Understanding Ralph Friedgen

So, it goes like this. We publish a lot crap. We know that. It’s part of the deal.

This is not crap. This is good stuff. You should read it.

Kevin Van Valkenburg is a writer and blogger for a variety of publications including the Baltimore Sun. Simply put, he’s a good one. As far as we know he’s not a vampire as his name implies) from some lost kingdom in Easter Europe, but we could be wrong…

He was born and raised in Missoula, Montana, and graduated from the University of Montana in 2000 with an undergraduate degree in journalism. He was hired by the Baltimore Sun, and spent his first six months covering crime in Howard County while working on the city desk on Saturday nights.

Eventually, he transferred into the sports department, where he dabbled in a little of everything, including prep sports, Navy football, Maryland football and basketball, and the 2002 Winter Olympics in Salt Lake City.

In 2004, after a story he wrote appeared in the Best American Sports Writing anthology, he became a general assignment feature writer for The Sun, a position he’s held since. He has been honored four times by the Associated Press Sports Editors, three times for project reporting and once for feature writing.

From 2005 through 2008, Van Valkenburg covered Michael Phelps during quest to win eight gold medals in a single Olympics.

One day many-a-year-ago, Van Valkenburg went on a road trip with Ralph Friedgen. Here is that story.

It’s well worth reading. Enjoy.

(Editor's Note: Thanks to Fear and Loathing in Jokesville and all the Boys From Wheaton for the tip.)