Cheboygan Sports: A Year of Growth and Gratitude (2024)

“What’s the best year you’ve had working here?”

It was a simple question, posed by a family friend amidst the celebratory chaos of a recent graduation party. My answer? It came without hesitation, without even needing to rack my brain for some long-winded, philosophical explanation.

“These last two years, easy. Hands-down, no doubt about it.”

Sure, there have been some pretty awesome individual years sprinkled throughout my (let’s just say “lengthy”) tenure here. Years with championship runs, heartwarming stories, and those special moments that remind you why you fell in love with this whole sports writing gig in the first place. But these past two? They’ve hit different, man. Especially this last one.

A Positive Transition

Rewind the clock almost a year – eleven months, to be exact. Remember that whole shift our company made towards that Gannett Center for Community Journalism (CCJ) format? Yeah, that was a wild ride. Honestly, at first, I was a little apprehensive. Change can be scary, yo! But you know what? That whole CCJ thing? It low-key unlocked something in my writing game.

Suddenly, it wasn’t just about churning out the same old game recaps. Don’t get me wrong, those are important. But with this new format, I had the freedom to dive deeper. To tell the stories behind the scores, to craft narratives that resonated on a whole other level. I’m talking in-depth features, profiles that would make ESPN jealous, and the kind of storytelling that gets people talking – in a good way, of course!

A Network of Support

Now, let’s be real for a sec: I wouldn’t have survived, let alone thrived, without a solid crew backing me up. Shoutout to my main man, Drew Kochanny, the mastermind over at Northern Michigan and the Petoskey News-Review sports desk. This dude’s got a knack for sniffing out a killer story idea, and his feedback? Always on point.

And then there’s Dylan Jespersen, the young gun holding it down over at the Gaylord Herald-Times. Talk about inspiring! This dude’s energy is contagious, and let me tell ya, having someone like that in your corner makes all the difference.

Can’t forget about Dan D’Addona, the sports guru down in Holland who also happens to be another Northern Michigan legend. From lending an ear when I needed to vent (we’ve all been there, am I right?) to giving my stories the once-over before they hit the digital presses, Dan’s been a true MVP.

And of course, mad respect to all the editors over at Gannett. They’re the unsung heroes, making sure this whole transition went as smooth as butter and always having our backs.

Appreciation for the Cheboygan Community

But here’s the real talk, the heart-to-heart moment, if you will. To every single athlete, coach, parent, and die-hard Cheboygan sports fan out there: Thank you. From the bottom of this ink-stained heart, thank you. You guys are what make this whole thing so damn special.

This year, I made a conscious effort to get out there, to connect with you all on a deeper level. And let me tell ya, it was the best decision ever. The more I interacted with the community, the more I realized how much these stories mattered. I’m not just talking about wins and losses here (although, let’s be real, those are pretty important too). I’m talking about the human side of sports. The dedication, the passion, the sheer grit and determination that fuels these athletes.

Getting to know these folks on a personal level, hearing their stories in their own words – it’s been an absolute privilege. It’s enriched my writing in ways I never thought possible, and for that, I am eternally grateful.

Looking Ahead

Now, I know what you’re thinking: “Dude, it’s summer! Time to kick back, soak up some sun, and forget about deadlines for a hot minute.” And you’re not wrong. A little R&R is definitely in order. But let’s be real, once you catch the sports bug, it’s hard to shake off completely.

Even as I’m writing this, my mind’s already starting to wander towards the fall. The crisp autumn air, the roar of the crowd under the Friday night lights, the thrill of a last-second shot…man, I can practically taste it! And you know what that means? Prep for the 2024-25 high school sports year is officially underway.

I’m already brainstorming story ideas, reaching out to coaches, and gearing up for another epic year of Cheboygan sports. My goal? To be even better than before. To keep pushing myself to find those unique angles, to tell those stories that stay with you long after you’ve finished reading. And with the incredible support of this community, I know anything is possible.

Conclusion

So, yeah, this past year? It’s been one for the books. Not just professionally, but personally as well. The connections I’ve made, the experiences I’ve had, the stories I’ve been fortunate enough to tell – they’ve all left an undeniable mark. And for that, I am incredibly grateful.

This whole Cheboygan sports journey has been a team effort, and I want to give a huge shout-out to everyone who’s been a part of it. From the athletes who leave it all on the field (or court, or track, you get the idea) to the coaches who dedicate countless hours to their craft, to the parents who cheer their hearts out from the sidelines, and to you, the readers, who make this whole thing worthwhile – thank you.

Call to Action

Want to stay in the loop on all things Cheboygan sports? Hit me up on X (formerly Twitter) @sportsCDT. Let’s connect, share some stories, and gear up for another incredible year!