We are absolutely thrilled to present the first break-out edition of the Keys Weekly Sports Wrap. The publication you are holding is the culmination of more than a year of collaboration and vision between our writers, editors, photographers and business staff, and we couldn’t be more honored to be the one and only locally-owned media outlet bringing you Keys prep sports coverage from Coral Shores High School all the way to Key West.
Across our three offices, we’re fortunate to work with some of the Keys’ finest sports photographers, including Barry Gaukel, Doug Finger, Joy Smith, Mark Hedden and Grace Andrew. Whether or not you’re able to make it to a game in person, their work allows our readers to immerse themselves in the triumphs of student athletes across Monroe County, capturing the most critical moments in the Keys’ biggest games so that all can relive them. When paired with the skills of graphic designer Javier Reyes, their photography allows us to take our comprehensive coverage to the next level, something we believe is apparent from the first page of this issue.
Of course, I can’t leave out the driving force behind our Sports Wrap content: the McDonalds. We’ve been blessed to work with this pair for more than a year, and couldn’t be happier to have them with us as we launch the next evolution of this section. With more than 50 combined years of immersion – and counting – in the Keys’ sports and school communities, it’s only fitting that these two long-time locals are the heart of the Sports Wrap. Their passion for Monroe County sports at every mile marker again adds another dimension to our coverage, and if you’ve never listened to a Sports Wrap Podcast episode to hear Sean’s encyclopedia-like knowledge of the island chain’s sports history, you’re missing out.
Thank you to all of our partners, athletic directors, coaches, and the community as a whole for trusting in our vision thus far and continuing to embrace us as we add layers to this ever-evolving section. And thank you to all our staff who have worked tirelessly to make this a reality.
Whether you’re a parent, classmate, family member, or someone who just plain loves sports, keep an eye out for this new section, printing in all three Keys Weekly markets every week. Thank you for trusting us for your all-inclusive prep sports coverage – local media covering local athletes, the way it should be. Never miss a beat with our coverage across three papers, our daily news blast, sports podcasts and breaking coverage at keysweekly.com.
And welcome to the all-new Keys Weekly Sports Wrap.
Sincerely,
Alex Rickert
Editor
