Like the radio shows and magazine sagas of the mid-20th century, Chris Nelsen intends to provide well-written, intriguing stories for California Democrat readers who will want to pick up the next installment each week.
The 35-year-old, veteran sports reporter said he hopes to tell stories that readers didn't know, in addition to the regular area sports event coverage.
"I couldn't picture myself doing the same thing every day for the next 20 years, except for journalism," Nelsen said.
He graduated from Adrian College in Adrian, Michigan, after growing up in Royal Oak, Michigan. Nelsen has spent the last 16 years covering mostly sports, from NBA finals in Detroit, Michigan, to a Michael Phelps swim meet to Indianapolis Colts games.
Although he has covered the highest level of American sports, Nelsen said he prefers community journalism.
"There's so much excitement to just get your name in the paper," he said of the little league, middle school and high school levels. "At a certain level of sports, they are so tired of you as the media."
Nelsen said he likes the amenities of Mid-Missouri, such as proximity to Kansas City and St. Louis, and has found he likes the small town atmosphere.
"I like to get to know everybody in the local sports world," Nelsen said. "I think it's important to get to know people and be present."
In high school, Nelsen was a state finalist wrestler for three years. And in college, he was a football running back for two more years.
But his favorite sport to have played, he said, is baseball, where he was a pitcher and catcher.
"I love spring and being outside," Nelsen said.
And during his eight years in Indiana, he discovered basketball is his favorite sport to cover.
Nelsen said he is glad to step into the position at the Democrat before the beginning of the winter sports season, to follow the teams from Day 1.
Community members and sports fans are encouraged to contact him with story suggestions.
"It's the people that know the good stories," Nelsen said. "I'm always open to ideas."
To contact Nelsen, call 796-2135 ext. 26 and e-mail to [email protected].