Former sports editor recalls lively discussions

To the editor:

I read with great interest on the Internet about the induction of Gary Rust into the Missouri Newspaper Hall of Fame.

Gary probably doesn't remember me, but from 1960 to 1965 I was the sports editor of the Southeast Missourian, and we were fellow members of the Cape Girardeau Jaycees. We had some lively discussions in those days about the Missourian, and I remember at that time he was against the newspaper, particularly its editorial stance. Now, over 40 years later, I discover he shifted roles and became an active member of the Fourth Estate he once opposed.

I am delighted with his honor and success as a driving force at the Missourian after I left. Even though I may have disagreed with his views so long ago, I always liked Gary and admired his strong convictions for what he believed. He was a very memorable part of my early life in Cape Girardeau, where two of my four children were born. I sincerely believe he deserves his induction into the Hall of Fame.

Because it was so long ago, I doubt many Missourian readers remember my short f tenure as sports editor and my column, Sportscope.

But for any who might remember, I recently retired after 36 years as sports editor of the Elyria Chronicle-Telegram, a newspaper of 40,000 circulation in Ohio along the shores of Lake Erie 25 miles west of Cleveland.

JERRY ROMBACH

Elyria, Ohio