In an effort to expand coverage of local sports, the Waverly Newspapers has hired a new reporter.
Cole Negen has joined the Waverly Newspapers as a sports reporter. He will focus his reporting on Waverly-Shell Rock athletics based out of the Waverly newsroom.
“I am excited and passionate to begin working in a sports-passionate community,†Negen said.
Negen, a Clarksville native, was a four-sport athlete while at Clarksville High School (Class of 2021), playing baseball, football, wrestling and golfing. He continued playing football while attending St. Ambrose University in Davenport, whence he graduated in December 2024.
Negen covered every sport at St. Ambrose as sports editor at the monthly college newspaper for a year and a half. He’s familiar with game summaries, enjoys researching statistics, and relishes writing features.
In addition to the print duties, Negen anchored the school’s SAU TV production, available on YouTube, covering news and sports. He announced football and softball play-by-play for the college radio station. He edited video and ran a soundboard.
Negen said he’s passionate about sports from a personal and a community pride vantage point.
Melaine Buzynski, general manager, said she was excited to add another sports reporter to the staff.
“We are excited to have Cole join our team. His enthusiasm and experience as an intern will be very beneficial to our readers,†Buzynski said.
Negen will team with current sports reporter Mira Schmitt-Cash, who will continue part-time as a sports reporter, and she will resume news coverage part-time.
