Once again another year acknowledging a former KSU student's contribution to life here in Manhattan has been ignored.  This student, Ed Chartrand, died in his senior year of still unknown causes, but his legacy and passion live on.  Ed loved soccer.  His memory lives on despite being ignored by the main media source in this university town who cynically spouts that they are the voice of KSU.  The Manhattan Mercury is pitiful in its journalistic integrity to cover sporting events in this town that relates to sports not considered "mainstream".  For this there should be nothing but collective shame for the sports desks.  Shame for not knowing of this annual event, shame for not acknowledging the sacrifice and shame for not making public the families who strive to keep alive a wonderful memory and passion for a world's game. 
This is systemic journalism in that soccer tournaments have been held, and hundreds of youth soccer players and families, but are not acknowledged as ever coming to this town.  Thousands of dollars are spent here by these visitors in this local economy.  How many more years will elapse before this is rectified?  I have my doubts the sports editors are truly interested in any sports they have never played before.  What a shame for the rest of the community is denied this lasting legacy.
Ken Ross
930 Pottawatomie Avenue
Manhattan, Kansas
785-776-0163