Jake McMahon has joined The Dispatch as its beat reporter for Mississippi State athletics.
McMahon, a native of Louisville, Kentucky, graduated from Western Kentucky University with a degree in journalism, a minor in broadcasting and a certificate in sports communication. Along with serving as editor-in-chief for WKU’s student newspaper, The College Heights Herald, his senior year, McMahon has held positions at the Bowling Green Daily News and the Lexington Herald-Leader, where he got his first taste of SEC coverage while covering Kentucky Wildcat sports.
In his role on the MSU beat, he will provide comprehensive coverage of Bulldog athletics, from game stories, features and player profiles to enterprise stories related to the university’s sports programs.
“My goal has always been to cover collegiate athletics,” McMahon said. “Getting this opportunity at The Commercial Dispatch to step into covering an SEC school with such a deep, rich fan culture around it is truly a dream come true. I cannot wait to serve State fans the best stories regarding their favorite programs, and I am excited to learn what it takes to be a great college beat reporter.”
McMahon started the role May 25, though MSU softball’s historic run to the Women’s College World Series left him little time to settle in.
“‘Hit the ground running’ is an oft-used cliche, but in Jake’s case, that’s exactly what he did,” said Managing Editor Zack Plair. “Inside of 72 hours from starting work here, he hauled off to Oklahoma City and did a heck of a job covering MSU in the Women’s College World Series. He’s bright, extraordinarily talented, and I believe our readers will enjoy the attention to color and detail he brings to his writing.”
Sports Editor Philip Poe said McMahon’s coverage spoke for itself.
“We felt like we made the right decision in hiring Jake, and he quickly proved us right,” Poe said. “… While (at the WCWS), he provided informative and insightful coverage of the team, its coaches and fans while giving Dispatch readers an inside look into the softball program’s first foray onto the national stage.
“We know that Jake’s determination, curiosity and courage will serve him well as he tackles the MSU sports beat and that Dispatch readers will benefit from having him on board,” he added.
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Quality, in-depth journalism is essential to a healthy community. The Dispatch brings you the most complete reporting and insightful commentary in the Golden Triangle, but we need your help to continue our efforts. In the past week, our reporters have posted 39 articles to cdispatch.com. Please consider subscribing to our website for only $2.30 per week to help support local journalism and our community.
You can help your community
Quality, in-depth journalism is essential to a healthy community. The Dispatch brings you the most complete reporting and insightful commentary in the Golden Triangle, but we need your help to continue our efforts. In the past week, our reporters have posted 39 articles to cdispatch.com. Please consider subscribing to our website for only $2.30 per week to help support local journalism and our community.
