40 Under 40: Max Oswald

Max Oswald is the sports editor for the Bonner County Daily Bee.

He originally went to school for sports communications with a focus in broadcasting. After graduating from college, he worked in the national political scene as a press secretary before moving to Idaho in 2023.

"My education at DeSales University (Center Valley, Penn.) was certainly helpful," he said. "At a small school, I was able to create my own path. I became my university's first-ever student commentator for campus sporting events and was able to write the majority of the sports section in the newspaper."

Oswald was also an athlete throughout his life, specifically cross country and track and field in high school and college, which he said shaped the way he recognizes and reports on others' successes.

"One influence in my life was my high school cross country coach," Oswald said. "He was the only one who consistently reminded me of my 'potential.'" 

In five to 10 years, Oswald said he sees himself still in Sandpoint, or at an Idaho university covering sports.

"I wake up every day and never know what's going to happen, even with prior planning, so it's hard to say exactly!" he said. "I never have a set schedule."

If he could share advice with his younger self, he would say: "Train and work harder at something you love because you will regret not doing so later in life. I would also tell myself to be more respectful and open-minded regarding others' opinions and beliefs."