Dear Editor,
I am writing in response to the article printed in Sunday’s paper entitled “Francis makes clean sweep for Great Bend”.
Let me begin by congratulating Morgan Francis on her victories, and the rest of her team who had a good showing in the meet on Saturday.
Their talents are evident and I wish them nothing but the best for their season.
However, your reporter, Mack McClure, was remiss in not taking the time to include the other local team that played in the tournament, Ellinwood.
The article mentions — in passing — that Ellinwood took first place.
We, too, have much talent on our team as well.
Oma Thomas, at #1 singles, dropped only one set on the day, which was to Francis of Great Bend.
Bailey Schartz and Darri Beckwith at #1 doubles, Gentry McLeland and partner Kaitlyn Robl at #2 doubles, and Rachel Morales, at #2 singles, all of Ellinwood, completly dominated in each of their divisions, never dropping a single set.
Your tournament director had a list of their names at the scorer’s table and yet, they were never mentioned by name in the article.
I do not know if Mr. McClure is new to the area or if, perhaps, he was under time restraints or space limitations, but I do know that he disappointed many readers of the Tribune.
I know for a fact that you have many subscribers to your newspaper from the Ellinwood area.
There are also many that have it delivered to their business or purchase it at various outlets.
Surely there are businesses from Ellinwood that spend money putting ads in your paper.
My request to you and your staff is this, in the future, please consider who your target readers are.
Are you just writing for those that live within your own city limits?
I think not.
Ellinwood has it’s share of fine athletes.
I am sure that among our Lady Eagles tennis and volleyball teams, and our football and cross country teams, there will be those that reach the state level competitions this year.
Even if they don’t go “all the way,” they deserve recognition as much as your “big” school in our county seat.
Lori McLeland,
Ellinwood