After a career in Big 12 country, Courtney Linehan is heading home to the Big Ten.
Linehan recently joined the Times of Northwest Indiana in Munster as sports editor after serving as the sports editor at the Avalanche-Journal in Lubbock, Texas, for two years and the Ames Tribune in Ames, Iowa, for two years.
"I enjoyed working with everyone in Lubbock and learned more there than I can quantify about being a manager, but ultimately wanted to return to the Chicago area, where I still have family and friends," said Linehan, who graduated from the University of Illinois as an undergrad in 2006 and with a master's in news-editorial journalism in 2007. "Perhaps the most difficult part was leaving the Big 12 Conference, where I'd gotten to know and respect so many reporters, editors, coaches and administrators."
Her time in Lubbock was certainly eventful with Mike Leach's controversial firing from Texas Tech and ensuing wrongful termination lawsuit; Pat Knight's dismissal; and Billy Gillispie's hiring, plus conference realignment. The paper's coverage of Leach's suspension was honored in the Texas Associated Press Managing Editors contest.
"It seemed like there was constantly a big story," she said.
She also was involved in the launch of Morris Communications' first iPad app, as well as setting a social media policy and working with photo and online editors to improve our multimedia sports coverage.
Her latest endeavor at the Times involves coverage of more than 60 high schools in two states, Chicago's professional teams and several universities.
"I am thrilled to be at the Times," she said. "Our sports staff has such a positive perspective and passion for the region we cover … The paper excels at being hyperlocal, and I've already seen how readers appreciate that."
