I’ve had the good fortune to work with some exceptional sports writers over the years, none better than Barry Punzal, Noozhawk’s sports editor.
Barry possesses a tremendous knowledge and understanding of the sports world, and is a gifted reporter and writer.
He also is an insightful editor who knows the importance of athletics at all levels — from kids leagues to pros, and especially prep sports, Noozhawk’s bread and butter.
And above all, he cares about the athletes and the sports programs that are so much a part of our community’s fabric.
So it’s with very mixed feelings that I share the news that Barry is officially stepping down as Noozhawk’s sports editor — Sunday being his last day — and heading into semi-retirement.
I’m happy for Barry, who has more than earned this next chapter, and am glad he will have more time for travel, and spending time with family and on other pursuits.
But I’m sad that Barry will no longer be a daily part of the Noozhawk team. He has added so much to our organization, and created a sports section for which we are rightfully very proud.
Barry and I go back decades, to our tenures at the local daily newspaper, and he came to Noozhawk rather by accident.
When I first started with Noozhawk, we didn’t do sports, thinking it was too heavy a lift for our tiny staff.
But when Presidio Sports ended its run at the end of 2015, we saw a need and decided to take a chance on filling it.
And when I say we, I really mean Barry, as he came on board with the simple directive: Keep doing what you’ve been doing.
He has done that with flying colors.
The good news is Barry will still be part of the Noozhawk flock, covering some games and matches, writing features and profiles, and even handling some editing and production chores. For that we couldn’t be happier.
We also are excited — and grateful — that we have a great replacement for him.
Beginning Monday, Diego Sandoval will be Noozhawk’s new sports editor, and I hope you all will join me in congratulating him.
Diego is no stranger to Noozhawk or local sports. He grew up in a family that was heavily involved in the local sports scene, and he was an accomplished athlete at San Marcos High School.
Diego also spent two summers as a sports intern at Noozhawk before graduating from Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo, where he served as sports editor for Mustang News, the campus’ acclaimed student news organization.
We were fortunate enough to bring him on full time as a sports reporter at the beginning of summer, with an eye toward him playing a bigger role.
Diego brings a love of sports and tremendous energy to the sports editor position, and he, too, is a talented reporter and gifted writer. We have every confidence he will continue down the successful trail that Barry blazed before him at Noozhawk.
I hope you will all join me in welcoming and encouraging Diego in his new position, and wishing Barry every good fortune going forward.
