My illustrious career as a Helmsman sports writer has now come to an end. Well, maybe it wasn’t so much illustrious as it was ummm . . . mediocre, but still, I have definitely enjoyed the past year covering University of Memphis sports.
I’ve learned a lot about the sports media and collegiate athletics, probably more than I wanted to know.
One thing I’ve learned is that most sportswriters are huge dorks who were more than likely picked on by the jocks in high school. (The exception, of course, is myself and my Helmsman peers).
So, they plotted their revenge by getting a degree in journalism, so they could live vicariously through those same kind of jocks who gave them wedgies in high school.
If you don’t believe me, you need to meet the sports guys from The CA. (It’s just a good example.)
Anyway, enough about that theory.
One thing is for sure, you have to love sports and make it your life to succeed in the field of sports media. For many of you, that shouldn’t be a problem. You feel that way already.
I’ve loved playing and watching sports ever since T-ball, when I was five. I was the only girl on the team and what’s funny is, not much has changed.
Maybe, I’m more like those dorks than I’d like to admit. The truth is: if I can’t play, I’d like to at least be involved.
I’m grateful that for the past year, I’ve been given the opportunity to be involved in U of M sports and . . . OK, live vicariously through some exceptional college athletes.
I’ve also learned a few things.
After being pushed into covering volleyball, I realized it’s a pretty kick-ass sport. I had no idea.
I’ve also learned that “Why do you suck so bad?” is not a good question to ask a coach.
Fortunately, I’ve never had to ask that question because The U of M has an elite group of coaches who actually appreciate their teams being covered by The Helmsman. And I want to thank them for that.
So, without further ado, I have compiled one of those lame lists you’ve seen in many other commentaries. My list: What I won’t miss and will miss about writing sports for The Helmsman.
What I won’t miss:
- People calling me “Brit” at sports events. (No, I do not look like the sports reporter for Channel 3)
- Trying to drag quotes out of disinterested players.
- Trying to decipher those quotes.
- Listening to and watching George Lapides eat. (It is really disgusting.)
- Getting blown off by athletes, only to see their quotes in The CA the next day.
- Not being able to cheer at games while sitting in the press box, because it is “unprofessional.”
What I will miss:
- Free food
- Listening to Coach West’s hilarious smart-ass comments. (That man is the coolest.)
- Seeing Coach Cal’s glistening chest at basketball practice after his workout on the stationary bike. (Also, very cool)
- Getting to watch exceptional athletes perform.
- Not covering the men’s basketball team when they go to the Final Four. (Fingers crossed)
- The anticipation of a new season, whether it’s basketball, volleyball or golf.
- Talking to coaches and athletes who show humility and appreciation for their teammates and their sport.
- Working with such fine young men as Scott Hartsfield, Brian Newcomb, Marcus Matthews and Jason Smith. They always treated me as “one of the guys” and never made me feel as if my knowledge of sports was somehow inferior. So much so, that I was forced to endure frequent lashings because of my KC Chiefs.
So, farewell sports fans. For the few of you who actually read my articles; I thank you. And for those of you who didn’t: “Why do you suck so bad?”
