I’ve always believed the most high-pressured job at any newspaper is that of a daily columnist. To come up with relevant copy that is delivered on target to readers five days a week takes talent way beyond anything I possess.

For me, writing any column regardless of time restraints is difficult. Game stories, features and game previews have never been a problem. But columns that voice an opinion, sometimes coming from love, sometimes based on anger, sometimes funny, sometimes sad — it’s a challenge.

Writing my last column, well that’s the toughest assignment of all. And that’s what I’m faced with at this moment. After 40 years in the Kokomo Tribune sports department, 30 years as its sports editor, I’m retiring Jan. 13.

One would think I would have had plenty of time to think about what to say in this wrap-up, but four paragraphs into this, I’m still at a loss. Where do you start?

I do realize how fortunate I have been in so many ways and it all starts with my wife, Linda, who has endured my crazy hours and lost weekends so I could pursue a job I love. I couldn’t have done this without her support.

I have also been blessed with good bosses along the way, starting with my first, Bob Ford. He was kind enough to give a 16-year-old kid with no experience a chance to follow in his footsteps, giving me the opportunity to be sports editor in my home town at a special time — through the birth of girls sports and a wide range of athletic excellence in this community. It was truly the best of times.

Through three ownerships, six publishers and five managing editors, I’ve been fortunate too that management has supported our department’s mission of providing the best local sports coverage possible.

To put out a sports section 365 nights a year on tight deadline requires an amazing amount of teamwork and talents of passionate people and I’ve had the best co-workers imaginable. Many have come and gone over the years and I’m proud that so many have chosen to stay in the newspaper business, either here or around the globe. I like to feel my passion for the business rubbed off on a few of those journalists.

Our department’s unsung heroes are the guys who help us cover sporting events — football and basketball games and tournament events in track, cross country, golf, tennis, volleyball, wrestling, baseball, softball, soccer and swimming. There isn’t another newspaper of any size in our state that provides as much live coverage of high school events as we do and it’s been our part-time writers that have enabled us to do that.

We’re also been blessed with knowledgeable columnists who have shared their expertise in golf, bowling, auto racing and the outdoors. I feel good that despite all the changes our company and industry have undergone in recent years, the sports department has been allowed to stay on course.

As a kid growing up in the east end of Kokomo, not that far from this building, I would never have imagined the opportunities this job would present. I’ve covered everything from the Olympic Games to the NCAA Men’s Basketball Championship; from a Major League Baseball All-Star game to the Pacers, Colts and beyond. The people I’ve met — simply amazing.

Mostly however, I’ve enjoyed the day-to-day operation of leading our staff in coverage of local sports. One of the perks in writing sports is having the opportunity to share those special moments, the championships and disappointments, with athletes and coaches — to write stories that are keepsakes for children and grandchildren.

I know I’ll miss the KT crew, the coaches, athletic directors and their secretaries that I deal with on a daily basis and I’ll miss that adrenaline rush from beating deadline to get yet another Saturday morning basketball edition to press. As for the late night hours — not so much.

My byline may again pop up in this paper, but for the most part, I’m saying 40 years of deadlines is enough. Thanks to all who made it possible, especially you, the readers, who have let me be part of your lives.

• Dave Kitchell is the soon-to-be retired sports editor of the Kokomo Tribune. He may be reached by e-mail at dave.kitchell@kokomotribune.com



Fond farewell

Beginning in Monday’s paper, I’m publishing a 10-part series of columns — one column per day — that I’ve written over my years at the Tribune.

Let’s call it the last hurrah.

These aren’t necessarily what I would consider my best or most important pieces. They are columns that for whatever reason were special to me or readers. Some were selected for their historical significance.

I hope you enjoy them.

— Dave Kitchell