Jared Larson joins CNA editorial staff

Jared Larson, 24, of Ames joined the Creston News Advertiser editorial staff as sports reporter Monday. The 2020 Iowa State University graduate comes from The News-Review based in Sigourney, where he worked as sports editor covering Sigourney, Kepta, English Valleys, Tri-County and Pekin.

Larson holds a bachelor’s degree in journalism and mass communication and a minor in sociology. In college he wrote for SB Nation, part of Vox Media, and is soon joining CycloneFanatic.com for Iowa State athletic history coverage.

At the Iowa Newspaper Awards in February, Larson joined News-Review graphic designer Emily Grifffioen for first place best use of graphics, weekly class II division. He also received second place best use of headlines and best sports section. Larson earned a third-place for his efforts during the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Because we had a pandemic last year, I made QR codes and digital programs so people could scan posters with their phone, that way they don’t have to touch paper,” said Larson.

For the past two years, Larson has been nominated for the Football Writers Association of America Edward Aschoff Rising Star Award. The honor is awarded to the best college football journalist under the age of 34.

Larson’s future goals include finding his way back to college athletics.

“I’d really like to work for a university in their archives doing athletic communications. I think by being [in Creston] I can continue to build up strength, confidence, photos and AP style writing about sports,” he said.

For now, Larson is excited to be working for a daily paper.

“The Creston News Advertiser, to me, feels like a real newspaper,” said Larson. “It’s a five day a week kind of a thing, I’ll be covering community college, and it’s more than 1,800 people. It’s just another stepping stone for me.”

To welcome Larson, email him at jlarson@crestonnews.com or call 641-782-2141 ext. 6432.