UNITED STATES

Curently a staff photographer with the Kansas City Star, John Sleezer's present day responsibilities include organizing and photographing sports assignments for The Star. These duties often include the remote transmission of pictures using portable computers and scanners. Sleezer's photographic background began on the photo staff of the Olathe High School Yearbook, located in Olathe, Kansas, where he graduated in 1976. In 1977, Sleezer joined the U.S. Army, where they furthered his photographic training and placed him with the Second Armored Division in Fort Hood, Texas. He was later assigned to the staff of the post newspaper, The Fort Hood Sentinel. Following his enlistment in the army, Sleezer returned home and joined the staff of the Olathe Daily News; first as a part-time photographer and later full-time before leaving to begin studies at Kansas State University in 1982. A 1985 graduate of K-State with a Bachelors Degree in Mass Communications, Sleezer was awarded the title of College Photographer of the Year in 1985 in a competition sponsored by Kappa Alpha Mu, the National Press Photographers' Association and the University of Missouri.

Since graduation, Sleezer has worked at the Columbia Daily Tribune, The Philadelphia Inquirer, and for the past seven years with The Kansas City Star. Sleezer's most recent award was given to him in 1994, by the Pro Football Hall of Fame. One of his NFL photographs received first place in the action category, and was later judged Photograph of the Year in the Hall of Fame's 27th annual photo contest.

Contact Information:
The Kansas City Star
1729 Grand Ave.
Kansas City, Missouri 64108
tel: 816.234.4340 or 816.591.9813
e-mail: JSleezer@sky.net