I’ve made it this far. It’s taken me eight months to get to this spot and it’s been a well-worth-it eight months. Allow me to introduce myself, though anyone who reads the papers might know who I am already.

I’m the new sports editor.

I’ve spent the last six months as the assistant sports editor working with Mallory Tucker as my boss. She’s taught me more about the art of conversation and importance of networking than I’ve learned in an entire semester of classes.

She’s been my mentor, colleague, editor and above all a friend.

I can say over the last eight months I’ve built more than just a network of professionals, but I’ve made friends. I’ve been to the men’s basketball OVC Championship, I’ve been to countless volleyball games and watched them raise the banner as the 2014 OVC Champions.

I’ve toured the Pat Spurgin Rifle Range under Steward Stadium. I’ve watched the women’s basketball team hit triple digits during pre-season play. I’ve watched Cameron Payne make the 1,000-point club.

I’ve watched past editors and writers receive awards. I’ve seen the happiness in someone’s face when they realize they’ve hit golden stories. I’ve experienced what it’s like to sit in Wilson Hall until almost 3 a.m. putting together a newspaper. I’ve gotten up at 6:15 a.m. Friday mornings to deliver newspapers.

All of these experiences are some I wouldn’t trade for the world.

I can’t say it enough.

As editor, I look forward to covering all my favorite sports, yet again. Volleyball, basketball, rifle and cross-country are a few of many at the University. I look forward to the coming year and the craziness I know will ensue from it.

Cheers to what’s to come.

Column by Kelsey Randolph, Sports Editor