Mark Rico
Conway,AR
Summary
Award-winning Freelance Sports Reporter with a track record of elevating sports journalism through compelling storytelling and comprehensive event coverage. Leveraged strong writing skills and video editing proficiency to enhance readership for the Arkansas Democrat Gazette. Excelled in team collaboration and public speaking, securing exclusive interviews and developing professional contacts. Recognized with the Better Newspaper Feature Award in 2016.
Overview
16
16
years of professional experience
Work History
Sports Reporter
Log Cabin Democrat
Conway, AR
03.2019 - 06.2024
- Pitched and developed new columns, consistently increasing readership with proven sports and reporting expertise.
- Delivered authoritative sports coverage with careful attention to game facts, stats and predictions.
- Covered numerous events personally, traveling to games to create buzz and offer expert coverage.
- Adapted writing style to cater to various platforms such as print, digital, radio broadcast scripts for diverse audiences.
Sports Reporter
Arkansas Democrat Gazette
Little Rock, AR
08.2018 - 03.2019
- Utilized storytelling skills to provide vivid descriptions of live events, creating an immersive experience for readers who could not attend games themselves.
- Revitalized community sports coverage by increasing assignments and revamping quality standards.
- Delivered authoritative sports coverage with careful attention to game facts, stats and predictions.
- Managed online sports columns, blogs and video pieces.
Freelance Sports Reporter
Freelance
San Antonio, TX
01.2008 - 05.2018
- Developed relationships with athletes, coaches, and industry professionals for access to exclusive interviews and stories.
- Took publication to forefront of regional sports journalism by maintaining complete coverage for popular sports at high school, college and professional levels.
- Conducted in-depth interviews with players and coaches.
- Networked with sports and broadcast leaders to develop professional contacts.
- Recipient of the Better Newspaper Feature Award in 2016 while at Wimberley View.
Education
No Degree - Kinesiology
Texas State University
San Marcos, TX05.2025
Associate of Arts - Liberal Arts And General Studies
University of Arkansas Community College-Morrilton
Morrilton, AR05.2022
Skills
- Teamwork
- Video editing proficiency
- Team Collaboration
- Sports expertise
- Public Speaking Confidence
- Strong writing skills
- Digital Photography
Timeline
Sports Reporter
Log Cabin Democrat
03.2019 - 06.2024
Sports Reporter
Arkansas Democrat Gazette
08.2018 - 03.2019
Freelance Sports Reporter
Freelance
01.2008 - 05.2018
No Degree - Kinesiology
Texas State University
Associate of Arts - Liberal Arts And General Studies
University of Arkansas Community College-Morrilton