Sports editor joins The Eagle for Clatskanie

The Wahkiakum County Eagle has brought on author and editor Kirk McKnight to cover Clatskanie high school sports for the paper.

McKnight, who has spent the last two years covering high school sports in Southwest Arizona, is the author of two nationally published books that feature over 115 MLB and NHL broadcasters.

“Getting to know these broadcasters and gather their experiences has been so rewarding,” said McKnight. “The day after I interviewed Bob Costas, I got a phone call from him while I was sitting in church. I texted Mr. Costas the reason why I couldn’t answer his call and he said, ‘That was accidental, Kirk. No need to call.’ I quickly responded, ‘I just got butt dialed by Bob Costas? Does it get any better than that?’ Without missing a beat, Costas texted, ‘Let’s hope it actually does.’ Honestly, I’m not sure if it does get any better than that.”

Having interviewed other figures like Marv Albert, Bob Uecker, and the late Vin Scully as they revisited calling some of baseball and hockey’s most memorable moments, McKnight still gets a thrill out of interviewing sports figures on the high school level as well.

“You never know who’s the next Derek Jeter or Steph Curry out there,” McKnight said. “Last year, I covered a softball pitcher who threw back to back no hitters and had several straight games of throwing two-digit strikeouts, even with the game called after five innings due to the mercy rule. If you pair a talent like that with a coach who wants nothing but the best for them and their future, those stories are like journalism manna that just fall into your lap and write themselves.”

With winter sports recently underway, McKnight is already off and running with both boys and girls basketball for Clatskanie High School.

“Coaches Warren and Combs have already been so accommodating with me,” said McKnight. “That always helps create the story. One thing I feel never changes in a small-town community is the locals’ love and respect for their high schools. Many of them went there as students and either stuck around after graduation or ‘found their way back home.’ Whatever the case, they’re cheering them on and are emotionally invested, which can be a huge motivator for these kids. Seeing the grandstands and bleachers full of parents, neighbors and fellow students wearing team colors and cheering goes a long way to an adolescent.”