Newton Daily News is proud to announce today that sports writer Shane Lucas has been promoted to sports editor effective immediately.
“Over the last several weeks, Shane has exhibited the skills and leadership necessary to earn the title of sports editor,” Daily News editor Bob Eschliman said. “With his help, I know we will continue our push to improve and expand our local sports coverage.”
Lucas started working for the Daily News in June of 2011. The native of Roscoe, Ill., had graduated from Iowa State University in May of 2010, and he had spent the following summer as an intern with the Boone News-Republican.
“At the end of my internship, I got my first full-time job in Madisonville, Ky., where I covered four high schools in a similar-sized market to Newton,” he said. “The best perks of that job were living an hour from Nashville and going to Titans games with the paper’s press pass. I did almost get run over by Chris Johnson about four times, though.”
Among Lucas’ first assignments for the Daily News in 2011 was covering Newton Senior High School baseball. That year, the Cardinals nearly earned a berth in the state tournament with upset wins over Marshalltown and Ankeny.
He soon began covering racing at Iowa Speedway, as well. Prior to coming to Newton, his only previous experience with motorsports came from a trip to the Indianapolis 500 — as a spectator — but he soon became hooked on racing.
“Some of my highlights so far are the state wrestling meet, as well as chasing down Dario Franchitti after he wrecked at last year’s Iowa Corn Indy 250,” he said. “Also Simon Pagenaud calling me his lucky charm after I did a feature on him and he took fifth at last year’s race.”