Continuing an era of excellence
It’s always disheartening when a professional athlete retires, only to decide months later they’re going to attempt a comeback. You’d figure that after the press conferences are held, the tears flow and goodbyes are said, athletes could just ride off into the sunset, heads held high, and leave us with our fond memories, autographed jerseys and rookie cards.
But all too often, that’s not the case.
With Brett Favre, we’re seeing just how messy and uncomfortable it can be when an athlete waffles and decides to come out of retirement.
Who do you root for? Can you even pick a side on this one?
I like Favre. I think his career numbers, Super Bowl ring and overall grit speak for themselves. But I can also understand Green Bay’s position, and that’s why this drama is so hard to digest.
Goodbyes are never easy. But saying “Hello” again can be just as difficult.
Favre’s proved that.
In the not too distant past, the Messenger was forced to say goodbye to one of its own, former Sports Editor Bobby Fox. Fox moved on to Waynesburg University, where he was recently named sports information director.
I met Bobby for the first time a few years ago at a local sporting event, and it didn’t take long to see just how hard this guy worked. Camera around his neck, notebook and pen in hand, Bobby was busy trying to position himself for a picture, while still keeping track of the game in his notes.
In case you’re wondering, this isn’t the easiest of tasks. The action at games, whether it’s baseball, softball or basketball, can often become harried in the blink of an eye, and as a reporter, you have to be on top of your game if you want to accurately present what happened later on in your story or photographs.
Bobby made it seem effortless, and he did so without stepping on anyone.
Eventually, Bobby joined the Herald-Standard, splitting his time between the Uniontown-based paper and the Messenger. He worked a lot of Sunday nights at the Herald-Standard, and I got to know him better during these times.
What impressed me most about Bobby was his unending knowledge of the sporting world. It might seem odd to brag about a sports writer knowing about his trade, but Bobby isn’t just a sports journalist by day, he’s a sports nut.
If you want to know what base defense Illinois’ football team runs, ask Bobby, and chances are you’ll get an answer. Having trouble coming up with San Diego State’s nickname? Ask Bobby. His love for sports is obvious.
Over the past few years, my appreciation grew for the job Bobby did here at the Messenger and eventually at the Herald-Standard. I wish him well in his new endeavor, and look forward to continuing to work with him.
I will be attempting to help fill the hole created when Bobby left the Messenger. I grew up in Greene County, graduated from Mapletown High School a long time ago, and have had the privilege of covering a great number of Greene County sporting events as well.
There is a rich sporting tradition here, and the schools and fans are as passionate about their teams as anywhere I’ve been. The five county schools – Carmichaels, Jefferson-Morgan, Mapletown, Waynesburg Central and West Greene – each have their share of past and present heroes, and each have special teams and coaches which have left their mark on us.
I don’t look at it as if I’m replacing Bobby. I look at it as if I’m going to try to continue to do the job he did, and build on the great foundation he started here at the Messenger. I’ll still be working at the Herald-Standard as well, so for me, it’s the best of both worlds.
Both Greene and Fayette County have great athletes, and it’s been a rewarding job the past 13 years to be able to tell the stories of the young men and women who have been a part of the area’s sporting scene.
One of my first projects will be helping to put out the Messenger’s annual Football Preview, which will highlight the players and coaches of the five county schools.
Fall has always been my favorite time of year, and there’s nothing like going to that first high school football game. Like Bobby, I love sports, and I’ve been fortunate enough to make a living writing about them.
If you have any story ideas, or comments or complaints, feel free to contact me. I’d be happy to help out in any way that I can, and I’d appreciate some feedback about what our readers think about the Messenger’s Sports Section.
I’m not promising anything “new and improved.” But I will promise the same outstanding effort Bobby put forth each and every week.
Oh, and one more thing. Don’t even think about pulling a Favre and coming back Bobby, because I’m changing the locks!
Dave Stofcheck can be reached at dave@greenemessenger.com or dstofcheck@heraldstandard.com