Sportswriter's Versatility,

Energy Has Been Missed

 

As he often did in his young life, Allen Kha wasn't the least bit afraid or hesitant to reach out and delve headfirst into some type of new venture.

 

TEEING OFF COLUMN, by DAVE FACINOLI

 

That's how the Sun Gazette happened upon Kha and how the 24-year-old's sportswriting career began with our paper three years ago. The University of Virginia graduate and sports fanatic made a cold call to the Sun Gazette's sports department, wanting to be a stringer covering local high school sports of all kinds.

In need of good help, we gave Kha a chance and he immediately proved his value, enhancing the coverage with quality articles from football to field hockey. He'd often say: "It doesn't matter. I'm happy to cover anything."

Kha knew about all sports and was the best at knowing the now popular analytics of all the various games.

Tragically, that ended in late May when Kha died of complications from a peanut allergy while vacationing with friends in Amsterdam. A remembrance was held for the Arlington resident June 16. A memorial service took place a few days earlier in his home town of San Diego. 

It's a terrible loss. Kha's fine work and reliable and enthusiastic help have been missed at the Sun Gazette.

To say Kha had energy would be a huge understatement. He loved all sports, and especially was a big fan of U.Va., of course, and the Washington Caps, Nats and D.C. United.

"I'm his same age, and I couldn't keep up with Allen," said Andrew Betts, who was a friend and co-worker of Kha's. "Allen was always so excited about things, and willing to help. He could fix any computer problem."

Kha was smart, graduating from Virginia in three years and was a numbers and technology wiz. For fun, he'd work the answer to a difficult math equation while keeping score of a Nationals' game at the same time. 

Allen Kha was great help. His many talents made our sports pages better.