The Man Behind New Jersey’s Unmatched High School Sports Coverage

Before the internet age, Chris Faytok loved covering high school athletics. Faytok developed his enthusiasm for photography as a junior at Woodbridge High School, spending hours in the lab developing film. He even sold copies to classmates to fund his pastime, setting the groundwork for a successful sports media career.

His father was a bowling writer, so Faytok was exposed to media intensity and rhythm early on. He learnt photography and journalism undercover in the darkroom, talents he used for decades. In those formative years, “I wasn’t getting paid, but it was a lot of fun,” he says.

Faytok covered the World Series, Stanley Cups, Super Bowls, and Olympics, honing his skills. His vision for New Jersey high school sports coverage set him apart. As head of NJ Advance Media’s High School Sports Department, Faytok runs one of the nation’s most thorough state-wide reporting organizations.

Over 400 high schools and 30 sports are in New Jersey. NJ Advance Media provides thorough reporting, statistics, rankings, and all-state team announcements for every sport under Faytok. More than two dozen reporters, editors, and freelance contributors work together to highlight athletic performance.

The department allows coaches to upload team scores and player stats to NJ Advance Media. Football, basketball, baseball, and wrestling get the most attention, but Faytok stresses the significance of reporting on all sports, including soccer, volleyball, bowling, and swimming. He says parents like watching their kids’ accomplishments, regardless of sport.

The Faytok team has both new and experienced players. Veteran reporters, some with decades of high school sports coverage, teach novices journalism. For instance, new grads are matched with experienced journalists on beats to ensure extensive, accurate, and interesting coverage. This mentorship creates a collaborative newsroom that uses video highlights and digital storytelling.

NJ Advance Media broadcasts state championship games, organizes high school athlete awards, and creates football analysis podcasts in addition to daily coverage. The department supports high school sports year-round, from fall football to winter basketball and indoor track.

Chris Faytok’s dedication has given every high school sport and student athlete a platform in New Jersey. His perspective shows the power of detailed, consistent, and enthusiastic sports journalism—telling the story behind every play and game, not merely reporting scores.

Sources:

NJ Advance Media high school sports coverage

Professional profiles and Chris Faytok interviews

NJSIAA