Siftings Herald sports editor bids a fond farewell to Arkadelphia

On Sept. 6, 2002, the first game was played in Badger Stadium. The Dumas Bobcats came to Arkadelphia and beat the Badgers 19-0. It was the first game of the season, my senior year of high school. I was there that night wearing purple and gold supporting my hometown team the best way I knew how — taking pictures on the sidelines. It was almost seven years ago, but I remember that night well. When I left that game, I did not think that I would be back at Badger Stadium, and I never considered how many more times I would be there standing on the sidelines taking pictures for the home team.

When I graduated from Ouachita in May 2007, I was excited to find a job in a town that I was comfortable in and had grown accustomed to. I had friends here and relieved at not having to say goodbye. I was also scared at the idea of jumping into the world of sports, a world that I was not quite sure I could handle.

Almost two years later, I find it harder than I realized to leave Arkadelphia and the sports world. As some of you may know, today is my last day as sports editor of the Daily Siftings Herald. I have gotten a new job in Little Rock and will moving there. I am jumping into the medical world as I have gotten a job at UAMS and will be working in its Web center.

I wanted to take this opportunity to thank you for allowing me to learn and grow these past years at the Siftings. Thanks for being patient with me while I figured things out and cut my teeth in the journalism world.

To the coaches, thanks for always talking to me, no matter the outcome of the game. Thanks for being patient with me as I learned. I know that sometimes I was not quite sure what to say or ask, but you were always willing to give comments, and that meant a lot.

To the parks and rec guys, thanks for always giving me something when I needed it. I could always count on you on ideas for stories and photo opportunities.

Thanks to my Baring Cross family for being there all my years in Arkadelphia, you mean more than you know! Thanks for all the prayers and well wishes for the future.

To the Roots, thanks for everything! I would not be where I am if it wasn’t for you.

Finally, to the paper, thanks for giving me a chance to get started in journalism. I appreciate the faith you placed in me. It’s been a fun place to work, and I’ll miss all of you.

I have truly enjoyed the past years here. I have had the opportunity to meet some wonderful people. Thanks to those that gave me words of encouragement or told me that they appreciated an article. Your kindness meant so much.

I’ll still be cheering on and keeping up with the Badgers, and you might even see me at a game or two in the future. Thanks again for the opportunity to make Arkadelphia my hometown team.