Steve Gravelle, who spent 17 years at The Gazette in the news department, has joined the Metro Sports Report as a general assignment reporter.

Gravelle will write news stories and features for the Metro Sports Report.

"We are delighted to have a reporter with Steve's ability and experience join our staff," said MSR president Jim Ecker. "He will be a great addition to the team."

Gravelle, a native of Maine, graduated from Minnesota State University at Mankato and worked at newspapers in Minnesota before moving to Cedar Rapids in 1996 to take a job with The Gazette. His job was eliminated as part of The Gazette's lastest round of downsizing in January.

His favorite teams are the Boston Red Sox and McLaren Mercedes, and his favorite sportswriters are Hunter Thompson and Roger Angell.

Gravelle welcomes readers to view his work at www.stgravelle.com