It’s been a honor and a privilege to be the Noozhawk sports editor for the past eight years. It’s not every day a person has the opportunity to create something special that serves an entire community.
It was my mission to make Noozhawk Sports the go-to place for all local sports.
I feel like I succeeded. When you get emails from athletes, coaches, parents and the general public about an error in a story, you’re obviously upset about the mistake and quickly make the fix.
Ah, the beauty of working online …
Those emails validated that the people are reading the section and care deeply about their local sports.
I care deeply, too, which is why I’m not going out cold turkey. I will be contributing as a freelancer and consultant for my successor, Diego Sandoval.
A friend and colleague called it my 12-Step Process.
I feel the same as Abe Jahadhmy, when he retired as San Marcos High School’s athletic director back in January. He told me, “Barry, I love what I do, but I feel it’s time.”
This guy, however, plans to add some stoppage time to the career.
I look forward to stopping in a gym, stadium, pool and volleyball court for a little while longer.
Thank you to Noozhawk’s leaders — Bill Macfadyen, Tom Bolton, Giana Magnoli and Kim Clark — for trusting me and allowing to me to do my thing without much interference.
Thank you, Noozhawk readers for all your support … and the corrections.