116 3rd St SE
Cedar Rapids, Iowa 52401
Home / Opinion / Letters to the Editor
Hlas is more than a journalist
Mark and Lesley Pries
Dec. 6, 2025 10:24 am
The Gazette offers audio versions of articles using Instaread. Some words may be mispronounced.
Mike Hlas knows the soul of Iowa sports. His writing understands communities, athletes, coaches and fans. We looked forward to his insights, memories and vision for what was happening among us because we know Mike Hlas gets us. Mike Hlas wrote as an artistic journalist; he wrote with passion.
Mike Hlas is more than a sportswriter. He has visited our towns, stadiums, gymnasiums and arenas; he has listened to our history and understands our values. During the pandemic, when it wasn’t safe to play sports, Mike’s articles highlighting Iowa sports history, brought life and laughter into a dark time.
Mike Hlas is a respected journalist because he understands journalism being among the arts with literature, sport, theater, and music. Mike Hlas embraces the value of the arts to preserve history, tell people’s stories, and helps us to meet new communities.
We love Mike Hlas and we’ll miss his voice.
Lesley and Mark Pries
Iowa City
Opinion content represents the viewpoint of the author or The Gazette editorial board. You can join the conversation by submitting a letter to the editor or guest column or by suggesting a topic for an editorial to editorial@thegazette.com

Daily Newsletters