Time for me to say good-bye

At some point in all our lives, we reach that proverbial fork in the road. Do we go left, or do we turn right. Of course, Yogi says to just take it.

Sorry, Yogi, it’s not that easy. At least for me.

For those of you who have encountered that fork, you know the difficulty and emotions that come with facing such decisions. For those of you who haven’t, well, just wait. Inevitably, the day will come.

Well, sports fans, my day has come.

This morning, I made one of the toughest decisions I’ve ever had to make. I handed over my resignation to the Daily Journal.

After 10 years here at the word factory and with a company that’s been like family to me, it’s hard to imagine no longer seeing my name on top of stories and no longer coming to work with some of the most talented writers in the business.

And trust me when I say that every day since Feb. 15, 1999, it’s been an honor and privilege keeping you informed on the comings and goings of everything I’ve covered, whether it’s been the Tupelo T-Rex, Tupelo High School, all the other high schools I’ve been fortunate to visit, Ole Miss or Mississippi State. It’s a privilege I’ve never taken for granted.

Sure. Some of you are jumping up and down with joy that I’m leaving. But hey, at least you read, and at the end of the day, that’s all I could ask for.

But if there’s a facet of my job I’m going to miss the most, it’s the blog. Who would have thought that a couple of years ago when I was first introduced to the blog and told to embrace it.

I can’t tell you how much I’ve enjoyed checking this site at least 20 times a day and seeing what you all have to say and think. Of course, there have been times that I have been scared to look. Last fall. Cops. Ring a bell?

Needless to say, there are no words that can express my gratitude to you all with how everyone came together when Farley’s son, Aedan, was born with his heart defect. Remarkable. Even to this day, I’m still amazed by the support you all showed. It was human kindness at its greatest.

I know, I know. You’re saying, “Well, if you’re resigning, where are you going?”

Hey, good question.

Actually, not far.

This morning, I was offered a job at Mississippi State to oversee the men’s basketball media relations department. I couldn’t be more excited. I’ve been looking for an opportunity to get back into the field for quite some time, and God opened the perfect door for me.

It’s the best of both worlds. I stay in sports and I get to work at Mississippi State. Guys, life is good, and I know I’m blessed. I keep expecting the world to come crashing down, because I know I don’t deserve my good fortunes.

At the same time, I know it’s going to be a crazy year. My wife is a teacher at Church Street Elementary and is under contract through next semester. Because of that, we won’t move to Starkville until the summer. I never thought I would leave Tupelo, but this is just an opportunity I can’t let pass.

As for this blog and Mississippi State coverage, it will now fall into the trusty hands of Brad Locke. As of now, I’m no longer covering MSU. However, I will help Brad with the transition this week, and officially conclude my duties as a beat writer Saturday in Ruston helping Brad get acclimated to a college beat on deadline. Hopefully, you guys will welcome him with open arms.

Again, I can’t tell you enough what a privilege it’s been to be your beat writer and blogger. It’s surreal to sit here and write a farewell to you all, despite the fact you guys love to make fun of my “big head.”

But I won’t be far away, and when you see me on campus and at basketball games, please make a point to say hello.

What a ride and journey it’s been.

God Bless,
GG