Sports editor beats the two-year spread

Two years of covering sports in Greene County might not seem that long but it is a milestone I doubt everyone around here thought I would hit.

My first interactions with people in town were not all positive. When I introduced myself to one resident that I was the new sports editor he went on to say how other outlets were ahead of the Daily World when it came to covering sports in our neck of the woods. In this person’s opinion, the Daily World was barely in the top five for local sports news. Just one week in, I was beginning to wonder what I had gotten myself into.

I knew that I could succeed here but it would take time and assistance from strangers. Time for me to adapt the county and time for the county to adapt to me. Time for photographers and writers to want to work with me too.

Today, I know we are better than top just five for county sports.

My best advice two years ago came from my father-in-law who told me that small towns know when a newcomer is not invested in them. I had to show that I care about the schools and their teams and I knew photography and videography would be ways to do that.

Year two, my best advice came from my former pastor. He told me that Linton and Greene County takes time to welcome newcomers. That I should be patient if friendships are slow to develop.

Year two was a year with personal milestones. My wife and I welcomed a baby and adopted a dog. It was also a year of adversity, unexpected twists and almost all my electronic equipment breaking down. Heck, my cell phone was hit by a baseball for crying out loud.

From what I can tell, year three is going to be a year of refinement. Refining myself in terms of being a dad and more. I am excited to make a segment where I challenge my dog on college football predictions this season on my livestream show.

For now, here’s to beating the spread of lasting two years here.