About Ken Karrson

Ken Karrson has been a sports reporter for 22 years including the last 20 at The Times.

He covers Illinois prep sports, writes the memorabilia column and in his spare time is the sports editor for the Regional News and Reporter weekly papers in Palos Heights.

In his more than 16,000 stories written, he's also won awards from the National Newspaper Association, the Peter Lisagor Awards, the Illinois Press Association and the Northern Illinois Newspaper Assocation.

Ken is a graduate of Thornton High School and the University of Illinois-Chicago and has previously worked in magazines, radio, cable TV, for SportsPhone and as an advertising copywriter.

Reach Ken Karrson at (219) 933-3232 or kenneth.karrson@nwi.com

Bloom makes everyone else believers, too

By Ken Karrson Prep Beat

PEORIA | After finally getting a firsthand look at Simeon Friday night, I realized they're not the best team Illinois.

KEN KARRSON: Lookin' for love in all the wrong places

By Ken Karrson Sports Memorabilia

I may be going out on a limb here, but I'm guessing that LeBron James probably doesn't concern himself with how most Americans think of him -- or if they even think about him at all.

Outcome sure looks good to Bloom Twp.

By Ken Karrson Prep Beat

LOCKPORT | Had this had been an event where the winner was decided on style points, none would have been declared.

KEN KARRSON: Upcoming promotional item 'Zim-possible' to ignore

By Ken Karrson Sports Memorabilia

Harry Caray once rhapsodized that, "You can't beat fun at the old ballpark."

KEN KARRSON: For one night, H-F changes its reputation

By Ken Karrson Prep Beat

FLOSSMOOR | Reputations are a lot like gum on the bottom of one's shoe.

KEN KARRSON: Never really perfect, but it's still 300

By Ken Karrson Sports Memorabilia

If the number represented someone's bowling score, it couldn't get any better.

KEN KARRSON: 'Bird(s)-watching suddenly back in style

By Ken Karrson Prep Beat

SOUTH HOLLAND | Once upon a time 'Birds-watching was a popular activity in South Holland, especially during the winter.

KEN KARRSON: No football, but Tebow's staying active

By Ken Karrson Sports Memorabilia

Has there ever been a bigger lightning rod in professional sports than Tim Tebow?

KEN KARRSON: Still waiting for Warriors' breakthrough

By Ken Karrson Prep Beat

CRETE | What a difference a year makes.

KEN KARRSON: What's in a game?

By Ken Karrson Sports Memorabilia

Whatever happened to escapism?

KEN KARRSON: Despite defeat, better days likely for Marian

By Ken Karrson Prep Beat

CHICAGO HEIGHTS | Exercising patience isn't easy.

KEN KARRSON: Bringing you some news that barely is

By Ken Karrson Sports Memorabilia

Whoever first uttered the "no news is good news" phrase obviously wasn't employed by a media company.

KEN KARRSON: Two months later, Meteors still searching

By Ken Karrson Prep Beat

CALUMET CITY | What a difference 63 days haven't made.

KEN KARRSON: Even if the shoe doesn't fit, some buy it

By Ken Karrson Sports Memorabilia

At the risk of incurring the wrath of half the population, I pose the following question:

KEN KARRSON: The spirit is moving T.F. South hoops fans

By Ken Karrson Prep Beat

TINLEY PARK | As a couple of buses pulled into the parking lot at Tinley Park High School around 6:15 p.m. Friday night, I was a little perplexed.

KEN KARRSON: St. Francis' future has gotten brighter

By Ken Karrson Prep Beat

Contrary to public opinion, not all media people revel in being bearers of bad tidings.

KEN KARRSON: Keep those letters about cards coming

By Ken Karrson Sports Memorabilia

At the risk of exposing more of my old-world tendencies, I have to admit it's kind of cool receiving a handwritten letter.

KEN KARRSON: Moore's been gone, but not forgotten

By Ken Karrson Prep Beat

History usually doesn't draw much notice in a what-have-you-done-for-me-lately society.

KEN KARRSON: No big hoop-di-do for basketball collectors

By Ken Karrson Sports Memorabilia

It's never fun to be snubbed.

KEN KARRSON: Still plenty of heat in this rivalry

By Ken Karrson Prep Beat

LANSING | There was one very good reason to not venture outside Friday night, and it could be found on the nearest thermometer.

KEN KARRSON: Paying homage to a true trading card original

By Ken Karrson Sports Memorabilia

All collectors would love to have do-overs.

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