Creative Writing
Question #1: Earlier in class today, we discussed storytelling being the “heart” of good sports reporting. During our discussion, we compared early 1920’s sports reporting to the shift that came in the 1950’s thanks to Dick Young of the New York Daily News. As you may recall, the 1920’s style of sports reporting had the ability to turn sports figures into larger than life heroic figures. Reporters during that time were friends with athletes. They omitted stories such as Babe Ruth’s drinking, womanizing, and instead chose to protect his public image. Reporters also openly rooted for teams. However, in the 1950’s, that all changed when Dick Young’s brash approach to sports reporting took off. Athletes were no longer friends, their skills and abilities were now criticized, and protecting a public image was no longer prioritized. This style of sports reporting has now become the “norm.” Yet, in the past decade, there’s been another shift we touched on in class. Fans are no longer as informed anymore due to how news is consumed. Taking all of the above into consideration, answer ALL of the following questions: How would you describe today’s form of sports reporting? Is it effective? Do you feel that you’re well informed as a fan/follower?
Please answer the following question in a minimum of 100 words: (directly below the question)
Question #2: Utilizing the pyramid style of storytelling and sports reporting that we discussed in class on Thursday, organize your own sports story. It should be completely made up and false, something like a player signed/traded somewhere, a coach getting fired, a player retiring, or coming out of retirement. Have as much fun with this as you want. NOTE: You’re not writing an entire story, you’re simply writing a couple of sentences for a beginning, middle, and end. Here’s an example that you will use as a template to write your story:
Beginning: Fans shocked as New York Giants select punter Michael Dickson from university of Texas second overall in 2018 NFL draft.
Middle: General manager Dave Gettleman announced the selection and was not available for comment following the pick. Fans are left outraged as Dickson is the earliest drafted punter in NFL history. Dickson won the Ray Guy Award in 2017 as the best punter in the nation. He averaged 47.4 yards per punt on the year, recording a long of 76 yards.
