What an exhilarating ride I’ve been on over the past 16 months as the sports writer for the Southern Standard. I have personally accomplished so many things since my time here began on Halloween night back in the fall of 2014.
I worked briefly with the former sports writer before I jumped with reckless abandon into the deep end of the pool without any type of flotation device. My first experience at Nunley Stadium included several things that will surely live on forever in my memory.
Bone-chilling temperatures, snow, and a Pioneer win all in the same night.
Oh I wasn’t totally alone, the man responsible for hiring me was there, editor James Clark. He joined me that night and was there to help guide me in the right direction. I told him I was very determined to make it despite my lack of experience. I was overwhelmed to say the least.
It also took a lot of behind-the-scenes work in order to make the sports section a success. It took more than just hopping into a car and driving an hour for a baseball or basketball game. It was so much more than snapping a few photos and making a few notes.
No matter what, I couldn’t help get caught up in the emotional ride sometimes during a close game. No matter what the outcome, the sports writer has too remain unbiased.
I have seen so many ups and downs during the last 16 months. You might not think about it much, and it probably shouldn’t be, but it’s tough even as a sports writer to watch a win slip away to the opposing team from out of town.
Over the last 16 months there have been 64 weeks, minus the two weeks I was out of town. That equals out to roughly 186 newspapers. It was explained to me once, the sports job is like writing a 2,500 to 3,500 word term paper three times a week, depending on what particular time of the year it happens to be.
Now as I reflect on what seems like much longer than 16 months, I realize I was spending the majority of my time trying to please everyone in the sports community around the Warren County area and not really as concerned with my own family’s wants or needs.
So this coming week, I will be saying goodbye to the sports desk. Will I ever cover another sporting event? I can’t say for sure and I have no intentions of riding off into the sunset. I love being out and about and sharing stories with the many new friends I have made over the last year.
Heck, I may even show up to watch some of my favorite Warren County athletes from time to time. Life happens fast. Live it and love it. Right on.