Turlock has been my home practically my entire life. I’ve watched this town grow and expand as fields turned into shopping malls and housing developments. I grew up on Turlock sports, my childhood consisted of wrestling in the winter and football in the fall. I spent six with the Turlock Youth Wrestling Program and played five years with the Turlock 49ers. When I wasn’t on the mat or the field I was at home watching and rooting for the Oakland Raiders and booing the Dallas Cowboys.

 I attended Turlock High School where I played middle linebacker and fullback for the Bulldogs and participated in the first two Harvest Bowls. I graduated in 2006 and became a Warrior, enrolling at California State University, Stanislaus. There, I spent five years studying communications, media studies and journalism. I was also a manger and DJ at 91.9 KCSS where I served as the station’s production director.

During my time in Turlock I have been lucky enough to not only see former teammates and opponents make the jump to the college and professional levels of their sports but to watch them excel and evolve as well.

My love for sports has been rivaled only by my passion for learning and writing. Now, I have been able to couple my background in sports and writing in my new position as the Turlock Journal’s new sports reporter; and I couldn’t be happier.

I plan on providing our readers with on-point and unbiased coverage of local sports, so don’t be alarmed about my Bulldog background. I want to bring the spotlight to exceptional athletes, regardless of sport or school, and bring their stories and accomplishments to the community’s attention. As the sole sports reporter I don’t expect to uncover all the stories on my own and so I welcome any and all information. If you think there’s a story worth covering, let me know.

I’m excited about the opportunity to add a new perspective to my experience with sports in this community, to be behind the scenes rather than in the game. I look forward to meeting the coaches, players and parents from all the sports we cover and I look forward to covering the future success of our local teams.

To contact Frankie Tovar, e-mail ftovar@turlockjournal.com or call 634-9141 ext. 2041.