I was taught all through journalism school that sports writers should avoid columns about themselves.
This is one of those times I guess the rule will have to be broken.
Here it goes: I’m leaving The Emporia Gazette to take a job as the Online Editor of The Lawrence Journal-World’s Web site, KUsports.com. My last day here is Saturday.
My duties in Lawrence will include making videos, posting blogs and also attending Kansas football and basketball games and reporting about them on the Web site.
It’s a great opportunity — one I can’t turn down.
C.J. Moore will be taking the sports editor position and will take the ESU beat (you’ll learn more about him with his column on Saturday), and Joey Berlin will move from the news side to cover prep sports next year.
I helped introduce them both to The Gazette, and I have no doubt that they will make a smooth transition to their new positions.
It still hasn’t been easy to face the fact that I’m leaving. For 20 of my 24 years, Emporia has been home.
And, in the last two years as the Emporia State beat reporter, I’ve seen quite a bit.
I’ve seen a national championship game. I’ve watched as Jordan Fithian and Caleb Tegtmeier, at 6-foot-6 on a good day, out-hustle future NBA Draft picks to rebounds.
I’ve seen the shortest player be the best — in both basketball and softball.
I’ve seen a half-court shot win the game, then not win the game. I’ve seen coolers fly and post players fall and April Huddleston — with no cartilage in either knee — dive for a softball without thinking once about the consequences.
I’ve seen the most powerful collegiate baseball lineup I’ve ever witnessed.
There’ll be things I’ll miss, too.
I’ll miss a sold-out White Auditorium, walls shaking after a made basket. I’ll miss the smell of the press box at Welch Stadium, and the cold Wendy’s fries that always still seemed to taste good before the games.
I’ll miss the road trips — even to Kirksville, Mo. — and the tradition of always buying a lottery ticket (and losing) at the Lucky Stop in Iola.
I’ll miss the Division-II athletes, the ones who always answered my questions politely, even if I stumbled and mumbled and “ummed” while asking them.
I’ll miss seeing Brittney Miller’s athleticism. And Ida Edwards’ quickness. And Kenton Lonberger’s raw speed.
I’ll miss MIAA Media Days at the Downtown Marriott with the optimism of a new year. And the MIAA Tournament in the Municipal with the pressure of a season potentially coming to an end.
I’ll miss the Kansas City Star’s David Boyce blaming my generation for KU’s failures. Then later taking credit for the team’s National Championship.
I’ll miss watching The Capital-Journal’s Ken Corbitt type up a gamer — with stats — in eight minutes flat to make deadline.
I’ll miss Brandon Schneider giving his look — that look — to the poor official who knows he just blew a call.
I’ll miss Bob Fornelli calling me “Bud” at the end of a conversation. And Garin Higgins inviting me into his office when I knew he had plenty of other things to do.
I’ll miss watching Arica Shepard when she plays mad. And watching Bing Xu coach without ever raising his voice.
I’ll miss shooting hoops before men’s basketball practice with the players. And waiting a few extra seconds for them after games as they signed autographs for all the kids who wanted them.
I’ll miss Kent Weiser’s friendly handshakes. And Don Weast’s 40-page game notes.
Most of all, I’ll miss Emporia. And the people that make it a great sports town.
Thanks for taking me into your homes (or computers) the last two years.
It sure was a lot of fun.
Comments
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Posted by DJrocksthemic (anonymous) on July 25, 2008 at 6:28 p.m. (Suggest removal)
And Emporia will miss you, you did a great job while you were hear. I don't think it's goodbye forever though, I seem to think the Hawks might meet the Hornets in basketball sometime, and we'll be there, just to say hello.
Posted by allincalldangit (anonymous) on July 25, 2008 at 10:26 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Good, I am glad you are finally leaving. I thought you were the worst reproter Emporia has had in 40 years. By the way that misspelling was on purpose since I know you are so used to it.
Posted by eldiablo (anonymous) on July 25, 2008 at 10:58 p.m. (Suggest removal)
allincalldangit,
Your comments are completely unnecessary and demonstrate your lack of appreciation for quality sports writers.
Mr. Newell has done a fine job reporting sports for the Emporia Gazette and will be sorely missed.
In fact, he has done such a fine job at reporting, that I rarely even read his articles. Other times, I only read half of them. Heck, I didn't even read all of this one.
Okay, actually I just read the headlines.
But I know quality reporting when I read it. And Mr. Newell does some quality reporting.
At least, I assume so.
Posted by jayhawker (anonymous) on July 25, 2008 at 11:04 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Wow, allincalldangit, a little anger management might help you some, but not as much as remembering the manners your mother taught.
Posted by eldiablo (anonymous) on July 26, 2008 at 3:04 a.m. (Suggest removal)
jayhawker,
I think that is the problem. Allincalldangit's mother probably did not teach him any manners.
Posted by ef6 (anonymous) on July 26, 2008 at 7:16 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Jesse -- Gonna miss you and the trips covering ESU football to places like Goodwell and Gunnison. Good luck.
Posted by EsqEB (anonymous) on July 26, 2008 at 8:57 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Jesse~ Emporia will miss you, you were one of the few reasons I logged onto my old hometown's paper. Not so much for the ESU garbage, but everything else. KuSports.com is lucky to be getting you, and what a great move for you as well.
P.S.~ Go Ichabods!
Posted by renny (anonymous) on July 26, 2008 at 10:34 a.m. (Suggest removal)
today is my birthday and this the worst present ever, very sad to see you go along with m. ashford. Sleepy Eye fans will miss your sports buzz. Being so far away your sports stories via the internet were no. 1 with us and you guys did a fantastic job. Hope your step up the sports ladder works well for you, and beyond. remember corn days is on aug, 22/23, thanks again, go Hornets.
Posted by rcakmon (anonymous) on July 26, 2008 at 8:16 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Jesse, good luck in Lawrence. The Gazette's loss is KUSports.com's gain. What a great opportunity for you. Rock Chalk!
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