Well it is that time again. No, not the time when exams and final projects overwhelm us, but the time when the changing of the guards occurs in the sports department. This is my last column as a sports editor, and to some of you that will be great news, but to me it is bittersweet.
Last year at this time, former sports editor Mary Motzko was in this very same position, and her last column was centered on the great farewell speeches of the likes of Lou Gehrig, John Wooden, Walter Payton and Cal Ripken Jr., but I certainly can’t do the same thing to say my final good-bye.
Instead, as I sit here writing this column, my mind tends to wander through all the UW athletics memories I was lucky enough to see and experience during my time as an associate and as an editor.
Perhaps the most vivid memory I have is of that jubilant night March 5 at the Kohl Center. That was the night the men’s basketball team once again proved Wisconsin basketball was a force to be reckoned with, as the team secured its second Big Ten title in as many years.
I was lucky enough to be sitting on press row that night watching the student section line the baseline to watch Devin Harris’ final two free throws of the game.
After he made the second one to secure the title, I just stood on my chair thinking what a wonderful ride this season had been. And the ride wasn’t over yet, either; the team went on to make it out of the first and second rounds of the NCAA tournament, only to come within two minutes of knocking off a No. 1 seed.
I wish my recollection of every team’s season here on campus was as magical as that of the basketball team, but sadly it was not. Few teams enjoyed as much success as predicted in the preseason or were not able to put together enough complete games to be successful. However, it can be said that the future looks bright for many teams, as young coaches are only starting to develop their programs and new coaches are just beginning to create new programs.
In addition to reminiscing about the outcome of the athletic year, I also can think back to January, when I told my co-editor that nothing exciting was going to happen this spring, that we were in for a boring ride.
Per usual, I was totally wrong, as there was definitely enough excitement to make the spring semester go by in a flash.
To start out the semester with a bang, All-American wide receiver Lee Evans announced he was going to be back in a Badger uniform for the 2003 season, much to the delight of fans everywhere.
In an announcement February 14 that shocked many for numerous reasons, Pat Richter, the longest-tenured director of athletics in the Big Ten conference, announced that he was retiring from his position April 1, 2004 after 14-plus years. Following this announcement was the equally surprising announcement that head football coach Barry Alvarez would take his place and assume dual roles in the athletic department.
Less than a week later, the athletic department was once again in the news as Richter and men’s hockey coach Mike Eaves were forced to hold a press conference responding to an alleged incident that took place between Eaves and one of his players November 23.
Not more than three days later, another press conference was held to discuss the matter of the off-ice incident involving captain Brad Winchester.
The storm was not over yet, as two days later another surprise press conference was held announcing the resignation of head women’s basketball coach Jane Albright.
It was definitely a crazy span of about a month, as there seemed to be reason for an unplanned press conference in what seemed like almost every other day.
While not all the events were pleasant ones to cover, I am still glad there was some excitement around here while I was on watch.
I want to finish up here my last chance at rambling on for over 800 words with some much-deserved thank yous.
First of all, I want to thank Mary Motzko for convincing me and allowing me to transfer papers. Yes, it is my dirty little secret that for two and half semesters, I called the Daily Cardinal my place of employment. If it wasn’t for Mary, and Lars for letting her adopting me into the Herald family, I would have never had the opportunities I was privileged enough to experience.
Next on the list are Ben Robinson and Lee Ironside, who must have seen something special in me as they took me under their wings and taught me everything they know, which, I might add, is quite a bit.
In addition to teaching me the sports-content ropes, Lee has become one of my best friends, and without him, I would not be getting the chance to experience the East Coast this summer at the Cape Cod Times.
I also don’t know what I would have done without my co-editor, Mike Giefer. I know it was a little rough at times during the fall semester when we had to call Lee to referee, but I have more respect for your writing and impact on Herald sports than anyone. I couldn’t have had more fun doing this job with anyone else.
A special thanks to my little associates Podge and Drubaru, as they have had to endure my training this past semester. I love you both like brothers, and I know you will keep the Herald sports ship sailing in the right direction.
Okay, I know we are all sick of the thank yous, but lastly, I have to thank my roommates for enduring my year of practically living at the Herald. Some weeks I would go days without seeing them, which obviously made living with me difficult at times. Thanks for being there to support me and not kicking me out when I missed my turn at taking out the garbage.
All in all, this year was outstanding, and I wouldn’t trade the times I had for anything. My only condolence is that I will still be in the office to continue the fun next year as I try to fill the shoes of departing Managing Editor Heidi Olsen. Until then, have an awesome summer.
