As Woody from “Toy Story” would say: Howdy partner!
My name is Phillip B. Hubbard. I’m the new sports editor here at The Covington News. Thanks for checking out this summer’s football preview magazine. It’s filled with so many interesting stories that highlight game changers in the Covington area. I’m sure you all will enjoy reading them.
I’ve decided to insert my introductory column in the football preview magazine since football is right around the corner.
So, here’s a little bit about me:
While my byline is Phillip B. Hubbard, you can call me Phil, Felipe, Phillipo or whatever else my friends call me. It doesn’t really matter.
I’m from a small town called Union Point, Georgia, where I’ve lived my entire life. I graduated from Greene County High School in May 2015 then went to college at the University of North Georgia in Oconee County. After completing my core classes at UNG, I transferred to the University of Georgia.
Upon graduation from UGA in Dec. 2019, I earned a bachelor’s degree in journalism along with a minor in sport management. Just like the previous sports editor, Mason Wittner, I also obtained a sports media certificate from the Grady College of Journalism and Mass Communication.
So, it’s safe to say that I am, indeed, a sports fanatic.
My favorite teams are the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets (yes, you read that correctly), Atlanta Braves and the Los Angeles Lakers. I’ve grown up watching these teams play most of my life.
From Georgia Tech beating UGA in 2008 to the Los Angeles Lakers winning the 2020 NBA Title, I’ve closely followed these teams.
A few of my favorite athletes are Kobe Bryant (RIP), Chipper Jones, Freddie Freeman, Pau Gasol and many more.
In my spare time, I’m usually watching either Georgia Tech, the Braves or the Lakers play. If I’m not doing that, I’m watching F.R.I.E.N.D.S. for the hundredth time and still laughing as if I’ve never seen it before. My favorite movie, which is the greatest Disney movie of all-time, is the “Lion King.”
I still get choked up when Simba yells, “somebody … anybody … help,” after Mufasa dies. So heartbreaking.
Just like sports have been a huge part of my life, so has my faith in Jesus Christ.
I’ve attended and been a member of my home church, Union Point Worship Center my entire life. At the age of 8, I felt the call to preach and preached my first sermon on Dec. 31, 2005.
Since then, I’ve gone on to receive my preacher’s license in Jan. 2017 and am currently planning to pursue being ordained in the coming months. But, like everyone, I’m striving every day to be the person God called me to be.
As a result of preaching, I own an increasing amount of ties. I believe I have 74 ties right now in my closet which is insane, I know, but I’ll most likely buy more anyway.
My go-to restaurant to eat at is Chick-fil-A. I do, in fact, eat more chicken and I feel no shame in admitting that. There’ve been many times that I’ve eaten at CFA for all three meals of the day.
As they say: If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.
Well, that’s a little bit about me. I look forward to meeting you all this school year at various sporting events.
For now, we’ve got a packed football preview magazine for you to read.
I’m ready to hit the ground running and tell stories in Covington. I’m intrigued by the different schools and possibilities this area brings.
I’m extremely grateful to The Covington News for this wonderful opportunity and I can’t wait to get Friday night lights underway this week. I’ve already met most of the athletic directors, a few coaches and some community members. I can’t wait to get started.
This season should be exciting with a more “normal” feel compared to last year.
In the meantime, feel free to follow me on social media. My Instagram is @phillipbhubbard and my Twitter is @PBHubb23. Don’t hesitate to reach out either via my email: phubbard@covnews.com. Also, if you see me at a game, come on over and chat. Whether it is to introduce yourself or to debate if Ross and Rachel were on a break or not. I welcome the conversation.
See y’all around!
God bless!
