Media of the Year - 2005

LEE BATES
Coffey County Republican

Lee Bates, along with Jeremy Gaston, has helped to put out exciting coverage for Burlington wrestling in the Coffey County Republican.

Each year, they do at least three full-page articles, one dealing with the tournament, one on state qualifiers, and another with special accomplishments. The staff at the Republican work closely with the coaching staff laying out the pages, gathering information, and coordinating on graphics and articles. They provide coverage for the youth, middle school, and high school wrestling teams.

Bates has worked at the Republican for four years as a graphics artists.

“I owe Doug Vander Linden a debt I will never be able to repay. He mentored my son for 16 years and changed his life forever. He taught him to succeed, to become a better person, to train hard, set goals, and achieve objectives,” Bates said.