This column was supposed to be seen in the paper, not just online. It was also supposed to be published last Friday, my last issue as Sports Editor here at The Oswegonian, but as we all know, that has changed. There is no more physical paper for the time being, and there hasn’t been since March 13.
That Thursday, Luke Owens, the Assistant Sports Editor, and I raced out of the office, in part because we had a good idea that all sports would be canceled shortly, just like March Madness was earlier that week. We hurried out of the office because we did not want to be there when the sad news was announced. We did not have the time or words to fill an entire section if all Oswego State sports were canceled, rendering some of our stories out-dated. But, I would give anything to be back in that office, scrambling around on a Thursday night.
Pretty much every year I have been at Oswego State, the Sports Editor sends his or her farewell to the section in a column, looking back at the fond memories from the year. This year as Sports Editor was truly incredible. I was thrilled with the sections and the issues we produced each and every week. From the winter season Senior Weekend special edition to the Whiteout one, Luke and I were so proud of what we accomplished. Beyond the section itself, I was overjoyed with the new writers we welcomed. Each one of them brought a unique style to their writing that made our section that much better.
As Ben Grieco, the incoming Editor in Chief, has mentioned on countless occasions, as a freshman, I did not really want to become the Assistant Sports Editor in sophomore year. It was overwhelming, and I would think to myself, “Why would they want me?” Despite that, I accepted the position, and I am so grateful that I did. The sports desk is where I fell in love with writing. The narratives and stories we thought up were so fun to put on paper, but this love goes beyond that. It encompasses everyone on staff at The Oswegonian, who made my time in the office so enjoyable.
Looking back at my time as Sports Editor, I will remember it as one of my favorite experiences at Oswego State. Being able to bring a consistent sports podcast to The Oswegonian, The Oswegonian Hockey Podcast, is something I am so proud to have started along with help from Luke and Ben. It is part of the legacy I hope to pass on year after year, editor after editor.
From here on out, I am no longer at the sports desk. I will pass that baton over to Sports Editor Brandon Ladd and the Assistant Sports Editor, Michael Gross. I am so excited to see what they will do with the section and know they will bring the passion and dedication that Luke and I have for it. Their storytelling abilities are just as impressive as their ability to find stories. Brandon already has the mind of a Sports Editor, asking me on several occasions if he can write about something I had never thought of myself. And as always, those stories were tremendous. Michael has only written for us for a short time but his passion and creativity are evident. These two will create an amazing sports section week in and week out.
Next year, I will not be far from the sports desk, only a couple yards away. I will be The Oswegonian’s Managing Editor, and I cannot wait to be back in the office and continue to produce a paper that we can be proud of.
As I sit here at home, six hours away from Oswego – pending traffic, of course – I cannot help but think that this year ended too soon. Not just for us at The Oswegonian but for everyone. I feel for all the seniors who will not get to celebrate their senior days and the teams who had their magical seasons cut short. What stings the most is that we have not been able to share their great feats and stories, their triumphs and failures. Despite this, I am grateful for the stories we have told and will continue to tell.
Until then, stay safe and see you soon.
