Have you ever had to give up something you really, truly love? I have had to professionally, and it still causes me brief moments of grief when I’m feeling reflective about it. I loved being a sports journalist, and then a more general editor. Or, more specifically, I loved being in a newsroom. It is, for me, one of the most interesting types of rooms you can be in. Back in the “glory” days—and I came into the game well past its expiration date—I remember that distinct feeling when I got off the corner elevator in the Clocktower Building and walked into the Eagle newsroom. It’s that slight hum of noise that reverberates throughout the building, chitter chatter from the advertising team, news meetings on the fly with editors, and that boisterous sports section just shooting the shit, talking sports. Those truly were the days.
But time and circumstances. Now we’re onto a new career in a new environment. I love my current gig don’t get me wrong, but there are certain things I’ll never be able to replicate again. Thankfully, though, I can replicate some things—and I got to do it twice recently.
Williston sports teams had a stellar fall, including winning a pair of NEPSAC championships. When I got in yesterday, it was my job to round it all up and publish a story online. I loved every moment of it yesterday.
The best part was talking with coaches and the AD. I love getting to talk shop with a coach after a game, and get to see a bit of their insights. Had to settle for an email exchange with one, but that wasn’t a big deal. Chopping it up with the football coach was particularly nice, as I’ve found him to just be a good dude. The shit-eating grin on his face when he got to correct me on the date of the last football bowl win was also hilarious. Clearly, he was a man enjoying his moment.
Part of why I took my job now is because I knew I’d get these chances occasionally. My job isn’t mainly about “journalisming” anymore, but I relish the chances I get to do it again. Also think I did a pretty good job condensing down all of that info into a relatively digestible story. But that’s neither here nor there.
My second brush with my past came from doing my past job quite literally. When I was the sports head for the Eagle, I loved covering cross-country and track and field. Shout out Bob Smith for instilling that love in me. I always enjoyed when the big meets came up on the calendar, and loved being at them, out mingling and watching and taking it all in. So, when the new sports boss called and said he needed a favor for the Western Mass. championships—I jumped at it.
The best part of the day (besides my two stories) came when I was talking with the Lenox girls coach. The girls had just won a Western Mass. title out of nowhere—clustered running is OP in cross-country meets—and Laura was through the roof. Then, as we started talking in the small gaggle that formed, she singled me out for praise! She said she wished I was still at the Eagle, and that I always did a great job covering cross-country and track.
Talk about a way to win me over!
That was really validating, not going to lie. It’s never about being recognized or winning awards or any of that shit in journalism. I truthfully got into it with pure intentions. But when that bit of praise does come in? Well, makes that paltry salary I worked with for a decade slightly more worth it.
There’s more to be uncovered here, but I just wanted to get in a rhythm writing on this blog. Too long since Election Day. One day we’ll get firing consistently again. Until then, praise be to freelancing (that check hit last night for cross-country. Still not enough, but the savings account appreciated the boost).
A Whately Devil 