Sports Editor (Fall 2009), Asst. Copy Editor (Spring 2007)

The more I write here, the less room I have to mention everybody who deserves acknowledgement. I do not have enough space to personally thank all the people who I want to thank. You all mean more to me than I can say here.

Ethan: For reasons I may never understand, you trusted a gawky, nervous freshman with a 1,200-word centerpiece after just three mediocre cross country stories, and I never looked back. You gave me opportunities I may not have deserved, and I hope I didn’t let you down. More than anybody else, I have you to thank for all I have accomplished here.

Berman: The way you interact with people – both professionally and personally – is astounding, and I have spent the last three-and-a-half years aspiring to acquire those qualities. I learned more working as an asst. copy editor in your section than I ever have in one semester. That experience was more valuable than I ever told you.

Gelb: Your name comes up in the sports office so much because we value your opinion like it is gospel. Your approval means more than you probably realize, as does your criticism. Thank you for letting me make my own mistakes this semester. I hope I didn’t disappoint you too much.

Schonbrun: It’s almost a cliché to say that you are the best pure writer I know, but it’s true. What I respect about you most is your sensitivity and judgment. I always considered you the voice of reason among a million shouting people. And for the last time, I’m so sorry for driving on your uncle’s lawn.

Levin: The scary thing is, there is no one else in the sports office I have ever related to more than you. I’m not sure if that’s a good thing. Thank you for allowing me an escape from the sports-obsessed wannabe jocks who live upstairs. Welcome to Moe’s!

Clayton: You are a major part of two of my greatest memories from my time here: forcing down one last piece of Uno’s deep dish after the Northwestern football game and jogging across the field at Notre Dame Stadium on a frigid November evening. Whenever I look back at my D.O. experience, I will remember those two fantastic trips, and then remember you.

Andy: We may never agree on anything, but I would be an idiot to question your incredible talent. Despite our differences and disagreements, I have always respected your abilities. I hope one day I can convince you to respect mine.

Kyle: You always said that everybody that comes through The D.O. sports office is connected to somebody else. For me, that person was you. From our days bored in a soccer press box in Oneonta to Six in the City, your friendship is one of things I have taken from this place I value most.

Bonner: Road warriors – starting with driving on Dead Man’s Lane on a dark scary road somewhere near Colgate all the way to our ridiculous journey through a blizzard back from Providence at 3 a.m. At least we’ll always have Katy Perry (and Now!) to bring us together.

Erinn: I am lucky enough to call you one of my best friends. There is nothing I can say here that can appropriately express what your friendship means. You are my greatest confidant and the best journalist on campus.

Tyler: My right-hand man. Thank you for keeping me sane this semester. You are the best sportswriter on campus. There is so much I want to learn from you. Good news is, I know our friendship will continue after we leave this place. Dominate the basketball beat.

EzE: That night you confronted Kyle and me in Pete’s office last spring was the turning point in our relationship. That’s when you showed what kind of person you are. You told me recently you considered me one of your best friends here. Know that I feel the same way.

Conor: I know the section is in good hands. Your motivation, dedication and enthusiasm will take you a long way. I am excited to see some of the great things that you will produce next semester. Never forget to take a step back and consider the consequences of every decision you make. And trust your assistants – they will serve you well. I will be around if you ever need me.

Meredith: A lot of people, including me, doubted you this semester. I can’t speak for anybody else, but I believe you have proved the critics wrong. What’s more, you and I have forged out a pretty wonderful friendship in the process. Keep asserting yourself next semester. The paper will benefit from what you bring to it.

Steph: I hope I didn’t drive you too crazy this semester. More importantly, I hope I helped make your job just a little easier on the worst nights.

Andrew: A huge chunk of our success as a section is because of your sensitivity, kindness and thoughtfulness. Don’t let Conor off the hook next semester. You know more than you realize you know, so don’t be afraid to make yourself heard. And I’ll be around to scratch that Seinfeld itch.

Tony: You have tons of talent. The exciting thing is you’re only a sophomore, so you have plenty of time to keep learning. Take next semester to hone the fundamentals. You will do great things here.

Sports staff: I hope you learned from me as much as I learned from you. Thank you for all your hard work.

Mom, Dad, Justin, Elyssa: I know it was hard at first for you to accept me living this lifestyle and justify the sacrifices I made to do this. But thank you for always supporting me. I hope you have come to realize it was worth it. I love you.

Talie: There is nothing I could say to you in this space that I haven’t already said to you in person. Nothing I have done here would mean a thing if not for your constant support and love. You are everything to me. I hope that no matter how stressed or busy this job made me, that much was always clear. I love you.

Published on December 13, 2009 at 12:00 pm