Shiner elected 2006-07 sports editor

The Chronicle's sports staff elected sophomore Meredith Shiner to serve as the newspaper's sports editor for its 103rd volume.

At a meeting Monday, Shiner-currently an associate editor and sports columnist-was selected to head up production of The Chronicle's daily sports section and lead a staff of more than 30 writers and editors.

With her election, Shiner becomes The Chronicle's first female sports editor since 1996. A Northfield, Ill. native, she will replace junior Greg Beaton for a one-year term beginning May 13.

"I couldn't be happier," Shiner said Monday. "This is one of the best opportunities of my life, and I can't wait to get started."

In her speech Monday, Shiner emphasized the need for better writer retention and the desire for a more visually appealing section with graphics that add analysis to The Chronicle's daily sports coverage.

"I hope next year we can continue to improve and exceed the expectations of our readers," Shiner said. "Sports are very important to many people on this campus. We have to continue to be the best at what we do, to reflect the Duke teams on the field or on the court that are the best at what they do."

As a freshman, Shiner covered the women's basketball team, as well as the men's golf team. This year, in addition to her bi-weekly sports column, Shiner has covered both the women's and men's basketball teams.

Shiner graduated from New Trier High School in Winnetka, Ill. in 2005. She intends to double major in English and Political Science.