Springfield has always intertwined my life. Now, I finally get to call it home.
Hi there, this is Liam Keating, the News-Leader’s newest sports writer. I know it’s been a long absence, but I’m excited to bring sports coverage back to this illustrious newspaper.
In 2011, I sat in front of my television in Omaha, Nebraska. I screamed as Missouri State legend Kyle Weems made a game-winning basket over my beloved Creighton Bluejays.
Six years later, I was running cross country and track for my alma mater, Benedictine College. Some of my favorite athletic memories were going toe-to-toe against Evangel University’s great distance runners.
In college, I was also able to broadcast many Valor games when they traveled to Northeast Kansas. Watching Evangel hall of fame coach Steve Jenkins craft game plans was a joy for this basketball junkie.
In my first job post college, I covered high schools and NCAA Division II action in North Kansas City. Chris Foster’s Drury squad was one of my first opportunities getting paid to write about college basketball.
While working for the Courier-Tribune in Liberty, Missouri, my roommate was a proud Springfieldian, too. He loved his time at Glendale High School, speaking fondly of his formative years.
In the past year, I worked closely with former News-Leader reporter Wyatt Wheeler. He is dominating the Kansas State beat at the Capital-Journal in Topeka, Kansas. He spoke often about the greatness of the city. He’s a big reason why I applied for this job.
All of this to say: Springfield has influenced me without ever living in the city limits. I’m so excited to see what this place will do for my family once we fully immerse ourselves.
I learned so much in my three years with the Capital-Journal. High school sports and NCAA Division II stories were consistent, which is what you should expect from me.
Great high school coverage is my bread and butter. From in-depth feature stories to hidden success pieces, this is where I thrive. Missouri State coverage will be plentiful and precise, hopefully giving you a different perspective of the university that you love.
While written stories are at the forefront, great videos and press conference clips will be published often.
Fall sports season is right around the corner. I hope my enthusiasm for sports writing seeps through my work for you to enjoy. I’ll be working hard helping you get to know the players, coaches and community members that also love this place.
My wife, Maria, and I are so excited to call southwest Missouri home, just like former Creighton and Springfield star Anthony Tolliver.
Liam Keating covers high school sports and Missouri State athletics for The Springfield News-Leader. Send stats or information to him at Lkeating@usatodayco.com
This article originally appeared on Springfield News-Leader: Sports writer Liam Keating joins the News-Leader staff
