ICYMI: A Time For Goodbyes

In the world of sports and life, we know that all things have to come to an end. Eventually. Nothing lasts forever and in the world of sports, eventually everyone retires. Sometimes people retire way too early. Consider Barry Sanders. Others stay way to long and retire past their prime. Like George Foreman. And some retire way too early and then come back and retire way too late. Consider Michael Jordan. Regardless, nothing lasts forever and it is still with a somewhat sad heart, I join the groups of those retiring and stepping away from covering Kentucky Wildcats Athletics for the Wildcat Blue Nation. It’s not really a retirement in so much, but more of a reshuffling of priorities on the personal end of my life.

It has been quite a ride. Fittingly enough, I started this site on May 23, 2009 on a free “blogspot” site. I have to admit that I had humble goals when I started. I told myself that if I could get just 50 people a day to read my stuff, I would keep reading. I had spent most of my career in the television and radio fields and while writing has been part of my job, I never considered myself a writer. To be honest, I did not even know how long I would keep at this.

However, things quickly changed. The first night that I started this site, the news broke that Jeremy Jarmon was banned from the Kentucky football team and I covered my first “breaking news story” and blogging was in my blood. And it’s been quite the ride since then. And it’s been quite the ride ever since.

Probably the best thing that has happened for me has been the interaction with the Big Blue Nation and becoming part of that thriving, sometimes crazy, always loyal community. I have made friends with former players that I used to passionately root for which is always kind of surreal. But it gives you a rush that you can not describe. Living in Florida, at times I felt alienated as a Kentucky fan. Writing helped me to find my own community and I got even more involved and passionate than I had ever dreamed of.

I have to say that in interacting with you virtually everyday, Kentucky Wildcats fans without a doubt are the best in the nation. And anyone that says otherwise just does not know what they are talking about. We are knocked for our dedication and called crazy, but that passion is what makes me so proud to have been your source of Kentucky Wildcats news, rumors, and opinion over the past six years.

I do want to extend a huge thank you for all of your patronage and support over the years. I could not have done this without you and am so grateful that you chose us as part of your daily web browsing. And to all the writers and staffers that have worked for the WBN over the years? I could not have done it without you and I appreciate your passion and dedication.

As for me, I will still be around. You can follow me on twitter and I may write again for this site in the future. I still have second thoughts about leaving, but ending this on the six-year mark seems fitting. You will be in good hands here at the WBN. Shelby Caudill will be taking over for me and I will be helping her with the transition for the rest of the month.

You will still see me here some next week as I fill out my contractual obligations, but for the most part, Shelby is taking over from here on out. You will be in good hands as I do not expect to see many changes.

It’s a great time to be a Kentucky Wildcats Athletics fan as both major programs are in capable hands and I’m excited for the future of the Wildcats. And it’s been a blast sharing the past with you.

As a special treat, I’m going to have the Fighters of Foo play me out and the lights darken on the Wildcat Blue Nation chapter of my life. Peace and thanks to all of you.

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