The Cherokee Scout, the primary news source for Cherokee County since 1889, has hired Justin Fitzgerald to be the new sports writer. He replaces Noah Shatzer.
Fitzgerald comes to the Scout from the Baltimore suburbs, about half an hour north of the city. He graduated magna cum laude with a bachelor’s degree in journalism from the University of Maryland in 2019.
“I’m thrilled to be joining the staff at the Cherokee Scout,” Fitzgerald said. “I believe local news is incredibly important for towns and hope to help continue the Scout’s mission of quality community journalism.
“I’m looking forward to learning more about Cherokee County and to tell stories about the teams and athletes here.”
Before and after graduation, Fitzgerald worked in a variety of sports roles, such as a freelance reporter for multiple publications in the Baltimore/Washington area covering high school sports, college sports and minor league baseball. He also served as editor of SB Nation’s University of Maryland website.
“We’re excited to bring Justin aboard and look forward to seeing how well his skillset complements the Scout,” Publisher & Editor David Brown said. “Our goal is always to try and get even better, and Justin will help us do just that.”