Below is the column that appeared in today's paper, and this is the last post I will make on "Get Prepped." You've helped make this one of the most successful blogs at the LSJ, and for that I thank you. We have some great people covering high school sports here, and I know they'll do a fantastic job of keeping you "prepped" in the future.
I didn't grow up around here. In fact, before I moved into Snyder Hall in 1995, I'd been to this area all of twice.
Lansing used to mean two things to me - the state capital and a time for total silence. It was the big city, and if my mom was driving through on some family trip, she needed total concentration on the road and total silence from my sister and me.
This city, and mid-Michigan as a whole, means so much more now - thanks to you.
Today is my last as the high school sports editor at the Lansing State Journal. It comes in the middle of my 14th football season covering games in this area, and near the end of my 12th year as a full-time byline in your daily morning paper.
And I thank you for every moment of it.
I've been big into lists over the years - top quarterbacks in mid-Michigan history, area volleyball or soccer statistical leaders, All-Decade teams for every sport you play. But I can't begin to list all of my favorite moments of covering your teams, because it seems like a new one cropped up every time I left my office chair.
A couple things seemed to always come up when people asked what I did every day. A claim to fame has become my human GPS ability to direct someone to any area school by at least two routes. And for some reason, I've rarely forgotten a name of an athlete who has appeared in our paper at least a few times.
Maybe it's because of a photographic memory. I like to believe it's because I've cared so much. Both are no doubt true.
Something comes with covering high school sports that has to be unique. I've felt like at least a small part of every one of our 46 communities during some moment over my time here.
The best part has been getting to know people. Some are legends. Some were athletes the first time I interviewed them and came back to become top-flight coaches. Some answered two questions and were never heard from again. Others have sent e-mails years later, still in touch with their roots and still remembering some of what we've tried to do best.
Most of all, I've tried to give you a record of your high school memories. At least a snippet. Sometimes we failed. Sometimes you didn't agree with my choices. But I promise you, we've tried our best - and even the moments I hated most, I will cherish as I move on.
Whether it be Ithaca to the north, Perry or Fowlerville to the east, Leslie or Olivet to the south or Ionia to the west, I've come to feel at home every time I cross into mid-Michigan. Home to me became knowing at least a few people in those places with whom I could strike up a conversation, share a piece of life. I couldn't help but take in some of the joy of your victories and some of the sadness of your losses. I've covered you through bad times and good, around the area and around the state, against opponents you've faced every year for decades and as you drove toward heights you'd never experienced before.
You opened up and let me in, and I thank you for that especially. You allowed me to tell your stories, and I won't forget them.
Coming out of Michigan State, I planned to be here only a few seasons. But before me, a man sat in this chair for nearly 40 years. Now, I understand why.
And I take back that first line. My time at the State Journal included all but a year of my 20s and half of my 30s. Maybe I did grow up here.
If nothing else, I know this for sure:
Whether you live on the east side or the south side, Westphalia or Williamston or all points nearby and in between, you're my neighbors. This is my home now.
Of that, I am proud. And for that, I am thankful.
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