Relationships between Athletic Directors, schools and newspapers are important for the success of the students. Athletic directors and coaches notify the media outlets to bring as much publicity to their schools athletic programs as possible. In the sports department we rely on that information about coaching hires, athletes getting college offers, schedules for school sporting events, etc.

Fortunately for me, I have two great directors in Johnny Bohannon and Checotah Athletic Director Jason Dowdy. They have done a great job of accomplishing the above.

Sometimes, with a newer staff, it takes a while to get in the routine. As a newspaper we can only print what is told to us by the school and in this area Dowdy has done a great job in just his second year as A.D.

Our sister paper in Okmulgee, The Okmulgee Times also covers Morris. The Eagles also have a great proactive Athletic Director in Jimmy Whitlock since I worked with Brian Terry at Checotah. Whitlock is fast to call and let us know what’s going on at Morris whether it is a coaching hire or a student receiving a scholarship. A.D.’s like Terry worked to bring new events that brought in money to schools like the Lake Eufaula Golf Classic. I appreciate all of our Athletic Directors and coaches being proactive and the great working relationship they have with local newspapers. I look forward to another great year ahead.

1-2-3 break.