To the editor:

After learning that Messenger sports editor Eric Pratt will be receiving the Dan McCool Media Award for his work covering wrestling, two things left me unsurprised.

One was the fact that a journalist as hard-working, talented and thoughtful as Eric would be honored for his efforts.

The other was that Eric wasted no time using social media to share recognition and praise with the rest of the sports staff.

Both the award for Eric and the plaudits he spread around are well-deserved.

As gracious as he is dedicated, Eric is an enormous asset to his community, and to the people he works with.

Two decades ago, I had the pleasure of being on the Messenger staff with Eric and now-assistant sports editor Chris Johnson. As a former co-worker, I know how much they care. The two other sports staffers Eric identified online – Dana Becker and Britt Kudla – do terrific jobs as well.

To all of them: Congratulations! I hope you all keep up the great work.

Brad Sherman

Tacoma, Washington