doesn't she know? Tell me more.

Plaschke keeps the story rolling by focusing on conflict at several points. There is the sad moment when Sterkel finds out he has cancer. Then, readers learn that the anonymous donor's son is also dying. The reader, of course, will want to read further to learn the outcome in both situations

When Sterkel first noticed a lump in his testicles, he told Anonymous, who immediately drove him to the doctor for the beginning of his long and fatal relationship with cancer.

While Sterkel was dying, Anonymous' young son also contracted cancer. Sterkel wrote Anonymous a poem, sealed it, and ordered it only to be read if Anonymous' son died.

Plaschke also writes wonderfully, varying sentences as needed. He uses short, staccato sentences to re-emphasize points in longer sentences. He then counters with longer sentences that pack a lot of information within them.

After their senior years, the roommates set upon vastly different courses of life, but never strayed too far.

There's also this nice passage that summarizes the opening scene:

Anonymous became a business tycoon, while Sterkel became a suburban salesman and church leader, yet they still met for family dinners, fishing trips and pep talks on the phone.

Sterkel was the kind of guy who didn't smoke, didn't swear, and would lead his church in services and on its basketball courts.

He was the kind of guy neighbors phoned if they needed a television fixed or pipe unclogged. Giant and bespectacled and always smiling, he was the kind of guy who hugged everyone.

He also says much in the following sentence, a 22-word line of poetry. (Notice, also, how the second shorter sentence leaps out in comparison to its lengthier neighbor.)

A most amazing story in this city of stars, a sports centerpiece decorated in average, laced in ordinary, painted in a nobody.

Or was he?

Plaschke is also a tenacious reporter. He uncovers the name of the anonymous donor but does not reveal it to readers, knowing that detail is unnecessary to the telling of the tale. Just because we know something does not mean we should publish it. Consider how your words impact others. Plaschke speaks with many sources, everybody from Jim Sterkel's wife and daughter to a former teammate to USC's athletic director to Anonymous. He digs in to learn as many details about this story as possible from these people.

After so much work, Plaschke then tells an amazing story of friendship, dedication, and selflessness. It's a lovely story, one that sticks in one's mind (and heart) for a long time -- and one worth emulating.

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Satire can result in a swing and a miss

Part of my mission is to try and educate. Part of my job is to model activity -- in this case writing a column with a strong opinion. Perhaps, I failed in that mission. At least that's how it appears if you read the comments to my previous blog (below). Nearly every single writer said they did not get the satire, which either means that readers failed to understand it, or that I failed to present it properly. Since no one is defending the post, I can only assume I struck out.

I had thought the reasons I offered in the column would clearly shine through as ridiculous. But I guess there are many ridiculous notions presented on the Internet. I had assumed everybody thought like me -- that binge drinking in college is stupid, that missing class is a losing proposition, that athletes should be held accountable, and that drinking and driving is as deadly and stupid as it gets. That's why, for example, I made the statement below. Who else but the student would be to blame?

After all, it wasn�t the player�s fault that he had inadvertently been arrested twice for driving under the influence of intoxicants.

Based upon comments, though, I found most readers do agree with me on this, thus the comments. What happened is they did not connect with me, a relationship that requires more time. The regular readers of this blog understood what I wrote; first-timers did not. Part of a columnist's success is this connection with readers. Those who know me understand that I believe in accountability and that drunk drivers should be sentenced harshly. They appreciated the posting. Many others, though, did not. That, of course, is not always the reader's fault.

I also assumed readers would see through the rather shallow argument below, where I cited alcohol stats to reveal how deadly DUII can be. I had hoped people would understand that driving while intoxicated is a deadly, stupid thing. That's why I did the research.

It�s not like Luke was one of the 16,885 people who died in alcohol-related driving fatalities in 2005. He had not slammed into anyone, thus he had not added to the 254,000 people who get injured from crashes involving alcohol. One person may be injured every two minutes, and killed another 31, but that�s not Luke�s fault. He would have arrived home safely. So why would a columnist, a person who is supposed to comfort the afflicted, attack this young man? A person with a blood alcohol level of .08 is 11 times more likely to get in an accident than someone who is sober, but that number can�t possibly include athletes with lightning-quick reflexes like Luke. Give this kid a friggin� break.

Again, this must have been a swing and a whiff.

Finally, I believe the media's role is to vigilantly watch public institutions, not allow them to blindly do as they please.

I can�t imagine why journalists go to the trouble of writing about misappropriation of funds, illegal defense contracts, rapes that go unreported, and alcohol infractions from young men. It�s not like it will make a difference. People will only get angry.

A columnist's role is also to get people to react to an issue so some change of mind or policy or action will take place. In this case, I wrote to change perceptions about two things -- a tacit approval for drinking while intoxicated and continued attacks on journalists who are trying to reveal illegal, unethical behavior. I had thought satire would be the best manner in which to do this. Apparently, I was incorrect. I had sent a note to John Canzano last night, linking to this story, and to thank him for his excellent work. He understood my column (even seemed to appreciate it), so I felt good about posting it here.

I learned a great deal from writing this column, something I can use to help teach others. One lesson: we can all swing and miss once in a while.

The other lesson: Decorum is gone when one can post comments anonymously. Forget about decorum and forget about disclosure. Instead, many people prefer to call names, wish for the worst, and offer other mean-spirited suggestions without citing their names. It's easy to attack when nobody knows your name. I appreciated the comments where someone offered more reasoned, careful explanations, pointing out where I had failed. That's something I can learn from. But I guess this vitriol is something sports columnists face every day. This is yet another reason why I appreciate and respect those that carry on each day despite such attacks. That's another reason I respect John Canzano.
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Don�t be a blowhard � add more sources to columns, stories

Research. Observe. Interview.

That�s how journalists learn about any topic, whether it�s a story on the university�s budget or if it�s a story on a baseball game.

Too many young reporters fail to realize this. I recently judged two state contests � for high school and college sports journalists. The biggest problem: a lack of sources.

I read profile stories that relied on a single source, usually the athlete or coach profiled. Many columns did not have any original reporting. And most game stories included quotes only from the home team. As a result, these sports stories were uniformed and under-reported. But that�s what we do � report. That means we need to fully prepare for assignments. Before covering a game, sports reporters should research team rosters, stats, and recent performance by speaking with coaches and by reading previously published stories. For columns, reporters should hang out at practices, attend games, and speak with experts to get a more informed opinion. In addition, sports reporters should also interview friends, teammates, coaches and family before writing a profile story on anybody.

PROFILES
One-source profile stories are worthless. All you�re doing is allowing people to blather on about themselves. Who knows if the stories an athlete or coach tells are true? Verify as many as possible afterward. Not that everybody�s lying, but we all have unique perspectives. Ask my wife about some events from my past, for example, and she�ll offer at least a slightly different perspective, citing details I might have missed. Also, nobody can be fully defined in 1,000 (or even in 3,000) words, but we can offer a slice of someone�s life if we report properly. Do not try to cover someone�s entire life in a profile piece; instead focus on one main theme. Maybe you are focusing on someone�s work ethic before a state swim meet or you are addressing someone�s recent success as a pitcher.

Before interviewing, read previously published stories on this person in college archives, libraries or search engines like Lexis Nexis. You also should spend time with this person away from an interview room. Watch (and take notes) at practice, noting how the person performed and how she interacted with others (noting anything that seems interesting or curious.) You can ask follow-up questions afterwards. You might also want to spend time with this person away from the playing fields. Perhaps, this person raises rabbits or volunteers at a local school. Tag along to collect stories and more questions. That�s how you prepare and develop a real profile, one that will intrigue readers (and impress judges.)

SPORTS COLUMNS
Do not write columns about the Chicago Bears or St. Louis Cardinals unless you have spent some time reporting on these teams (or unless you have a unique personal story to tell). You do not have anything to say, though, if all of your information comes from other writers and from watching the teams play on television. What do you have to say about the Bears that other reporters have not already stated? I read several columns for the state contests that focused on how the Colts and Bears would fare in the Super Bowl. This is information readers can get elsewhere � by sports reporters who regularly cover these teams. Instead, write local columns on your own school teams and about events in your town. And report, observe and interview sources to gain a deeper understanding of the issues, events and people you will be commenting upon. By researching, you might learn a significant point that may change your stance. Essentially, a sports column is a sports story with opinion mixed in. Anybody can spout opinions like a blowhard. Real sports journalists, though, learn everything they can about an issue in order to write an informed, newsworthy, entertaining column. You want to put a little bit of yourself into columns, but this works only if you have put in some reporting as well. There are more stories on your campus than you can imagine. So don�t be dull and lazy. Get out and report on these compelling local stories.

GAME STORIES
Don�t forget to speak with players and coaches on the opposing team. How good is your home team? Ask the opposing coach. How did your school�s pitcher do? Check with those who faced him on the other team? How does your school�s soccer goalie compare to others? Speak with opposing forwards and coaches. If you plan stories well enough, you can collect comments from several players and coaches as they visit, and compete, against your local team. Another thing: Do not write promotional pieces on your teams. Stay as objective as possible. If your team plays poorly, show that, the same way you should if they play well. You are not the team�s public relations person, trying to sell this team or its athletes. You are a journalist who reports for your readers, not for the team.

Check out this profile of one of America�s best sports reporters, Gary Smith, whose book Beyond The Game is a gem. Actually, anything written by Smith is worth reading and savoring. He frequently writes about those out of the spotlight, breaking down complex stories into more simple, poignant stories. That comes from hard work and solid reporting.

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Here's a fine example of a game column

Columns can be difficult to write. Writing one from a game on deadline is even more difficult. A sports columnist needs to understand the topic and needs to do the research to prepare for several angles. Then, of course, the columnist needs to write the piece in a compelling manner.

Tom Keller, a columnist for Michigan State's State News, did just that while covering the first round of the NCAA basketball tournament in North Carolina.

Keller focused on the odd pairing of junior guard Drew Neitzel and junior walk-on foward Jake Hannon, players as much alike as Felix Unger and Oscar Madison.

A sports column, in many ways, is a sports news story with an opinion. Too many columnists want to offer their opinions -- and too often these opinions are not informed. That is not the case here. Keller spoke with key people, researched the topic, had a clear working knowledge of the subject, revealed observations, and had a strong news angle. In addition, Keller made some interesting connections through his research, looked below the surface of the game with intellgience, and wrote it all exceptionally well.

Here's the start of his column:

Winston-Salem, N.C. � We knew that for MSU to win in the NCAA Tournament, someone other than junior guard Drew Neitzel would have to step up.

But if you were the one who guessed that someone would be walk-on junior forward Jake Hannon, put the paper down, go buy a lottery ticket, then come back and finish reading. You are obviously channeling some serious clairvoyance.

And here's Keller describing a key moment in the game:

Head coach Tom Izzo pointed down the bench at Hannon, who was hit with a rush of adrenaline and an incessant, overriding thought: Don't screw up."

This a fine example of game column-writing. Keller writes well -- and reports well. I look forward to reading more of this young columnist. Check out his column for yourself.

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Sports columnists should force readers to think, act

A good sports columnist should offer meaningful insights, cover sports ignored by others, offer cultural criticism, and analyze games in considerably more depth than the average fan. A sports columnist should, at different times, afflict and comfort us. A sports columnist needs to write with style and grace, should have strong opinions (but be willing to sharpen them with facts), and should offer fresh perspectives. Most of all, a good sports columnist needs to be an excellent reporter.

As the great Red Smith once wrote: "The guy I admire most in the world is a good reporter. I respect a good reporter, and I'd like to be called that. I'd like to be considered good and honest and reasonably accurate."

That�s a tough job description to fill. But many student journalists are cutting their columnist teeth on campuses across the country. And many are doing a pretty decent job. A review of more than 50 online newspapers across the country yielded several strong sports columns, some of which I list below. College newspapers are the place where young sports journalists can learn to mix reporting and opinion writing � and where they, subsequently, can enjoy the wrath of readers, coaches and athletes (and that�s after writing a good column).

The learning curve for young sports columnists can be difficult, something I noticed this past week. More than a few young columnists offered considerable opinion but very little reporting. Other columnists focused more on national sporting events, forsaking campus sports for the alluring lights of the NBA, NFL and MLB. As a result, these columns typically yielded stale second- and third-hand perspectives.

There�s no need to write a column on the top baseball transactions during the past off-season or to cite the reasons the Bears or Colts should win the Super Bowl. Unless you regularly cover these beats, you really have nothing new to say. These columns might be fine if you go to football camps, interview baseball experts, and regularly speak with these athletes; however, that is not frequently the case. Write local. That�s what your readers expect and that�s what will impress potential employers. Prove that you can cover your local beats first.

(One piece of advice to online editors: label your sports columns to distinguish them from your regular sports news. Online readers do not get to see the column sigs and the page design. Clearly denote your opinion pieces for your online readers.)

There were several excellent columns during the past week, but none better than one written by Ethan Conley of Michigan State�s The State News. Conley has always enjoyed watching movies. But recently he noticed that some of his favorite flicks have been sterilized by the PC police. Conley has also noticed college sports are also getting sanitized to the point where students can no longer rush a basketball court when their team wins.

Here�s the lead:

�One of my first childhood memories is of watching "E.T." with my parents when we bought our first VCR. I have no idea why this sticks with me. There's something about that wide-eyed alien who says "Ouuuuch" that resonates in my brain.

So you can imagine my excitement when the film was re-released in 2002. I couldn't wait to see it on the big screen for the first time. Much to my dismay, it ended up being terribly disappointing � the FBI agents who line the street as Elliot rides past on his bike are now holding walkie-talkies instead of guns, Elliot's mom no longer tells Michael he looks like a "terrorist" on Halloween and Elliot's �penis breath� insult is conspicuously absent. Apparently, that kind of language could slip by in 1982, but it's too profane for the 21st century.�

Conley�s column rises well above most of those I�ve read over the past week, mostly because the writer has looked beyond the surface of sports. Too often, columnists address the obvious or the superficial. In this case, the sports columnist, like a poet, made a connection between two disparate things � movies and college sports. It�s an excellent read. Check it out, along with the other columnists listed down the right side of this blog.

Several other columnists also did a fine job this week.

I�m always a sucker for good baseball column. Matt Watson of the Arkansas Traveler starts out with a pastoral column on baseball, but he then brings everything back to his college team�s chances this season. College columnists need to remember to keep their focus on local sports, as Matt did.

�As temperatures rise, which the weatherman says isn't going to last much longer, the dead of winter slowly fades away and the sweet smell of spring gets closer and closer. This can mean only one thing:

Baseball.

Beautiful, American baseball.

You won't hear a "crack of the bat" officially until April 1, in a National League Championship rematch between the New York Mets and St. Louis Cardinals that kicks off both the major league season and the Cards' World Series title defense.

But the "pings" are in full swing in Fayetteville.�

Here�s a few other good columns:

� Shawn Garrison, of Missouri�s Maneater, reveals how his grandmother taught him some of life�s best sports lessons.

�When I was a kid, I bought baseball cards by the boxful. I still have hundreds of thousands of them lying around my closet and room. One time, my grandma alphabetized my entire collection for me. Every single card was sorted according to sport, team and player name. Of course, it took me about three days to have them strung back out all over the place, but maybe someday I�ll get those reorganized.�

� Ban Barkawi of Cal-State Chico�s Orion, offers a unique perspective on American sports, one that was cultivated in Jordan and Saudi Arabia, where he was raised.

�When someone asks where I'm from, it takes me a good 10 seconds before I can explain it in the most convenient way. I'm Palestinian with Jordanian citizenship, but I lived in Saudi Arabia until I somehow ended up in Chico.�

� Brady Henderson of Western Washington uses his column to profile a walk-on football player. Some good reporting is included in this piece.

�Western senior outside linebacker Taylor Wade didn't take the conventional route to becoming a college football player.

Despite a stellar career at Kamiak High School in Mukilteo, Wash., Wade garnered no attention from college scouts and doubted his ability to play at the next level."

� Matt Daniels, of Eastern Illinois, does a fine job analyzing the reason the men�s basketball team failed to qualify for the Ohio Valley Conference tournament. He offers specific examples to prove his point. He starts by citing a few of the plays that helped ended the team�s season prematurely.

�A missed wide-open layup at the buzzer at Eastern Kentucky.

A questionable charge call with the game tied in regulation against Austin Peay.

A missed 3-pointer at the buzzer to tie the game against Tennessee State.

All three of these endings happened in the month of January for Eastern men's basketball.

And when one looks back at the Panthers' 2006-07 season, this month stood out the most - for all the wrong reasons.�

You, too, can focus on specific games and plays but you need to have an over-riding theme. Here, Daniels revealed the problems the team faced through several key plays during a tough final month.

Writing a column is not easy, as anyone who has written one can attest. You can�t claim anonymity or objectivity. The words are your thoughts and beliefs. The words are you. So, before you head out to write your next column, consider some of the points addressed at the start of this piece. But also know: To find great columns, you�ll need to put in some time � on a beat, at practices, and at games. Coaches and athletes will then see that you are as dedicated as they are, not some reporter stopping in for a quick peek. You�ll get much better insider information this way. Watch intently. Speak (and listen) to not only the athletes, but to the trainers, groundskeepers and trainers hanging around the fields. And make sure you do the research.

Writing a sports column can be challenging and time-consuming. But your efforts can make a difference in the lives of your readers. That�s what drove many of today�s top sports columnists (like the Los Angeles Times� Bill Plaschke) to start writing.

"Like most of us, I became a journalist because I wanted to touch people,� writes Plaschke. �I wanted to make them laugh. I wanted to make them cry. I wanted to leave them angry. I wanted to make them think.

�In some professions, one might not elicit that range of human emotions from a customer in 20 years. In column writing, it can all happen in the same 20 inches. Such is the beauty of our craft. One can not just examine and report on a landscape but, however slightly, change it. One can not just touch readers, but embrace them and shake them.�

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