So the time has finally arrived and, of course, it crept up faster than desired.
Each of my years at Ohio brought varying experiences, and the final year was no different. As sports editor of The Post, I had this perception.
The staff would work like clockwork and I would be leaving that windowless room on the third floor of Baker University Center by 7 o’clock each night.
The events that actually transpired were a far cry from expectations, but they have been my greatest joy.
The independent voice on campus and in Athens provided me with numerous memories I will cherish forever.
The road trip to Penn State to witness the most significant triumph in Ohio football history will remain a vivid memory. Who can forget redshirt senior quarterback Tyler Tettleton spiraling passes into tight coverage and leading the team to victory?
I certainly won’t.
I will never forget being woken up at 8 o’clock in the morning by recent Mid-American Conference hall of fame inductee and “Shaq of the MAC” Gary Trent. My mouth was dry and he apologized for stirring me from my slumber.
How could you be angry when a legend calls you first thing in the morning? You can’t.
Throughout my years, beat coverage brought me into contact with myriad Ohio Bobcat legends. I spoke with Caroline (Mast) Daugherty, the all-time leading scorer in Ohio women’s basketball history.
I even interviewed Dow Finsterwald, who won the 1958 PGA Championship and garnered a third-place finish at the 1960 Masters.
He finished third after being tied for the lead because of a rule infraction which essentially cost him the green jacket.
Those stories don’t happen every day. You have to search for them.
While I was searching for those stories, the paper helped me find myself.
Being part of this paper and helping my staff get a little better each day is something I will always be fond of.
Pat, Rebecca and Joe, thank you for the opportunity.
It’s been a pleasure.
nr225008@ohiou.edu
