Congratulations to the West Seattle Herald for their ostrich-like behavior when it comes to sports coverage on the web-based West Seattle Herald. For the last few weeks I've been berating them for their lack of sports coverage despite having two highly-ranked teams in their area of responsibility, including the two-time defending girls basketball state champions.

Last week I threw down the gauntlet, asking why they bother to have a sports section with their lack of coverage. Rather than pick up the challenge and provide a story, the West Seattle Herald staff chose to eliminate the sports listing.

Now, I thought perhaps this was a failing of the Robinson Newspaper system, so I went to their other offerings (Ballard, Highline, and Federal Way). However, once I got there, I found several articles under each, demonstrating a fine ability to provide sports coverage. It is only the West Seattle and White Center residents who are forced to accept the lack of coverage of their very successful sports programs. All this during a time when these teams are competing in the Sea-King District tournament leading up to the State tournament.

I live on the East Coast, so the West Seattle Herald on line is the only way I have to get an independent perspective on the happenings of my old stomping grounds. The West Seattle Herald proclaims itself "the newspaper of choice" for West Seattle, and claims to "provide crisp, award-winning news coverage about West Seattle and White Center." It's time the West Seattle Herald staff wakes up and recognizes that sports are a part of the news arena. West Seattle has several schools with successful sports programs. It would be nice to read about them online every once in a while. Live up to your mantra and make it happen.

John Nelson

Sterling, Va.