The Covington News, in conjunction with The Walton Tribune, will host the inaugural East Metro Atlanta Media Day at 11 a.m. Monday at the Porter Performing Arts Center, 140 Ram Drive, Covington.

The East Metro Atlanta Football Media Day is the brainchild of News sports editor Gabriel Stovall, who is also the executive director of the Georgia Sportswriters Association. Stovall wanted to bring exposure to the level of athletes in the east metro Atlanta area.

“One of the things I quickly noticed when I arrived in the area almost two years ago, and it got confirmed to me by what coaches were saying, is that this east metro Atlanta area has far more football talent than many would think, simply because I believe it’s a grossly underserved area as far as media coverage goes,” Stovall said. 

“That’s something I wanted to change through my work as sports editor of The Covington News. But what’s cool is others in our area, like my colleague Brett in Walton, recognize the same need to get our athletes out there, so it’s awesome that we can collaborate and make this media day happen this year, and hopefully for years to come.”

Participating in the event will be nearly a dozen schools from Newton, Rockdale and Walton counties.

“I’m excited that The Tribune could help be a part of this,” Tribune sports editor Brett Fowler said. “Gabriel has done a great job of organizing this event and I hope we can continue to make this event happen, and hopefully expand it, in the future.”

Confirmed teams in attendance include Eastside High School, Alcovy High School, Newton High School, Rockdale County High School, Salem High School, Monroe Area High School, Loganville High School, George Walton Academy, Piedmont Academy and Social Circle High School.

The East Metro Atlanta Football Media Day will be open to the public and all members of the media.