It is with considerable sadness that I announce that this will be the final post in Knop's Knotes. I started this blog in 2011 with the idea of tracking local sports, but its focused never was on anything but wrestling.
Since then you have logged on to check out results, my thoughts, photos and videos nearly 300,000 times. That's a staggering number, but considering the passion that Pennsylvania has for wrestling, I guess it shouldn't be a surprise.
As much as I've loved doing the blog, it is time for me to move on. Trying to be the editor of The Tribune-Democrat and live up to the standard that I tried to set with Knop's Knotes was a difficult task, but my addiction to wrestling and the kind comments of my readers kept me going.
I have accepted a new challenge, one that will take me far from the District 5 and 6 gymnasiums on cold winter nights. Beginning June 1, I will be a sports writer for West Hawaii Today, a small newspaper in Kailua-Kona on the western side of the Big Island of Hawaii.
When most people hear about the move, the first thing they ask is "Do they have wrestling there?"
Yes, they do. I checked before accepting the position. Actually, they have both boys and girls wrestling.
I know Hawaii doesn't have the caliber of wrestling that Pennsylvania does, but then again, no state does. So, sure I'll miss not seeing guys like Chance Marsteller, Jimmy Gulibon, John Rizzo and Nick Roberts. It's a treat to get paid to watch the best wrestlers in the nation compete.
But more than that, I'll miss the wonderful people that I've met over the past 33 years of being involved in western Pennsylvania. I often tell people that when Tami and I were first dating I took her to the Thomas tournament in Bedford (romantic, eh?). Between the entrance to the school and door to the gym, I had about five people stop and talk to me. After the fifth one, she turned to me and said "Do you know everyone here?"
Not quite, but it sure does feel good to know that I could walk into almost any gym between Meyersdale and Altoona and see a half-dozen or more people that I consider friends.
So, yes, I'll miss the sport. I'll miss the blog. But, most of all, I'll miss all of you.
Aloha.
I wish you and Tami nothing but the best. It's been a pleasure. On behalf of myself and the rest of the West Branch wrestling program, thank you for all you have done!
ReplyDeleteCoach Steve Sudik
Good Luck to you and your family. D-5/6 wrestling will definitely miss your contributions!
ReplyDeleteWow, congratulations Eric. The wrestling community will miss you. Your insight was greatly appreciated. Keep in touch thru bleacher coaches. Aloha !
ReplyDeleteThanks for the kind words. I'm sure I'll be doing my best to keep up with what's happening here come December!
ReplyDeleteEric, first and foremost thank you for the excellent work you've done over the years covering wrestling in the Johnstown area. From your days as a HS wrestler to your days as writer and editor at the Tribune-Democrat, you have performed admirably and with passion. The readers in the Johnstown area and beyond were fortunate to have you.
ReplyDeleteOf course, I have a soft spot for anyone who covers wrestling at the Tribune-Democrat. I was able to grow and expand and make many, mistakes during by four years at the T-D back in the early '80s. (By expand, I wasn't specifically referring to my waistline, but alas, that is all too true. Being single and childless in Johnstown with a night-time job that ends as the clubs open is truly hazardous). Bottom line is I was very pleased to see you take the beat. I knew it would be in good hands, and it was.
(Now is the time that Eric gets to reply, "If my work was so good, why did you give me such a crappy seat at the state wrestling tournament?" I can only beg forgiveness.)
As usual, I'm way too wordy, so I'll wrap up by wishing you the very best on what has to be a dream gig, wrestling or no. May you prosper in your new tropical surroundings.
Take care.
Rod
Thanks Rod. That means so much coming from you. My mom still talks about your wrestling coverage. We used to subscribe to The T-D, but only during wrestling season. I've never had the guts to ask her if she liked your coverage better than mine; I'm not sure I'd want to know the answer.
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