It is not too often that you get to write your own obituary. But
that is almost what this column feels like.
It is not too often that you get to write your own obituary. But that is almost what this column feels like.
Yes, it’s true. Those rumors are really true. After two and a half years of covering sports for The Morgan Hill Times, I will be leaving. But I am not hanging up the pen and notepad for good, just moving them around.
I was asked to take over as the sports editor for The Hollister Free Lance, which is also owned by Pacific Sierra Publishing. Pacific Sierra owns several community newspapers throughout California including The Free Lance, The Morgan Hill Times and The Gilroy Dispatch.
Although my beautiful mug shot (well, depending on how dark the room is) will no longer be flaunted on the sports page of The Times, I still may make a cameo appearance with an occasional feature or at a playoff game to cover the exciting Acorn volleyball, field hockey or water polo teams that have begun to emerge this year.
The opportunity to work at the Free Lance brings both excitement and trepidation. This community has been terrific to work in. Although I do sleep in Hollister, I really have lived here.
When I was not typing away to get through the late nights with crazy deadlines, I was either playing softball or working out or playing late-night street ball at 24-Hour Fitness.
I appreciated the way you welcomed me into the community and made me feel at home. I can’t deny that I will miss the many contacts and friends I have made here. The sporting community here is vast and has to be one of the best in the area. If you need to reach me, I can still be reached at 831-297-0100.
I especially appreciate the great baseball folks who took time to do something so small as to say “Hello” during a baseball game. If you see someone in Christmas colors at a game, it may be me. Now all I need is the beard, and I will be a true Santa Clause (I already have the stomach for it.)
I don’t really want to name names because there are so many people I would forget if I try to send out thank. Everyone who has contributed deserves to be praised, because without everyone that submitted articles or received late-night phone calls from me, the success we have enjoyed was not possible.
I have seen and talked to many of the volunteers who have put in countless hours of their valuable time to give young athletes the chance to compete. They’re the ones who make this community great.
The highlight of my time here has to have been the Live Oak softball Central Coast Section title that I was privileged to watch during my rookie year. It has been hard to remain neutral at times (like a good journalist should) when covering some of the exciting playoff runs that some of the teams like the baseball, water polo, volleyball, soccer and basketball teams have had.
But maybe I have been a jinx for the Live Oak football team. The team went to the playoffs the year before I got here but is 2-21-1 since. I have almost forgotten how to write a game story after a win. I thought for sure that was going to change during Saturday’s 14-12 loss at North Monterey County, but I guess it wasn’t meant to be. But many of the games have been close, and I’m sure after the football field issue is resolved the team will be able to turn it around.
Covering the success and failure of many of the local athletes like Jeff Ulbrich, Brandon Villafuerte and many others has kept me busy.
I have seen many changes for the best in my stint here at The Morgan Hill Times. Hopefully I have helped the newspaper to gain a little more credibility and trust in your eyes. I enjoyed being part of the prestigious awards that we have won the past two years as a result of your support.
As of now, there will be a couple college writers filling before someone is found to take over full time. If you support them the way you have supported me, I have no doubt that the Morgan Hill Times can continue to bring you the best local coverage possible.
