Sports reporter Wyatt Wheeler is in his final week covering sports in Springfield. He thanks readers, coaches and athletes in his farewell column.
Whenever I’ve spoken to aspiring journalists at local colleges or high schools, I always say two things: It’s OK to be a fan of people, and being uncomfortable is sometimes the best way to grow.
For the last 10 years, I’ve grown to love the people I cover, my readers and the community I will forever call home. I’ve documented some of the greatest and most heartbreaking moments in your favorite teams’ histories and have told the stories of your favorite athletes.
But the time has come to push myself and become uncomfortable again. Just like I did 10 years ago when I moved my life to Springfield, I’ve decided it’s time to push myself to grow elsewhere.
This will be my last week covering sports in Springfield.
Tears have been aplenty with this decision, because of my love for you, the reader, and my countless interactions with those who have read my work over the years. I leave with a grateful heart and an appreciation for everyone who has made this a job that I've loved for the entirety of my adult life thus far.
As I depart, I think of those who have interacted with me on the radio or social media, who have accepted my outlandish takes and relentless effort to make every day fun. I’ll miss shaking your hands at different events, and I’ll miss taking your phone calls, wondering why I was covering one thing instead of another. I’ve always appreciated your passion.
It will also be difficult to leave behind the coaches and athletes with whom I’ve developed great relationships. While I refrained from cheering for their teams, I’ll always be a fan of many people.
Even though I don’t bleed maroon and white, I could never help but smile whenever Paige Rocca knocked down a clutch shot late, lifting Beth Cunningham to more success. I’d fistpump when someone like Connor Lair found his way into the endzone after beating cancer. I feel it in my heart that I want Cuonzo Martin to be the man to lead Missouri State basketball back to the promised land. I hope Joey Hawkins will one day lead the Bears back to Omaha, and Ryan Beard can win a few bowl games along the way.
Missouri State is about to go through one heck of a transition, and I know I’ve been among the most pessimistic. With that said, I leave thinking that the university finally has the right leadership in place, who have the vision to help deliver a successful athletics program to its fans. I’ve always wanted to see Missouri State have success for you.
No matter where I go, I’m never going to meet another human being like Nixa’s John Perry. I doubt I'll find many high school basketball programs run as professionally as the ones led by Mitch McHenry, John Schaefer, or the many others who make the Ozarks special. I also think of the love shown by the Ozarks’ wonderful coaches toward their athletes, whether that be the pain in Leslie Hanchey’s eyes after a loss late in the season or seeing the joy in Jack Simpson’s when speaking about his athletes’ off-the-court success.
I’ll never forget the many families and athletes whose stories I’ve shared and with whom I've grown close. My colleagues have always given me a hard time because I’ve proclaimed so many athletes around the area as one of “my favorite kids.” In a way, that’s how I’ve tried to cover them all. Thank you, Bekemeiers, Cantwells, Gipsons, Fontleroys, Haneys, Howells, Kubiks, Pocks, Vincents, Yanders, and so many others.
I’ll still miss Rob Yanders every day, and a piece of my heart will always be broken for those who were taken too soon, whether that be Josie Orellana, Amare Witham, Todric McGee, those who didn't survive the tragic 2018 Branson duck boat accident, and others. I’ve shed tears over them, too.
I’ll always be a fan of the people of Southwest Missouri and hold a special place in my heart for them. Some have gotten me through some of the darkest times in my life. Some of you have been part of some of the happiest.
I’d be remiss if I didn’t specifically thank Art Hains for his friendship, mentorship and miracle that his life continues to be each day. There’s no better friend in the world than one could have. Along those same lines, I thank Bill Rowe, Corey Riggs, Jim Connell, and Scott Puryear, each of whom I love, as they lift me up every day.
Others I need to specifically thank include: Josh Scott, Rick Kindhart, Ben Adamson, Megan Fisher, Ed Beach, Jason Michel, Eric Doennig, Craig Smith, Keith Guttin, Tom Ladd, Mike Kern, Jack Dimond, Mary Jane Pardue, Jackie Stiles, and I’m sure I’m missing a few. If you’ve helped me cover your programs, the kids, or if you provided me with a smile along the way, I thank you for allowing me to do a job I loved for the last decade.
There’s also my News-Leader family, whom I hope you will continue to support. It’s a passionate group that works tirelessly for you. Amos Bridges is the best boss I’ve ever had. Working with Nathan Papes has made every day “fun” rather than “work.” There’s love in my heart for each person in the room, and those who have come through, whether that’s Stephen Herzog, Cheryl Whitsitt, Claudette Riley, Marta Mieze, Susan Szuch, Greta Cross, Andrew Jansen, Harrison Keegan, Steve Pokin, Giacamo Bologna, Alissa Zhu, Sara Karnes, Laura Johnson, Jess Rollins and many others.
My wife and I’s families reside in the region, and we’ll be back plenty. I look forward to stopping in during a Christmas-time Blue and Gold Tournament, or perhaps catching a midweek Missouri State football game down the line. I’ll always have an eye on the Ozarks, cheering on the many great people who help make it special.
'Twas a privilege to live in the Ozarks, and I leave thankful for every second of it.
I love you, Springfield. Thank you for the memories.
This article originally appeared on Springfield News-Leader: Wyatt Wheeler: Sports reporter thanks Springfield upon departure
Category: General Sports
