Soaring Griffon Graduates:Western Alumni becomes new sports editor for News Press

By Online Editor

For many students, college life involves hooking up, getting wasted and partying as much as possible. However, for Missouri Western Graduate, Ross Martin, life was a little more focused on a taking advantage of opportunities and moving forward toward a career. While Martin was here at Western he worked for the local newspaper called “The St. Joseph News Press,” and now after only a few years of working while taking classes, Martin moved up to be the official sports editor for the News Press where he now manages schedules, designs and lays out pages, copy edits and covers a wide range of Missouri’s many sporting events.

Martin’s journey started in February 2002 when he first decided to pursue a job that would actually help him in the long run. He saw a job opening at the News Press and decided to apply.

“I started as a part-time sports clerk taking phone calls from high school coaches,” Martin said. “I just realized that these job opportunities don’t come around very often so I took the opportunity.”

Martin continued on the News Press and eventually grew into a reporter and then an Assistant Sports Editor. Just a mere two weeks ago, Martin was promoted to be the Sports Editor. Though doubling up with school and a job was a rough situation, he was able to find a good job after graduation which helped him in the long run.

“It was a good way to solidify my future,” Martin said. “Everything fell into place for me. I consider myself lucky.”

At Western, Martin worked on the Griffon News Staff for about three and 1/2 years. He was the editor in chief for two semesters, and ultimately grew a true passion for the sports desk.

“The moment I walked into the door, I wanted to do sports,” Martin said. “It’s what I’m passionate about.”

Martin encourages current students to take a little more time out of their free time and apply that toward their careers. Students can use Missouri Western as a tool to take get involved with the school, build relationships and learn knowledge about their futures, Martin says.

“I owe a ton to Missouri Western. Though in journalism, it’s not a nationally recognized school, it gave me a broad experience and made me well-rounded. I took the time to build a relationship and work with the department that I wanted to be in. I made a good impression.”

Along with Martin’s encouragement, he gives tips to students who are concerned about job opportunities after graduating.

“Be flexible,” Martin said. “Take some time to branch out and find some job or intern opportunities. Be willing to not be tied down to a particular area.”