'Star' alum brings talent to Gazette team

Wednesday, August 3, 2016
Gabe Gauthier

GENE O. MORRIS

McCook Gazette

McCOOK, Neb. -- The McCook Gazette's new sports and feature writer, Gabe Gauthier, knows what it's like to be a star, even if it was -- oh so briefly -- during his senior year at Kearney Catholic High School.

"I was doing what the coaches told us to do on every play ... pursue the football and don't stop until the whistle. As luck would have it, I was right on the Burwell ball carrier's tail when the ball popped out. I snatched it up and took off running, scoring the one-and-only touchdown of my high school football career on a 68-yard runback."

So, all you high school athletes, get ready! As a sports and feature writer, Gabe will be watching closely for your moment in the spotlight, taking notes and writing it up for the sports pages of the Gazette.

Following graduation from Kearney Catholic High School in 2007, Gabe enrolled at Wayne State College, where he majored in secondary education, receiving his Bachelor of Science degree in Education in 2012. Three years of Social Science teaching came next, with Gabe living in McCook and teaching at Southwest High School, then transferring to his hometown, Kearney, to teach. He spent this past year working as an admissions counselor at Wayne State College.

Despite his teaching background, he was a newspaper writer in college, doing sports and feature articles for the college newspaper: the Wayne Stater. "Sports writing is something I've always been interested in." Gabe said about applying for this position. "I would rather take chances and have new experiences, rather than wonder 'What if?'"

Two months ago, Gabe's life changed as he was united in marriage with Brittney Firley of Deshler at St. James Catholic Church in Kearney. Brittney will be teaching first and second grade at Stratton Elementary School, a part of the Dundy County-Stratton system. The two are looking forward to this new chapter of their lives.

An active guy, Gabe likes working out, playing pick-up games of basketball and soccer, and an occasional game of golf. Besides football and baseball, Gabe is also an avid hockey and soccer fan. "The growth of social media and new TV deals have made it much easier to follow those two sports," he noted. Additionally, Gabe is looking forward to getting involved in various community organizations.

To reach Gabe, you may e-mail him at sports1@mccookgazette.com or call him at 308-345-4500, extension 119.