Chris Cook
Whenever someone asks me how I got into the world of sports writing I tell them the truth – It was an accident.
Writing had always been a component of my career activities. As a gigging musician and songwriter I was always penning lyrics that were often terrible, frequently decent and, once in a while, even clever (Don’t take my word for it, check out Groovy Julia ). Meanwhile, as a Canadian Immigration Adjudicator, I was required to make and write administrative court decisions that had to hold up to the scrutiny of the Federal Court of Canada. Dry? You bet. But it was excellent training for being exacting and detail-oriented.
Since I was a kid, I always read the sports section and thought, man, I can do that. I loved sports and loved talking about them. You name the sport and I have at least a nodding acquaintance with it, which brings us to how I become a professional sports writer.
It was a moment of serendipity, a case of being in the right place at the right time. In fact, it was a bright mid-winter day, sun pouring through the high windows of the converted furniture factory I was visiting. I’d come to take a buddy of mine to lunch. He was employed doing something or other for an internet company located in the building.
As we walked down the hall to the elevator, a door burst open. Through it bounded a man who, judging by his beet red face and messed-up hair was in some sort of crisis. It wasn’t a scream he let out. Rather it was more of a wail. But his words sounded suspiciously like opportunity knocking.
“Can’t anyone around here write about the F-***-in’ NBA?”
Without thinking, I blurted out, “I can.”
A day (and a hastily thrown together bio and portfolio) later and I was the expert NBA columnist for a website offering fantasy sports games. From there, things took off. I became their NASCAR expert, golf guy and sports historian.
Since that auspicious beginning, I have covered pro sports for a Sacramento based website called Today’s Sports, done features, athlete profiles, moderated chats and traveled to the 2000 Sydney Olympics on behalf of the AOL Canada sports channel and provided content for Canadian golfer Mike Weir’s website.
Recently, the bulk of my work has been for the television industry. I wrote the daily sports report for the worldwide syndicated show, the Naked News, for many years, was a freelance reporter for the Score (a Canadian all sports highlight channel) and still produce the weekend sports news for CTV Toronto, Canada’s number 1 local newscast.
I have also written a biography of Canadian golf legend Moe Norman for Fitzhenry and Whiteside that is slated to be published either Fall 2007 or Spring 2008.
Latest Articles
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Baseball's Legendary Cy Young
After a 22 year Major League career, Cy Young set records that will never even be approached. Here is a short bio to mark the 100th anniversary of his 3rd no hitter.
Jun 30, 2008
- Chris Cook
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World Hockey Championships Preview
The IIHF World Hockey Championships are underway in Canada; here's a quick look at some of the contending teams vying for the World title.
May 2, 2008
- Chris Cook
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The World Hockey Championships
Whether you're looking for an alternative to the Stanley Cup playoffs or you just can't get enough hockey, the 2008 World Championships should serve up some sweet shinny.
May 2, 2008
- Chris Cook
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Ottawa Senators Playoff Chances
The Ottawa Senators end of season complaints reveal how little confidence they've got going into the playoffs. The evidence shows they've got good reason to be worried.
Apr 9, 2008
- Chris Cook
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Gene Sarazen and the Masters
For all his accomplishments, Gene Sarazen will forever be linked to the Masters by one incredible shot - A double eagle that's been called golf's greatest shot ever.
Apr 7, 2008
- Chris Cook
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Golf Legend Gene Sarazen
One of professional golf's great early champions, Gene Sarazen did more than just win titles. He contributed to the game he loved for almost a century.
Apr 7, 2008
- Chris Cook
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The Rocket Richard Riot
When NHL President Clarence Campbell suspended Rocket Richard in 1955, he, and the Montreal police, got a lot more than they bargained for - An angry mob.
Mar 13, 2008
- Chris Cook
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Leafs Captain Mats Sundin
Neither Maple Leaf fans nor management should be upset that Mats Sundin refused to waive his no trade clause. He's just exercising his contractual rights.
Feb 25, 2008
- Chris Cook
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The Late, Great Willie P. Bennett
Roots music lost one of its most genuine practitioners when Willie P. Bennett died of natural causes in Peterborough, Ontario, Canada on February 15, 2008.
Feb 18, 2008
- Chris Cook
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A Brief History of Super Bowl I
Like most great things, the Super Bowl grew from humble beginnings. How humble? Super Bowl I wasn't even a sell-out.
Jan 28, 2008
- Chris Cook
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