During the past year and a half, I learned a lot about blogging.
Today I learned how to step aside.
Times zones and responsibilities have made it increasingly difficult to keep up with this blog and make it relevant. I was recently promoted to managing editor of the newspaper I work for, and with that went most of my free time.
I have done this for almost 18 months. I have changed platforms, and I have interacted with amazing UMass fans from across the country. There was not one morning that I regretted what I posted, but there were too many mornings that I just didn’t have time – and that’s not fair to me or to you.
This blog has served as my notepad of nostalgia at times, while some weeks have just been my regurgitation of UMass news. Between Mullins and McGuirk filled up hours of transition – as I worked my way up from a college-campus cook to a business newspaper’s editor.
For a portion of the day, UMass athletics became my beat again. Three years and almost 2,000 miles removed from the Maroon and White press boxes and sidelines – I had a virtual press pass and byline, which is all I could ever ask for.
I was able to write about coaching changes, a men’s soccer Final Four, football playoff pushes, alumni, the band, myself, an unbelievable trip to the NIT Finals and everything else that reverberates from Between Mullins and McGuirk out into the athletic ether.
Perhaps one day I will be able to come back to my corner of the Internet and start this project over again – or maybe just pick up where I left off. For now, it’s too much. I have always been one to do things all out – for better or worse – and if I can’t, I simply tip my cap at the past and continue with whatever life’s randomness has in store for me.
So with this, I leave you with a fond farewell. I will still be active in other UMass circles (CrooksisRhyming is my screen name on UMassHoops.com: If you’re not already a member, get on there and say hi to the motley crew). Also, if you are ever in the Denver/Boulder area and want to have a beer during a UMass game, shoot me an e-mail: BobMcGovern@gmail.com.
I chose today because it seems symbolic. Tonight UMass plays Memphis and John Calipari. It is the first marquee game for Derek Kellogg, and it is further indication that Calipari loves and supports the Minutemen.
It is teacher versus student under the beautiful Southern stars, which will briefly be colored that nostalgic shade of Maroon at midnight. In front of a national audience, the past and future success of UMass athletics will shine in a way that makes us all proud of our school and our team.
It will shine down on all of us that stand Between Mullins and McGuirk.
And that, my friends, is the intangible beauty of being a fan.
A UMass fan.
November 18, 2008 at 2:03 am
well……i guess there’s only 1 thing left to do:
http://img155.imageshack.us/img155/5089/lololololololololkq5.jpg
November 18, 2008 at 4:12 am
You’re the man Sploogy – stuck with me the whole time.
November 18, 2008 at 2:32 pm
Bob:
Congrats on being named managing editor! We’ll miss your blog.
November 19, 2008 at 4:40 pm
Bob, I will miss your unique musings on the world of UMass sports. Thanks for putting down the words so eloquently and for making me realize that there are many other UMie fans out there who celebrate the joys and commiserate over the disappointments. Congratulations on the promotion and welcome to responsibilities!
November 20, 2008 at 9:37 am
“For now, it’s too much. I have always been one to do things all out – for better or worse – and if I can’t, I simply tip my cap at the past and continue with whatever life’s randomness has in store for me.”
Right now it’s past 4am, and I’m in the Learning Commons of W.E.B. Du Bois Library. Still up grinding, studying for a test. I cannot remember the last time I read some autobiographical except that I felt was so similar to myself. I have that “all-out” mentality too, I feel. I know what it’s like to start something, and not be able to continue (notice I didn’t say finish — some things have no finish, no destination rather) because of life’s circumstances, or as you put it, “life’s randomness.” I’m a firm believer in putting time aside to pursue hobbies, but sometimes it’s just not possible. Playing an instrument, practicing a sport, keeping up a blog — I could only wish there were enough time in the day. But it’s that same randomness that keeps us from some certain goals that ultimately makes life great.
I can’t remember when I stumbled upon your blog (8 months ago?). But I just wanted to say that I am impressed with how you kept it up, updated frequently, and relayed up-to-date news and your insightful opinions. You are not only informative and professional, but emotional too. And that’s what, to me, makes a good writer.
“…the past and future success of UMass athletics will shine in a way that makes us all proud of our school and our team.
It will shine down on all of us that stand Between Mullins and McGuirk.”
I have never met you, neither in person or in cyberspace (by the way, I am emilimo701 on the forums), but those words will resonate in my head for a long time. Thank you for your work, and good luck with your new job. More importantly, have fun. And most of all:
GO UMASS!!!
November 24, 2008 at 9:01 pm
Thanks John – much appreciated. Enjoy the rest of your time at the U – it goes too fast.