As most of you know by now, my five-year run with The Bradford Era is complete.

Today marks my final day, as I am going back to the place where I wasn’t born, but raised for 14 years, to assume the position of sports editor with the Warren Times Observer.

While there are many things I would like to say to you all, I need to start with some thank you’s.

First, to the young men and women I’ve had the opportunity to cover, both current and those who have moved on to adulthood. You are the lifeblood of what we do here. When I first started at The Era, I wasn’t much older than most of you. In many ways, I grew right along with you. You are the reason I do what I do. I could never, ever, thank you enough for everything you have given me. I have tremendously enjoyed covering your accomplishments and getting to tell your stories.

Second, to the coaches. Much like the former and current student-athletes, I can’t name all of you here, because it would take up way too much space and I would most assuredly miss someone. Win or lose, you have always been open and accessible. Dealing with the media isn’t the most fun part of your job, of that I am certain. But it is my hope that you enjoyed working with me as much as I enjoyed working with all of you. I never (and I mean this in all sincerity) have had a negative experience with a coach in my five years here. For that and so much more, I thank you.

Third, to the readers. I know that encompasses many in the first two categories, but it also includes so many more. I’m not mistake-free, and that especially includes my early time on the job. But even your criticisms were always positive. Trust me, they made me better. You all have been overwhelmingly supportive of our local athletes and I know you will continue to be.

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Through all of the means above, I have gotten to know so many wonderful people and I am confident those friendships will continue even though my location has changed by some 35 miles to the west.

I won’t be far away, so many of the current student-athletes I will still get to see based on common opponents with Warren County schools.

Also, I still plan on fulfilling my duties with D9sports.com. Those duties will change somewhat for obvious reasons, but you can still plan on seeing me in some capacity with the site.

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So, this isn’t really good-bye, but see you later.

I always knew that if and when I decided to leave, it would be difficult and it would be that way because of all of you.

After I accepted my new position, I slowly began telling people. First were my co-workers, who I will miss coming in and seeing every day more than I think even they know, as well as my family.

A few days ago, I made sure everyone knew, because I didn’t want anyone to be caught off-guard.

The response I received via social media was overwhelming. I was overcome with emotion and gratitude by all of your kind words.

When I was 18 years old, I was a freshman at Clarion University who decided to major in communications because I loved sports and thought that I could write, report and talk about them reasonably well.

Never once as a naive teenager did I think that it could impact my life in any way beyond finding a job in something I liked doing.

But it has. It has been so much more because of all of you.

So….thank you.

And see you later.