Forum Communications Company

Tom Larson recently was hired as the new sports editor at the West Central Tribune in Willmar, Minn.

Tom Larson has been named sports editor at the West Central Tribune of Willmar, Minn. Larson’s selection was announced July 1 by West Central Tribune Editor Kelly Boldan.

Larson, 51, has worked since 2004 as editor of the Morris Sun Tribune. He also is a native of nearby Benson, Minn.

“Tom brings a wide array of sports and news experience, as well as a deep knowledge of sports in west central Minnesota,” Boldan said. “His commitment to telling good stories and strong journalism will help continue the West Central Tribune’s strong sports legacy in the region.”

Larson is scheduled to start at the Tribune on July 25. He replaces Scott Thoma, who left the newspaper in June. Larson is looking forward to his return to the West Central Tribune where he worked as a sports writing intern in 1982.

“I’ve read the Tribune my entire life and it’s the place where I got my start working in newspapers,” Larson said. “I’m excited by the opportunity to help continue the Tribune’s great tradition of sports coverage.”

“Tom is a dedicated and sincere writer and has been a tremendous asset to the Morris Sun Tribune over the past seven years,” said Sun Tribune General Manager Sue Dieter. ”Tom’s keen interest in area sports makes the position at the West Central Tribune an ideal job for him. While it will be difficult to replace him, we wish him the best.”

Larson is a graduate of Benson High School, Willmar Community College and the University of Minnesota. At the university, he majored in journalism and worked at the Minnesota Daily newspaper, serving in a number of roles. He was an editor and as a reporter he covered the Gopher men’s basketball team.

He worked 10 years at the St. Cloud Times as a sports reporter and columnist, covering St. John’s University and College of St. Benedict athletics and local high school athletics. He also worked six years at the Duluth News-Tribune as a sports reporter, primarily covering University of Minnesota-Duluth athletics, local Northern League and Northwoods League baseball teams and high school athletics.

The West Central Tribune in Willmar, Minn., and the Morris (Minn.) Sun Tribune and the Duluth (Minn.) News-Tribune are owned by Forum Communications Co.