By Caitlyn Petty
Many students fear what they will become after college or will spend years trying to figure it out. Not BG Falcon Media alumnus Ron Fritz, who has had his passion for journalism since he was 15 years old.
During his time on campus, Ron held almost every position on the Falcon Media team. He knew that with his interests in journalism, he would be a good fit and joined as quickly as possible, becoming a member on his second day of campus. He ascended to assistant sports editor then moved on to editor of the BG News the fall of his junior year and spring of his senior. Ron said one of his biggest achievements was winning the President’s Award from then-president Paul Olscamp for his work criticizing Bowling Green State University and how to improve the school. He also said one of his most memorable pieces during his time focused on BGSU investing in companies that supported apartheid in South Africa. When receiving the award, Paul Olscamp said “he was a student journalist, but he was fair” Ron says this meant the most to him and helped fuel his need to be better and keep being a voice for the people.
Since graduating BGSU, Ron had the opportunity to work at multiple newspapers across the country. He started his career in York, Pennsylvania where he was assistant sports editor for five years. He later moved to Wilmington, Delaware, taking a different route a Sunday editor for the News Journal, laying out the Sunday front page and managing the newsroom on the weekends. Ron spent seven years in that role before becoming deputy new editor, a role he held for five years. However, Ron decided his heart was still in sports and moved to Maryland to work for the Baltimore Sun. After spending 13 years there, some things were changing with the company and Ron made the decision find a new opportunity.
He found a new passion covering the world of legal gambling, ultimately moving to Charlotte – where he still calls home – and working for Bookies.com. At this company, Ron oversaw gambling operations and covered pieces on legal gambling in 38 states. During his time there, Ron helped launch more than 20 websites for responsible online betting. After taking a three-year break, He currently works for Cantena Media as a managing editor for PlayUSA.com. Ron said he really likes how the company “puts an emphasis on legal and responsible gambling.” He said the change from news to the gambling world was not drastic and he liked expanding his knowledge.
Ron said he owes part of his career to Bowling Green State University. His biggest piece of advice to current students is to always go to class and take notes. Ron said “Even if you sleep through class, you’ll still learn.” He also strongly suggests any students with an interest in media to get involved with Falcon Media.