Eric Sondheimer: 50 Years of Covering High School Sports

“It’s not my story,” said Eric Sondheimer. “It’s their story.” For fifty years, Sondheimer has reported on over 700 high schools, treating each as if it were the only one and spotlighting thousands of young athletes as individual stars. He embraces the vastness of Los Angeles by covering it like a small community he loves.

Amid the chaos of crowded bleachers and old stadiums, Sondheimer has persisted, facing irate coaches and tight deadlines. His commitment lies in sharing stories that often only reach family and friends. “When a parent thanks me for writing about their child, it’s the greatest feeling,” he shared.

From the early showcases of future legends like John Elway and Tiger Woods to stories of lesser-known athletes, Sondheimer has contributed countless narratives to the Southern California sports scene. Now, as he marks this milestone, attention turns to him as well.

Eric Sondheimer’s 50th anniversary covering high school sports deserves a loud cheer.

He continues to celebrate by driving from event to event, including a recent trip to Las Vegas to cover St. John Bosco’s game against Bishop Gorman. At 67, Sondheimer remains deeply integrated into the world of high school sports, documenting the careers of generations of athletes across Southern California.

For the past three decades, Sondheimer’s diligence has shaped coverage at The Times. He transitioned from the Daily News to The Times in 1997, becoming a key figure in a region known for nurturing athletic talent. His influence extends nationally, as many professional athletes reminisce about receiving their first headlines from him.

During the 2006 World Series, Hall of Fame baseball writers asked St. Louis’ Jeff Suppan whom he considered the greatest sportswriter. Suppan named Eric Sondheimer, highlighting his lasting impact on athletes and journalists alike.

Sondheimer has maintained an impressive productivity rate, averaging 266 bylines yearly since joining The Times. This translates to nearly one story per day during the high school sports seasons.

Terry Barnum, Harvard-Westlake’s athletic director, regards Sondheimer as a fixture in Los Angeles sports, stating, “The history of high school sports in Los Angeles can’t be written without Eric Sondheimer.”

Sondheimer’s debut story for The Times in 1997 demonstrated his foresight, focusing on West Hills brothers Jim and Randy Wolf, who both went on to achieve success in major league baseball.

His colleagues, like Randy Thompson of Bishop Alemany, praise Sondheimer’s work ethic and dedication. Though now driving a Tesla, Sondheimer’s routine includes covering large distances to capture local sports stories.

Sondheimer has faced challenges typical of covering prep sports, such as enduring deadline pressures and unexpected obstacles. Yet, he approaches it without fanfare, enjoying a simple existence without the limelight sought by many in the industry.

Despite opportunities to cover major Los Angeles teams, he’s content focusing on local sports. In his view, prep sports serve as a critical stage in the journalistic path, emphasizing its significance in any journalist’s career journey.

He devised Prep Talk to highlight positive stories about high school athletics daily. This popular feature, including photos by Sondheimer himself, showcases overlooked achievements and moments in local sports.

Iliana Limón Romero, assistant managing editor for sports at The Times, acknowledges his unwavering commitment. Sondheimer advocates for athletes facing challenges, prioritizing fairness and positivity even amidst criticism.

Former Crespi High player Jeff Suppan continues to honor Sondheimer’s contributions, affirming his gratitude and respect for the veteran sportswriter.

Fifty years of impact, one dedicated journalist.