High School Sports: Reminiscing on the Fourth Year of Coverage - A Recap of the Initial Beginnings
Eric Sondheimer has been a stalwart in the world of high school sports journalism in Southern California for an impressive 49 years. His career began in 1976 when he became a stringer for the Daily News, and he was hired full-time in 1980.
One significant figure in Sondheimer's career was Pete Kokon, the sports editor of the San Fernando Sun. Kokon, a friend of Don Drysdale and Bob Waterfield, both Van Nuys High graduates and Hall of Famers, offered Sondheimer $15 a week to write about high school sports. Kokon, who owned an apartment building in Sherman Oaks and had a small penthouse with an unlocked screen door, also taught Sondheimer how to bet at the race track and play golf.
Sondheimer's career took a more serious turn when he created Prep Talk to inspire and share positive messages about high school sports. Interestingly, Sondheimer discovered that writing for the school newspaper offered more power and influence than playing basketball.
Throughout his career, Sondheimer has covered major sports events like the Super Bowl, NBA Finals, Olympic Games, World Series, Rose Bowl, Breeders' Cup, and Little League World Series. He has also encountered difficulties, such as losing his cellphone on a football field and having to climb fences to access locked stadiums.
Sondheimer treats high school sports differently than college or professional sports. While criticism of coaches and athletes is mostly off-limits, he insists on rules being followed, especially as players are starting to get paid and coaches are engaging in ethical lapses. He has encountered possible NCAA rule violations in his reporting, such as a case involving the University of Kentucky.
The world of journalism has undergone significant upheaval, but Sondheimer's dedication to his work has remained steadfast. His readers have played a crucial role in this, helping him stay committed to his mission as a journalist: to serve the public, not himself.
Sondheimer has a gold pass from the Southern Section and City Section, allowing him to attend events even when he steps away. He has also adapted to technological changes in his work, learning to take videos and photos and speaking in front of audiences.
Despite the challenges and changes, Sondheimer's passion for high school sports remains undiminished. His legacy continues to inspire a new generation of journalists, reminding us all of the power of positive and inspiring journalism.
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