Burns promoted to sports editor of The Globe

Mar. 1—WORTHINGTON — Nearly three months after joining The Globe as a reporter, Dominic Burns moves into the role of sports editor, effective today. His new role comes with the retirement of Doug Wolter, a long-time sports editor at the local newspaper.

Burns, a 2018 graduate of Worthington High School and a former exchange student to Worthington's sister city of Crailsheim, Germany, was hired in early December to work with and learn from long-time Globe sports editor Doug Wolter. In the past three months, he has been mentored not only by Wolter, but Scott Mansch, who became a decorated sports editor in Montana before retiring to his hometown of Slayton and joining the Globe team part-time.

"So much has been talked about replacing a legend," said Burns, adding that he has some big footsteps to fill. "There's been some really great memories with Doug. It's a great reminder of the impact this position can have on people."

Burns' entry into sports journalism began as a high school senior, when he was asked by then-editor Ryan McGaughey to consider a job as a sports stringer — coming in at night to take game scores over the phone, get quotes from coaches and add to the area sports coverage in the Globe's print and online products.

He worked as a sports stringer throughout his two years at Minnesota West Community & Technical College, and then left to complete his four-year degree in German, with a minor in history, at Mankato State University. Burns returned to Worthington in the late spring of 2022, and worked for Hubbard Feed before joining the Globe in December.

Burns is the son of Scott and Karen Burns, and has four brothers — Thomas, Patrick, Samuel and Quentin.

"I've spent all my life in Worthington," Burns said, sharing stories about how he and his brothers would play baseball in the backyard of their Fox Farm Road home, using tree stumps for bases and the garden post to mark a homerun.

While Burns was an athlete in school — competing in cross country and tennis — he admits he was "never a great athlete."

"I was never a great athlete but I always enjoyed watching sports," he shared. "At the end of the day, I love all the sports and it's never a pain to watch any of them."

Perhaps that's why he said working as a reporter "never really felt like work."

"It's a lot of fun," Burns said. "We're covering some really great kids and some great coaches."

Of course he also gets to watch a lot of competitive sports during the week. This winter season has included coverage of boys and girls basketball, gymnastics, hockey and wrestling.

"I'm excited," Burns said of becoming the Globe's sports editor. "I think I'll have a lot of great hands to assist me as I take a bigger role. I feel like I'm being set up for great success, and good sports coverage will continue at The Globe.

"It's a great place for all of the area to get sports scores and stories," he added.

Burns is always looking for ideas for athlete features and sports-related stories. He can be reached at 507-376-7328.