It's hard to write a really good lead to a goodbye column. You cycle through a number of cliche phrases that encompass how you feel about saying goodbye. But none of them fit. They're not good enough and they don't quite put the stamp on how you want to say what you want to say.

So I struggle with this goodbye. It's a goodbye not only to a job I had as the sports editor of The Rockdale News but as a pillar of the community. OK. Not exactly a pillar but people liked me and I liked them. It was a great ride.

This will be the last column I write for The Rockdale News, as the publication is coming to an end.

I was hired by Bryan Fazio, editor of The Covington News, in May of 2014, which meant that I was to be the sports editor of both the Covington News and the Rockdale News. Although I will continue to be the sports editor at The Covington News, the Rockdale News will cease to exist.

I've had fun covering everything from Miracle League baseball to Friday night lights. I've met a lot of great people from Heritage, Rockdale, Salem and all around the community. Coaches have been great and players have been even better. I've met some of the best parents, some who even tried to help get me a job at Gatorade, and I'll never forget any of you for everything you've done for me.

Some moments I'll never forget: Newton @ Salem this past season when Salem survived late against Newton, Heritage versus Rockdale in the beginning of 2014, covering Candace Hill's Gatorade Female Athlete of the Year presentation and, among many others, writing my first real in-depth feature on Heritage's head soccer coach Brandon Stewart (it's great you should read it).

The memories of my tenure at Rockdale will last forever. Again, thank you all for everything.

Peace and much love to ya!