By Staff
From Staff Reports
Matthew Nascone has been hired as sports editor of The Atmore Advance.
Nascone was born in Pittsburgh, P.A. and grew up in Buffalo Grove, Ill. before moving to Huntsville where he attended Virgil I. Grissom High School. He comes to the Advance after graduating from Auburn University in August with a bachelor's degree in journalism.
Matthew said he is excited about beginning his career in a small town like Atmore.
"I'm really excited," Nascone said. "Atmore seems like a really nice place to live. I think it's great to begin my career in a small town where I can grow and learn from the people I work with day in and day out."
Nascone attended Jefferson State Community College in Birmingham before transferring to Auburn. He served as a relief pitcher for the Pioneers baseball team, which won the National Junior College Conference Region XXII championship in 2002. After suffering a career-ending injury in 2003, he began volunteering for the Auburn Plainsman before being hired on as assistant sports editor and later sports editor. He has also interned with the Huntsville Times.
"When I interned with Huntsville, it helped broadened my horizons because it wasn't just dealing with sports," Nascone said. "I was under the city editor and had the opportunity to cover several news events. In Atmore, I know I'll have the opportunity to work with everyone from a high school football coach, little league baseball star star and the mayor. It's a great opportunity."
Nascone replaces Tim Cottrell, who left two weeks ago to work as sports editor of The North Jefferson News. Atmore Newspapers, Inc. publisher Adam Prestridge said he looks forward to Nascone working with the Advance staff.
"Matt has a lot of excellent ideas he plans on implementing and I am confident that he will do an excellent job," Prestridge said. "The community will enjoy what he has to offer."
Nascone served as secretary for the Society of Professional Journalists from 2004-05.