Just a few weeks ago, Scott Schmeltzer was writing about how the ALHS boys varsity sports needed to step it up. A few weeks later, he wrote an apology/clarification column. I believe the Ahlahasa staff had something to do with that.
On Oct. 10th, Schmeltzer came to the Publications classroom and was interviewed news conference-style by Ahlahasa staff members. He was asked to answer for the things he said about ALHS boys varsity sports.
What Schmeltzer wrote was ridiculous. It was sloppy journalism, and could have been avoided easily by just applauding the girls and not tearing apart the guys. He felt the need to put the guys down and that was unnecessary. I was taught in my sophomore journalism class to afflict the comfortable and comfort the afflicted. The boys aren’t doing so well, so it’s your duty as a journalist to show them compassion, not bring them down.
I was disappointed with Schmeltzer’s apology column. He beat around the bush, and didn’t outright apologize. What he wrote was wrong. It demands a straightforward apology. I didn’t see that.
Another thing that should be addressed is that he didn’t name off all of the girl athletes. There were so many of them who were doing amazing and he failed to acknowledge them.
If this is the type of journalism I can expect from the Albert Lea Tribune, I don’t think I will be reading it any longer. Ahlahasa has looked up to the Tribune as a mentor publication. But if this keeps up, I think that will change.
I would like to challenge Mr. Schmeltzer to spend a practice with the ALHS wrestling team and then tell us they are not trying.
Just because they aren’t winning doesn’t mean they aren’t trying as hard as the girls.
I know a lot of guys who were frustrated with the comments by Mr. Schmeltzer. Many varsity football players wanted to write letters to the editor and have me read them aloud to Mr. Schmeltzer. I didn’t do this simply because there wasn’t enough time.
I was disappointed in the sloppy journalism I read. Yes, there was an apology. But It never should have happened in the first place.