Mark Dukes, one of the top sports journalists in Iowa, has accepted an expanded new role with the Metro Sports Report as a feature writer and columnist.

Dukes spent 25 years at The Gazette, including 14 years as sports editor, and is currently the co-host of the "The Gym Class" with Scott Unash on KGYM-AM 1600.

Dukes wrote weekly columns for the Metro Sports Report in 2011 and 2012. He will be writing about a variety of topics in his new role with the MSR, including features on former Metro athletes and historic Metro teams.

"We're delighted that Mark will be playing a prominent new role with our team," said Metro Sports Report president Jim Ecker. "I worked with Mark for more than 15 years at The Gazette and know he is a first-rate journalist and a terrific story-teller.

"I'm sure our readers will enjoy Mark's articles as we continue to build the company and move forward."

The first article by Dukes will be posted on the MSR website this week.

Dukes graduated from Cedar Rapids Jefferson in 1974 and from Coe College in 1978.