About a year ago, I made what at the time felt like an incredibly tough decision to move to Columbia in search of a fresh start for my career. Little did I know that only one year later, the difficulty of that decision would pale in comparison to the task of having to say goodbye to this incredible community.
In fact, it's one of the most difficult decisions I've ever had to make. I knew upon arrival that I was walking into a situation that so many other sports journalists like myself dream about finding, with a quickly growing town filled with southern hospitality and a wealth of support for local athletics. What I didn't know is that I'd be welcome with such open arms and embraced as not just a visitor passing through but a valued member of the community. I've made so many great friends and great memories here that I'll always cherish. Rest assured that I'll be singing Marion County's praises each and every time I'm asked about the time I've spent here.
The good news is that I won't be going very far. As of next week, I'll be assuming the role of sports editor for the Laurel Leader-Call, which is where I first began my career out of college in 2019. It's where I was born, right off of I-59 at South Central Regional Medical Center, and I was raised just across the county line in this tiny little community called Beat Four. I hope those of you with similar connections will understand when I say that it's simply my home. Going back gives me an opportunity to be a bigger part of the daily lives of my family and friends, and it allows me to give back to the place the molded me into the man I am today. As much as I'll miss Marion County, I'm so blessed to have the chance to go back to where it all started and help preserve uplifting memories in a place that's given me so many special memories of my own.
To our readers, I'd like to thank you from the bottom of my heart for all the support you've shown for me, my work and these incredibly deserving schools. It's your support that drives so many local sports programs to achieve great things and represent this community in such an exceptional way. I never ran out of reasons to brag on these kids, and it's because they push themselves extremely hard to make you all proud. I hope you'll continue to uplift and support them at each and every turn, and I hope you'll give my successor the same warm welcome and embrace that you've given me.
To our local coaches and students, I want to thank you for allowing me to play a small part in your journey. We've created a lot of special memories together over the past year, and that has little to do with what I brought to the table. You guys are an unstoppable force. Your passion and drive to be the best is an inspiration, not only to younger generations of athletes but to everyone in the community who gets to watch you constantly raise the bar for what it means to be great at what you love to do. There isn't a doubt in my mind that even greater things are in store for all of you, and I'll still be cheering you on every step of the way. After all, Jones County is just a skip and hop down the road, and I have a feeling we'll cross paths more often than you think. Never hesitate to say hello when you see me on the sidelines because I'll always be thrilled to see you.
I never imagined I'd find myself quoting Winnie the Pooh as a professional writer, but his sentiment on farewells seems like a fitting way to close this out. The pantsless, honey-crazed bear once said, "How lucky I am to have something that makes saying goodbye so hard." I wish you all nothing but the best as this crazy world keeps turning, and I look forward to the days when our paths will cross again. I'll see you all soon.
