Well it is hard to believe, but this is it.
This is my last column and last week of being the sports editor, and what a ride it has been.
First, I have to say this gig has to be the best job a student could have, and to give it up to concentrate on my life outside the Emerald kills me because this has been my passion. For the last year the Emerald has literally been my life. I was able to write and edit my life’s passion – sports. My staff from last year developed into my best friends. I found the most incredible woman (now my fiancee) I’ve ever met in the office next to my desk.
Sure, the amount of hours the sports editor invests in putting out the section every day plus a Game Day supplement during the week is a full-time job in itself, and the pay is horrible, but it was all worth it to me.
Since fall term last year, I’ve had the opportunity to provide the community at and around the University a look into the world of Oregon athletics. I’ve been blessed enough to cover football, men’s basketball and softball in the last year, and while a couple of those teams had their worst seasons in recent memory, it has been a pleasure for me to cover the ins and outs of their prospective squads.
I’ve learned more about being a sports writer and editor in the last year than I would’ve ever learned in a class. Covering press conferences and big games and interviewing big-time coaches and players has not only given me a renewed sense of confidence but plenty of great memories.
Like last year when the Arizona men’s basketball team came to town and beat Oregon, I had just finished interviews with Ducks coach Ernie Kent and some of the players after the game. I went racing to catch Arizona head coach Lute Olson, a college coaching legend, who was just about to leave the Mac Court floor after post-game interviews. I caught up with him and asked if he had time, and he said, “Sure.” So for those couple of minutes, I had a one-on-one interview with one of the biggest names in college basketball. When I was done, I thanked him for taking the time, and he put his hand on my shoulder and gave me a great big smile and said to me, “No problem, son,” and walked off the court.
I’ve had the chance to cover Oregon’s win over Washington State in Pullman, Wash., last season and was down on the field when Kellen Clemens accounted for his fifth touchdown of the contest in one of the best games an Oregon quarterback has ever played. I watched Oregon last week compete with USC, maybe the greatest college football team ever, for a half. I got to watch Chris Hernandez of Stanford and Kent get in a shouting match after Stanford’s victory at Mac Court last season.
But none of this would’ve been possible if wasn’t for the help from a few folks.
Of course it would have been impossible without the support, journalistic knowledge and the love of my beautiful fiancee Jen. I wouldn’t have had this opportunity without you (literally). I know I outkicked my coverage and never thought I had the bat speed to keep up with your heat, but you gave me a chance and we haven’t looked back. Keep the apartment warm in Chicago for me until I come in January.
I have to thank my parents because they have inspired me in their individual ways. My mom has been fighting breast cancer for the last six months, and watching her deal with chemotherapy and the toughness she has shown has truly been an inspiration to me. It definitely makes coming to work with a bit of a cold a little easier knowing what she is dealing with. My dad has given me a strong work ethic; the only time I ever saw this man take a day off work while I was growing up was when the doctors forced him to because he had welder’s burn and bandages over both his eyes.
Some people behind the scenes of the paper need some love here too. I thank all of the copy editors and copy chiefs who have had to read some of the garbage I passed through to them. You truly kept my staff and me looking good. Thanks to the photographers who always seem to be in the right spot at the right time at games. Not only have you trained my “photographic eye,” but you made me realize that my section wouldn’t be anything without an appealing photo. Also to the designers, you have dealt with me changing my mind 8 million times about a section or supplement. Your patience was always appreciated. Don’t let me forget advertising and management of the Emerald. Without you I wouldn’t get paid nor have the budget to travel.
To last year’s sports staff: I was sorry to see you all go, but I believe we built a bond that will last a long time. I’m sure we will cross paths in the professional world (horseshoe hairlines and all). To this year’s staff, you guys have a lot to live up to, but I hope you all know you can do it if you keep the passion for sports writing. Not many people get paid to watch and write sports, so make the most of it.
Finally to all of you who have taken the time to read my rants. It has been fun, and your responses have been great.
I’ve been spoiled for the last year to have a forum to share my thoughts on the world of sports, and I hope in the not-too-distant future I will get to do it again.

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