I suppose, in the grand scheme of things, three-and-a-half years is just a moment in a lifetime. But then again, that’s probably why it’s such a cliché to say it’s the moments that make a lifetime.
After spending that amount of time in Valdosta, I can vouch for that sentimental line.
Saturday was my last day at The Valdosta Daily Times, and Sunday was my last day as a resident of Winnersville, TitleTown, South Georgia, Valdosta or, more appropriately, home.
Being a member of this town’s newspaper puts me in a position to not only work here, but to become involved and intertwined with the community.
I’ll admit when I first arrived here at the end of August 2005, the path I have navigated wasn’t the one I envisioned. I refused to buy furniture, thinking that I wouldn’t be here long enough for the carpet to get more worn than the patch underneath the couch. I didn’t look to get involved, because I had spent the previous three years in Tampa, and Valdosta wasn’t moving at my pace.
But then I was welcomed with open arms. Coaches, fans, players, support staff and, of course, my co-workers all provided this thing called Southern hospitality.
I’m not going to list all the nice things, and great moments, the people of Valdosta have provided, but it’s sufficient to say it takes up way more space than a couch and kitchen set ever could.
My first year here was spent just getting into the flow of working a 40-hour week for the first time. I honestly enjoyed going to work every day.
I’ll never forget looking around Martin Stadium during my first Winnersville Classic and hearing the roar of the crowd right before kickoff. Sure, I’ve been at games with 20, 40, even 50 thousand people before, but nothing matches the spirit of Valdosta football.
As I grew as a writer here, I learned that this job not only provided me with great sports to watch every day, and great people to work with, but also great opportunities for stories.
My first big story was the Lowndes High football team winning the state championship. But more detailed to me was the usually-introverted Lowndes head coach Randy McPherson exuding emotion after seeing his first senior class win it all for the second straight year.
From there, several stories stand out, but they were all about the people. Former Valdosta State offensive lineman Richard Collier’s story was a highlight for me then, but now, as the details of his tragic shooting unfold, it continues to grow. The other story of an athlete overcoming adversity was that of Scott Rigsby, the first double amputee to complete the Ironman World Championships, and I’m glad I got to meet him before I left South Georgia. There are dozens of other tales about the people I was proud to highlight, and even more stories of the people I didn’t write about but came to know.
Of course, I can’t think about the last three years in Valdosta without mentioning the simultaneous run to the championships by both Valdosta State and Lowndes in 2007. Being the beat writer of those two schools was an opportunity I know doesn’t come along often.
I was able to see first hand how this town earned the recognition of TitleTown as I covered those two teams. Then, just a few months later, I literally witnessed this town being crowned TitleTown USA by ESPN.
The nation was told that Valdosta encompassed greatness in sports, but I have seen it with my own eyes the past three-and-a-half years.
Living in Winnersville, TitleTown, South Georgia, Valdosta and at home is a sight, a sound, a feeling and a moment I will never forget.
Local Sports
Column: Valdosta a great sports experience
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Lady Packers beat Lowndes, 55-48
The Colquitt County Lady Packers handed the Lowndes Vikettes a second straight loss Tuesday night, 55-48.
Jamesia Jones led Lowndes with 10 points, while Courtne Washington had nine. Tasia Brown finished with eight. -
Braves unveil another alternate home uniform
Hank Aaron recognized the look. Just not the feel.
The Atlanta Braves unveiled a new alternate home uniform Monday that is based on the attire worn when the team moved from Milwaukee in 1966, with Aaron as its biggest star. -
Valdosta native Garland named to Armstrong Atlantic HOF
Armstrong Atlantic State University has announced its latest induction class for the Armstrong Atlantic State University Athletic Hall of Fame. Among the six inductees and one Service Citation award winner is Valdosta native Nikki Garland, who ran cross county and track and field with the Pirates.
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Freeman, Trojans finalize '12 schedule
The Brooks County Trojans’ football motto is to ‘bring the hammer’ each and every Friday night.
Well, the Trojans now know exactly who they will have to bring that hammer to this upcoming season, as head coach Maurice Freeman recently finalized Brooks County’s 2012 football schedule. -
New York wins Super Bowl
Eli Manning and the Giants one-upped Tom Brady and the Patriots again, coming back with a last-minute touchdown to beat New England 21-17 Sunday night for New York’s fourth Super Bowl title.
- Super Bowl boosts Indy’s image
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Blazer softball sweeps Nova Southeastern
On Super Bowl Sunday, Valdosta State showed why it has been one of the super teams in the south region for years now.
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Blazers fall to Saints
Just 24 hours after earning an impressive opening day victory, the Valdosta State baseball team struggled to find a rhythm against North Georgia, as the Blazers fell to the Saints 8-3.
North Georgia pitcher Blake Hobby was a major factor for VSU’s struggles. The senior right-hander held the Blazers to just one run on four hits across his eight innings of work on the hill. -
Tift County wins region wrestling championship
Tift County won the Region 1-AAAAA traditional wrestling championship on Saturday at Lowndes High School.
Tift had three individual region champions, had wrestlers place in the top three in 13 of the 14 weight classes and qualified wrestlers for next weekend’s sectional tournament in all 14 weight classes. Tift earned 184 team points, two points more than second-place Lowndes. -
Wildcats beat Crisp in overtime
Valdosta’s boys basketball team dominated the overtime period, and defeated Crisp County 66-56 on Saturday night at the VHS gym.
The Wildcats outscored the Cougars 17-7 in overtime to pull away for the win.
“Another big win,” Valdosta head coach Antonio Haynes said. “I’m happy for the guys. They played hard. They deserved this win.” - More Local Sports Headlines
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Lady Packers beat Lowndes, 55-48
