Sports Locker • November/December 2024 • A Note from the Editor

As we are heading into our 10th year of publishing the magazine, I thought I would take a little time to share with you what we do to honor the student-athletes and coaches we feature in Sports Locker.

There are so many well-deserving young men and women to choose from and we are thankful for the athletic directors and schools as they painstakingly select the ones to represent them in each issue. Back in March of 2015, we started with 8 high schools from Cole County, publishing six issues a year. Eventually, we grew and are now covering 17 high schools and have featured over 1,000 student-athletes.

This publication has always valued and maintained a strong code of ethics and the desire to provide a quality and entertaining product. Our staff consists of both family and friends who have shared the same vision and values, along with keeping the focus on the student-athletes, schools and advertisers who make it all possible.

Our photographer/designer, Kati Gill, and her husband, assistant editor, Jay Gill, make the trip to Jefferson City from their home in Delta, Colorado, twice a year to help me with meeting these athletes and coaches.

On a tight schedule, we arrive at each school and take time with each student or coach for their photo session. Only a few of the photos taken will actually make it into the magazine to help tell their story but Kati works hard to get the most creative and best shots possible. Jay and I help Kati with comic relief (mostly Jay) and assist her with ideas and getting to know these students.

Out of appreciation for each of them, Kati provides the remaining photos - free of charge, after the athlete’s article is published. What a nice touch from our photographer! Proud dad moment!

After this, Kati, Jay, Kirsten, Emily, Angela and I, along with our writers, work hard to present their stories to you through both print and digital.

Of course, it is all made possible through the support of our advertisers. If you want to be part of our team, reach out to us and John will be happy to provide you with any additional information.