Letter: Media at wrestling events block view

I read with some interest The Gazette's editorial regarding the changes to media access at the Iowa High School wrestling tournament ('Let the spotlight shine on high school athletes,” Jan. 19). While I enjoy seeing the pictures from the tournament in the newspaper and like to see the coverage for the sport, I believe the ability for the family and friends in attendance to witness the action is more important and unfortunately in recent years the media presence has hindered that ability on occasion.

The editorial indicated that 'If there have been any problems with journalists getting in the way at high school tournaments in Iowa, we haven't heard of them.” So allow me to describe the view I had of my son's matches at the high school state tournament two years ago. There was a photographer standing between the mats taking pictures and for two of my son's matches. Our view was fully or partially obstructed by the photographer for a large portion of the match, leaving us guessing as to what was happening.

I do not know who this photographer was and maybe the IHSAA could have addressed the issue with the removal of specific photographers rather than a blanket ban, but I think we need to acknowledge that the problem exists and I appreciate the steps by the IHSAA of increasing the visibility for the spectators in attendance.

Mike Vaughan

Johnston