Piatt's OT: From an Indiana native to Illini nation, it's been a pleasure
May 15—Believe it or not, the main photo attached to this column — yeah, the one of me with that big, goofy smile and a beard well past the point of needing a trim — had some extra meaning behind it. I was sitting courtside at the Unity boys' basketball team's Class 2A state semifinal game against Peoria Manual on March 12 at State Farm Center in Champaign. During a break in the action, I looked at our now-retired Photo Editor, Robin Scholz, and motioned for her to snap a quick one of me.
In classic Robin fashion, she rolled her eyes as she pointed her camera at me and took the picture. We shared a laugh and exchanged thumbs-ups from across the court. She didn't know why that moment was special for me.
At that time, nobody did, but I had a feeling that would be the last state finals I'd get to cover for The News-Gazette. In case you didn't hear me break the news on last Friday's Prep Confidential radio show on WDWS 1400-AM, this was my last week with The News-Gazette. I can honestly say I've enjoyed every bit of working here in Champaign-Urbana, but I'm excited for what comes next.
My next step isn't in journalism, but it is back home in Fort Wayne, Ind. To be completely transparent, being away from home has taken a toll on me the last couple years, and after a while, I knew it was time to go back. I'll get to see friends and family on a much more regular basis, and right now, that's at the top of my list.
But man, I'm sure going to miss the experiences that come with this job. Not to mention everyone pronouncing my last name right on the first try. I'll tell you what, I've gotten spoiled living right next door to Piatt County the last few years.
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