There's something about a courtside seat at the state finals that makes you feel like you're exactly where you're supposed to be. For me, that moment came on March 12 at State Farm Center in Champaign, watching the Unity boys' basketball team take on Peoria Manual in the Class 2A state semifinal.
During a break in the action, I caught the eye of Robin Scholz, our now-retired Photo Editor, and motioned for her to snap a quick picture. She rolled her eyes—classic Robin—but aimed her camera anyway. We shared a laugh and exchanged thumbs-ups from across the court. She didn't know why that moment meant so much to me. At the time, nobody did. But deep down, I had a feeling this would be the last state finals I'd cover for The News-Gazette.
If you caught last Friday's Prep Confidential radio show on WDWS 1400-AM, you already heard the news: this was my last week with the paper. I can honestly say I've loved every minute of working here in Champaign-Urbana. But I'm also genuinely excited for what comes next.
That next step isn't in journalism—it's back home in Fort Wayne, Indiana. Being away from family and friends has taken its toll over the last couple years, and I knew it was time to go back. I'll get to see the people who matter most on a regular basis now, and honestly, that's at the top of my list.
But man, I'm going to miss the experiences this job gave me. Not to mention everyone pronouncing my last name right on the first try—living next door to Piatt County these last few years has spoiled me rotten.
Before coming to C-U, my first job out of college was writing for The Palladium-Item in Richmond, Indiana. I covered high school sports and education across six schools in Wayne County. Moving across the state border to cover nearly 50 high schools throughout east central Illinois was a major step up. In my almost two years in Richmond, I covered a baseball team's run to the state championship, a gymnastics team competing at my alma mater Ball State, and one lone golfer making the state tournament. That was my entire experience with state-level competition.
At The News-Gazette, I've covered countless teams and individuals on the state's biggest stages—and I've never taken those opportunities for granted. Just a few months after I started in fall 2023, the Tuscola boys' and Unity girls' cross-country teams won state titles. Jack Barnhart went undefeated on the wrestling mat that winter for Centennial. These are the stories that make sports journalism feel like more than just a job—they make it feel like a privilege.
From an Indiana native to Illini nation, it's been a pleasure.