People make decision to leave difficult

I got into the news industry for the wrong reasons.

Playing sports in my younger days, I relished the chance to see my name in the newspaper.

As a Little Leaguer, I excitedly checked the mailbox for the weekly edition of The Township Times to see if my performance from the previous week made print.

Sometimes it did. Others it did not.

Fast forward to college, and after switching majors twice I settled upon sports journalism. It gave me the opportunity to stay around something that consumed my life for so long and also, again, it gave me a chance to see my name in the paper.

Early in my career I tried to keep track of the number of events I covered, the stories I wrote and the photos I’ve taken. It became tedious, mundane and just plain pointless.

Here’s why.

All of that isn’t so much about me. It’s about you.

Journalism — sports or otherwise — isn’t about the reporter. It’s not about the photographer, the editor or anyone else who has a part in producing a physical newspaper or online product.

Journalism is about the subject of the story or the photograph.

We all have a story, and for more than six years you’ve allowed me to tell yours.

You’ve welcomed me into your homes, your offices and your practices. You’ve shared with me some of the most troubling times in your lives and also the happiest. We’ve discussed championships, career-ending defeats, injuries and recoveries. We’ve met in gyms, pools, fields, city streets and grocery stores.

Those conversations, whether on the record or not, are what I’ll cherish most.

In the fall of 2015, I wrote in this space that my stay here was longer than expected, mainly because it was you, the reader, that had kept me around.

That’s why leaving isn’t easy.

As my chapter at The Commercial Review comes to an end today, let me take this time to be a little selfish.

I don’t quite have the space to list everyone who has made the last six-plus years unforgettable. 

To all the coaches, athletes and school administrators with whom I have worked closely: your cooperation, patience and willingness to open up and speak with me has been greatly appreciated.

To the community: thank you for welcoming this city slicker from Michigan into your rural lives. The support you’ve shown me for the work I’ve done — about you, remember — has been tremendous. 

I am thankful to those who have reached out already about my new position with The Evening Leader in St. Marys, Ohio. Again, it’s you that makes this move difficult.

To Jack Ronald and Ray Cooney: I am forever indebted to you for taking a chance on a 27-year-old, wannabe reporter who had a nontraditional career path and little practical journalism and photography experience. Today I leave with more knowledge of and respect for the industry that I ever thought I’d gain, and I owe it all to you two.

My time at The Commercial Review will be treasured, first and foremost, because it’s where my career started. It’s also where I met the woman I will marry Saturday. 

But it’ll be remembered most by the people I got to meet along the way. 

This isn’t exactly a goodbye. Yes, I’m moving to a different paper but I will still live in nearby Celina, Ohio.

As I immerse myself in the Midwest Athletic Conference by covering New Bremen and Minster athletics, the Fort Recovery fans will still see me from time to time — albeit covering the enemy. 

As for the Patriots, who I’ve spent countless hours following these last six-plus years, there’s still a chance I pop in to the occasional basketball game or wrestling meet.

So my friends, thank you for everything you’ve done for me, and with me. 

But most of all, thank you for reading.

Farewell.