COLUMN: For the love of the game and the end of an era: A special thank you for my time at the Times

The greatest college basketball coach of all time, Mike Krzyzewski, once said, “Your heart has to be in whatever you lead. I’ve never made a decision based on what will get me the most money. It was what was going to give me the most happiness.”

After a year as the sports writer here at the Times West Virginian, I can attest to the fact that Coach K, like in every other statement he has made over the years, was right.

When I accepted the offer to move back to West Virginia after spending a year in Charleston, South Carolina, an offer that would allow me to combine two of my lifelong passions, I knew that I would not just be pursuing an opportunity based on my own personal interests.

I knew that I would become part of something special.

Like many college graduates, I told myself that it would take a special circumstance for me to move back to my home state, a state that at one time I was desperate to leave to become part of the bigger world.

The last year covering sports for the Times has certainly been that special opportunity. Making the decision to move back to West Virginia has been not just rewarding, but refreshing.

As a former basketball player, I know the ins and outs of establishing a routine. You dedicate yourself and pride yourself on perfecting your craft, working tirelessly to not just make others proud, but to make yourself proud.

As a sportswriter, that same pursuit of greatness and dedication to my routine has certainly been paramount.

As I reflect back on this past year, I can confidently say that all of the many nights spent in my car in the dead of winter following the conclusion of a high school basketball game, typing furiously to meet the required deadlines, was worth it.

Spending hours pouring over statistics, prepping for interviews with some of the best and brightest coaches and players in the state, and working to provide the public with the best sports coverage possible, was worth it.

This job, though, became more than a routine or even a lifestyle. It ultimately became a space for a lifelong athlete and lover of sports to fulfill a dream and gain a newfound appreciation for athletics across the Mountain State.

It became a source of happiness, and an experience I will cherish for a lifetime.

Coach K said it best himself when he said he’s never made a decision based on what will make him the most money. I never took this job for the money. The truth is, there are probably other people my age potentially in a better spot financially.

It’s never been about the finances. It’s never been about the material side of working in this field. Taking this job was solely about finding myself once again in something I’ve always loved.

It’s also been about pouring my heart into ensuring that athletes, coaches, athletic directors, trainers, supporting staff, and everyone in between feel that energy each time an article has been written, an interview has been conducted, or a picture has been taken capturing a special play or specific moment on the field or court that will be remembered forever.

As I leave this position and pass the baton to the next sports fanatic, I hope that each individual I have had the privilege of interacting with knows that I am deeply appreciative and thankful for welcoming me back to West Virginia with open arms and allowing me to spend time in their houses learning their own routines.

I hope that everyone who has acknowledged my work knows how thankful I am to be able to play a small part in the work done here at the Times.

This job will always be something I look back on and remember fondly. I won’t remember every statistic, every score, or every win and loss I covered during my tenure, but I certainly will remember every memory made along the way.

As I step into my next adventure, I hope to continue to lead with the same energy and heart I poured into being the sportswriter for the Times West Virginian.

It has been the opportunity of a lifetime being able to combine my love for writing and sports, and to work each day doing something that has always been fulfilling for me in more ways than one.

I am confident that your next sports writer will take a chance on this opportunity for the same reasons I did.

For the love of the game. For the chance at happiness.

Signing off one last time, Go Irish, and Go Blue Devils.

And, as a Marshall alumnus, (sorry Mountaineer Fans) Go Herd.