Normally the one asking the questions, Dwight Heins has made a career helping turn Lamesa’s athletes into hometown heroes. Although you won’t see his name or photo in the paper, everyone in town seems to know just who he is.
“I don’t need a byline, they know it’s my writing,” said Heins jokes.
Heins has worked for the Lamesa Press Reporter since 1982. Originally from Nebraska, Heins moved to the small West Texas town when he was in eighth grade and prides himself on being homegrown, local and one of Lamesa’s biggest fans.
“I like being here, and like that Montgomery Gentry song “My Town,” this is my hometown. Lamesa has some great people that support their kids and there’s some great kids that grew up in Lamesa too.”
An array of press awards and plaques shine on the wall behind Heins’ desk. Sports writing comes as second-nature to him, but what he says really makes the job so enjoyable is being able to do it in his community.
“It [Lamesa] is very close-knit. We all go through different stuff in our life and we have to, but I guarantee they take care of each other. Sort of I got your back, we got your back sort of deal,” said Heins.
A humble guy, Heins is happy to graciously give credit to those he writes about. However, his best friend is always there to remind him just how great he truly is.
“Everybody in town knows Dwight. He’s an icon, he’s a superstar. Now, he wouldn’t say that, but he covers everybody. From the tiniest to the oldest,” said Coach Gregg Moreland, the athletic director for Lamesa I.S.D.
Moreland said the two struck a friendship instantly when Heins interviewed him for the first time when he began coaching in Lamesa.
“We both just had a lot of things that we really believed in. A lot of philosophies, a lot of values and things and he’s just been awesome. So, as far as relationship and friendship goes, we were the best of friends from the very beginning.”
While sports superstars may come and go, the community can count on Dwight Heins to help share the stories of the next one that steps out on the court or field. Something he says he’s happy to do, and doesn’t see himself doing anywhere else other than Lamesa, Texas.
“I’ve been blessed. I’ve had chances to go out and do other things, but it all comes down to coming back to your hometown, and we love being here.”
