Jarrid Denney, a sports reporter with a passion for local journalism, has joined the Statesman Journal as its new high school sports reporter. His coverage will focus on teams from Salem-Keizer Public Schools, as well as others in Marion and Polk counties. In addition to high school sports, he will also cover some Oregon State sports.
Denney’s role at the Statesman Journal comes after the passing of longtime sports reporter Pete Martini in November 2023. Prior to joining the Statesman Journal, Denney worked for On3.com, where he covered Oregon Ducks football and men’s basketball. He also has experience covering high school sports for The Register-Guard in Eugene and the Corvallis Gazette-Times.
Since starting in April, Denney has written features and covered local teams competing in various state tournaments. He has also written about new and departing high school coaches, in addition to reporting on Oregon State sports and other sports-related topics. Denney grew up in Cottage Grove and graduated from the University of Oregon School of Journalism and Communication.
Denney is eager to continue building relationships within the Mid-Valley sports community and telling meaningful stories about local athletes. He encourages readers to reach out with story tips or feedback by emailing him at JDenney@Salem.gannett.com and following him on Twitter @jarrid_denney. Jonathan Williams, the daily news editor for the Statesman Journal and The Register-Guard, can be reached at JCWilliams1@Salem.gannett.com