Goodbyes are rarely easy. I typically try to stick to the Irish version for the most part, but this isn’t an appropriate time for that. This will be the last sports column I pen in Marion County, for I leave town Thursday.
I’m leaving on good terms, trust me, for I’m moving from Mississippi due to personal reasons. And while I may be taking a temporary leave from the journalism business, my work in this industry is far from finished. Marion County welcomed me with open arms in my first professional venture, so allow me the opportunity to give thanks to all of those who have been so gracious to me.
I first want to thank the C-P staff, namely Pam Ball, Avery Lockwood and Tracey McNeese, for welcoming me into the office with open arms. Though I’ve never met him, the previous Sports Editor, Brad Crowe, was well-liked in the office and really good at his job, so I had some big shoes to fill. The office very quickly made me feel like I was home, and I was able to cut loose with almost reckless abandon. Those who know me know that I often use sarcasm way, way too much. It isn’t for everyone, and my jokes didn’t always land, but they let me be me. Without a doubt the best group of coworkers I’ve ever had and likely will ever have.
Next, I have to thank all the coaches in Marion County who have worked with me all this time. Save for one, all the coaches I’ve dealt with have gotten back with me if I needed to conduct an interview for a story, needed stats or needed anything at all. They were a pleasure to deal with, those still here and those who have moved on. Whether or not their respective win-loss record was up to snuff to what the fans wanted, I can honestly say that I don’t have many character concerns with the coaches I’ve come across in Columbia and Foxworth.
I firmly believe that most, if not all of them, had their kids’ best interests at heart, which is important. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve interviewed a coach that’s new to the area who stressed the importance of leading their young men or women into living a good life off the field, teaching them lessons they can use in everyday life. That’s what high school sports are all about – not state championship rings.
Many thanks are also due to the many athletes who have come through Marion County across the last couple years. Without them, I would have had nothing to write about. And boy, were they entertaining. Football season is obviously king around here, as is the case throughout most of the South, but it didn’t matter what sport it was – softball, basketball, volleyball and baseball all gave excellent entertainment and had their fair share of great moments.
Every single one represented their respective school, and they share memories that will last a lifetime. If you’re a current athlete reading this, heed my advice: enjoy this time. When oldheads tell you this is the best time of your life, believe them. That doesn’t mean your life instantly gets worse after this, but most of you will look back at this time as the most fun you’ll ever have. That goes for non-athletic students, too. Enjoy this time. Cherish it. It’ll be gone before you know it.
The community, for the most part, welcomed me with open arms as well. Save for a time or two where a headline I wrote didn’t necessarily translate very well (Yeah, sorry about the humbling, Columbia), I always felt love and support. I wish I could have given even more to this place because everyone has a story to tell here.
Lastly, I want to thank my boss, Joshua Campbell. He took a chance on a wet-behind-the-ears college graduate, offering me the job before I even graduated from Southern Miss. He did everything he could to get me acquainted to this community, even introducing me to a handful of head coaches during my first week. I thought I was a good writer before, but I improved so much under his tutelage. It was more valuable than any course I took in Hattiesburg or any course I could have taken at any graduate school.
AP Style can be tricky, y’all. Heck, I guarantee this story had plenty of Josh’s red ink over it before it made its way to print. Without him, I’m not the journalist I am today. And not only was he a great boss, but he was a great friend, too. Even if he’s a Cowboys fan. And someone who often loses in the United Foam Football League, or just flicking a miniature foam football through mini goal posts while we should probably be working.
Just like coach Billy Bob Thornton in “Friday Night Lights,” my heart is full. Thank you, Marion County. I’ll see you down the road.
