To the editor:

I wanted to drop you a quick note of thanks for the job that your sports staff does in covering the state softball tournament. Eric and his staff, along with Britt (who is amazing!!) do a phenomenal job covering our tournament. The Messenger, along with the Cedar Rapids Gazette in volleyball, are the only papers that still provide full coverage of our state tournaments. With prep coverage diminishing from the menus of many daily newspapers, it is nice to have a few papers that still cover our state tournaments in its entirety.

I do know that the teams that come to Fort Dodge enjoy the tabloid and the daily coverage. For many teams, this is the only time that their team receives any coverage for the entire year. This year’s state softball tournament was the 27th that I’ve been a part of and my first being the tournament director. The Messenger’s softball tabloid is always the first thing I look for on Monday morning and reading the Messenger is always a part of my breakfast ritual every morning that I’m in Fort Dodge.

I know that decisions regarding space, time and manpower are big ones in your industry right now. I just wanted to let you know how much I appreciate the efforts your sports staff and photographers do to provide long-lasting memories to all of the players, parents and coaches that come to Fort Dodge each year. Our goal in our state tournament is to provide lifelong memories for the girls that participate. For many, participating in our state tournament is the pinnacle of their athletic experience. Having a paper that so warmly welcomes each team to Fort Dodge with its outstanding words and pictures is a major part of that experience.

Thanks again. Best wishes to you and the rest of the Messenger staff.

Jason Eslinger

Assistant Director/Softball Administrator

Iowa Girls High School Athletic Union