In the News

[Jeffrey Reed]

October 26, 2011

Londoner sports columnist Jeffrey Reed has never been one to back down to a challenge in the press box or on the playing field. But now, perhaps Reed’s biggest challenge on both fronts will be documented here in Londoner in a new column, Out Of My League.

Twice monthly, Reed will suit up with the highest profile teams and athletes in London, then write about his first-hand experiences. Between the white lines during practices and scrimmages, and in the trenches with London’s leading experts in their fields, Reed will chronicle the lives of London’s sports elite.

“This isn’t fun and games,” says Reed. “This is a true reality series – and in-depth look at our top athletes, coaches and trainers.”

Reed, 49, borrows a page from sports journalism giant George Plimpton, whose first-person accounts were published in books including, Paper Lion (1966). It’s a true story about Plimpton’s time in uniform during training camp with the 1963 Detroit Lions.

“I’ve tossed around the idea of, Out Of My League, to local media for a number of years,” explains Reed, “so I am thrilled that Londoner has seen the value of such a regular column. It will take the average sports fan out of their seat and into the arena, up-close-and-personal with our local sports stars.”

Reed knows a little something about sports and competition. He’s been a sports journalist for more than 30 years, and has captured four writing awards in the past six years. Despite the fact he lives with physical challenges, he signed a contract with the 2001 London Majors of the Intercounty Baseball League, and pitched from the bullpen as a 39-year-old rookie. Now a part-time golf instructor, Reed hit golf balls for an incredible eight straight hours in 2010, raising funds for the London Anti-Bullying Coalition.

“I’m not going to shy away from challenges,” says Reed, “but I’m not out to impress anyone. Out Of My League is all about the respect I have for our top athletes, coaches and trainers. Twice monthly, I hope to give our readers a better understanding of what it takes to be at the top of your game. And at the same time, I want to entertain our readers with the lighter side of sports, in a way the local sports fan has never seen before.”

A former cross country runner with London’s Montcalm Cougars, and a casual tennis and hockey player, Reed will leave his comfort zone in order to offer an inside look at the local sports world.

Says Reed, “Along the way, hopefully I can demonstrate that win or lose, despite disabilities, you can accomplish great things through perseverance and hard work. And those are two traits which I am sure our local athletes will show me as I enter their world of elite sports.”

Londoner editor Don Biggs says, “We’re excited to be offering our readers a unique look at our local athletes. Londoner is all about supporting the local community. We’re confident Reed’s Out Of My League column will knock one out of the park for local sports.”