“Hey, I heard you missed us, we’re back! I brought my pencil! Give me somethin’ to write on, man!”

- Van Halen, “Hot for Teacher,” 1984

Like the old classic, but grammatically incorrect, local radio commercial used to say, “the rumors is true.” Your former Friendly Neighborhood Sports Editor has returned to the fourth estate as your Friendly Neighborhood News Editor.

After 14 and three-quarter years away from the Standard, I’ve made the decision to come back. And while many of our fine local residents didn’t seem to realize I had left (I was asked at least once a month at last count, “don’t you write for the paper?”), I assure you others had admirably filled my spot while I tried my hand – and excelled, I may add – at graphic design at our town’s best sign and apparel shop.

But you can’t stop those clock hands from spinning, and everything changes over time. So with the departure of my predecessor, and the approach of my long-time friend, Seth Wright, I have opted to return to the hallowed halls of the Standard, for what I’m terming as “Act Three” of my professional career.

If you recall my first tenure here in the sports department, let’s get reacquainted. And if you’re young enough to not remember me as anything other than the guy who made stickers and signs down on Faulkner Springs, let’s get to know each other.

I began my journalism career in college (go Blue Raiders), and served in the sports department of the Murfreesboro Daily News Journal for nearly five years before coming home to McMinnville in late 2000. After nine years here, I moved on in August of 2009, and was away working in graphic design until just a few days ago, when I agreed to take on the role of news editor, specializing in county government and crime and courts.

(It’s at this point you old-timers will say, “Pssh! He’s never done anything but ball games; what does he know about government or courts?” I’ll remind you, that same type of people said in 2000, “Pssh! He’s never played ball; what does he know about sports?” I assure you, they don’t give out degrees for sports journalism; they give them out for journalism. So let’s end that argument right there.)

But, a lot has changed since my last day jockeying a desk in the newsroom. Most notably, I have a 12-year-old son. His name is Parker. He’s a gamer, a YouTube fanatic, a comedian and a standout student at Centertown Elementary. I’ll be mentioning him from time to time, and he’ll always be embarrassed when I do. 

I’m also a lot older, obviously, nowhere near as wiser as I should be after a 14-year hiatus (would you expect less?), and – if I’m honest - a tad nervous about this new gig. But with the help of a great staff, great sources around the county, and you fine readers, I’m confident we’ll keep up the (no pun intended) “standard” this publication has established over the years.

So let’s get started. 

Standard News Editor Rob Nunley can be contacted at rnunley@southernstandard.com