Journalists of The Gazette: Meet K.J. Pilcher

How long have you been with The Gazette?

I’m a lifelong Cedar Rapidian and I’ve been at The Gazette for more than 26 years. I started in 1999 in advertising and moved to sports as the agate editor, which is a scores and more page coordinator, in October of that year.

Which sports do you cover? And what do you like about your role?

I cover high school sports. One of my main beats is the wrestling beat, where I cover all levels of wrestling. I love the relationships I've been able to build with the athletes, the coaches and the community. There's nothing like it, especially with wrestling. The passion and knowledge that those fans and followers have, nothing beats it.

I team up with Gazette sportswriters Jeff Linder and Jeff Johnson on the Triple Option Podcast where we talk high school football. On the field, off the field — anything surrounding high school football, we cover it.

I also host the Pinning Combination podcast with Dick Briggs. We cover wrestling at all levels. That’s been one of the company’s longest running podcasts that started with myself and the late Wyatt Schultz, who was the editor of The Predicament wrestling publication. So, that’s something we take a lot of pride in, being able to broaden the spotlight on the sport of wrestling. And Briggs and I like to talk a lot too, so it works both ways.

Recommended Reading

Trip to Japan allowed Spencer Lee to refocus and recharge

Share a memorable story that you’ve covered.

One of the top stories that I've enjoyed covering is Spencer Lee, from the time that he announced his commitment to the University of Iowa through his silver medal performance at the Olympic Games in France. He's a generational athlete that has really captivated a wide audience and has been fun to watch from his time as a high school athlete to his international career.

Where can we read your latest work?

You can read my latest work at www.thegazette.com/k-j-pilcher/.

Comments: kj.pilcher@thegazette.com