From Bradford Era, July 2

Vinelli promoted to sports editor at Bradford Era; Kloss resigned

Long-time Bradford Era sports writer Joe Vinelli has been named sports editor.

Vinelli's appointment, which was effective Friday, July 1, was announced by Era managing editor Marty Wilder. Vinelli, 40, succeeds Ron Kloss who recently stepped down because of health problems.

"It's an unfortunate way to be elevated to sports editor," Vinelli said. "I had hoped Ron would continue to work until he was 62 and be able to retire on his terms."

"I am appreciative of the opportunity The Era is giving me," he added. "I look forward to the opportunity to continue to give our readers a good product."

Vinelli, who started part-time in the sports department in 1981, began full-time in August 1986.

He is a 1982 graduate of Bradford Area High School and earned a degree in public relations in 1987 from the University of Pittsburgh at Bradford.

"For 16 of the last 19 months the sports department was missing Ron's 38 years of experience. It has been a challenge to get the daily tasks accomplished while being short-handed."

Vinelli, who is an avid runner, is the son of Michael Vinelli Sr. Vinelli noted that Kloss has been a good mentor over the years, teaching him "a great deal about the newspaper business."

Vinelli has hired Sara Eddy Okerlund as a full-time member of the sports department.

Okerlund has worked part-time in sports at The Era for more than three years.

She also worked for six months at the Indiana (Pa.) Gazette.

She was a 1,000-point scorer for the Bradford High Lady Owls' basketball team. In addition, Okerlund was a two-year member of the BAHS cross country team.

Okerlund has covered the Bradford Owls and Lady Panthers basketball teams. In addition she has written numerous preseason stories and feature articles.

Okerlund is believed to be the first female sports writer to work full-time at The Era.