THE PUBLIC MIND: SEMO SUPPORTERS WANT MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON OVC

To the Editor:

SEMO University is into its fourth week of competition in Division I and the Ohio Valley Conference. You would hardly know it by reading your sports pages. There have not been articles on key schools, programs, matchups, individuals, etc. There have not been reports or articles on games, outcomes, scores, statistics, etc. There hasn't even been a listing by won-lost record of the conference standings in football or another sport.

You cover college and pro sports through national wire services; why not the OVC? You include NFL standings practically every day; why not the OVC? You have at least three major sports reporters: Mr. Heitland, Mr. Mishow and Mr. Harris. Shouldn't one or more of these be assigned to cover the OVC in all sports?

We, the undersigned SEMO sports enthusiasts, respectfully request the Southeast Missourian to initiate OVC coverage commensurate to our Division I status.

Suggestions: Sunday, wire service scores; Monday, recap articles; Wednesday, previews of upcoming contests or some other systematic reporting of your choosing.

You have a good newspaper and you have been an outstanding supporter of the move to Division I. We think that upgrading your OVC sports coverage would be an enhancement of your product and your service to our community. Thanks for your consideration.

Letter contains 104 signatures

(Editor's note: Like the university athletic teams, we are feeling our way along in this new association with the Ohio Valley Conference. Your interest in our sports coverage and suggestions are appreciated and will be taken to heart by our staff.)