Schuckman: Crim’s induction into IBCA Hall of Fame is fitting honor for inspiring writer, friend

Intimidating. It seems funny to say it, but that is the most apt description for how I viewed Don Crim the first time I walked into the Quincy Herald-Whig newsroom nearly 33 years ago.

The sports editor’s desk, complete with stain rings from his coffee cup and an overflowing ashtray of cigarette butts, served as the hub of the sports department. It was where I wanted to work, and the energy the newsroom generated was mesmerizing.

Two months short of my 16th birthday in August 1989, Crim agreed to interview me for a part-time sports clerk position. He seemed a little gruff with a gravelly voice you’d expect from a grizzled scribe and a presence that was undeniable. He was the voice and the face of the sports pages I read religiously every day.

Sitting in front of him, discussing work responsibilities along with homework loads and college plans, I was nervous and somewhat intimidated.

I laugh looking back at it now.

No person has influenced my career more than Don Crim. Not only was he my first boss in this business, but he became my mentor, my friend and the person I didn’t want to disappoint the most.

He taught me the ropes, convinced me the University of Missouri was where I needed to study journalism and brought me back to Quincy when a foray into magazines left me yearning for the daily grind of working for a newspaper.

Beyond that, he taught me news judgment and how to share my voice without yelling from the rooftops. He showed me how to use subtlety and when to go to battle for the reader. He edited my copy, served as a sounding board and encouraged me to play to my strengths as a writer and reporter.

Crim is still doing those things today, albeit in a different capacity.

His support when we launched Muddy River Sports was unwavering, and his decision to join us as a weekly columnist has been a boon for our platform and our readers. It’s funny to be the one editing his copy these days and not have it be the other way around.

Saturday night, during a banquet at Illinois State University’s Redbird Arena, Crim was inducted into the Illinois Basketball Coaches Association Hall of Fame in the media category.

Crim began his journalism career as a sport writer before shifting gears and leaving his imprint on the news product The Herald-Whig produced. He retired as executive editor in 2019, having molded, grilled, edited and influenced decades worth of journalists.

No matter where you look on the Muddy River platforms, Crim has had a hand in developing the style, the integrity and the confidence in each one of us.

To see him honored for his passion, his work ethic and his gift for writing is inspiring, it’s a privilege to call him a colleague and a friend.

He is a Hall of Famer in every regard.