KTSPORTS: Sweet Allison, here I come

I’m sitting on my couch at home, enjoying a nice cup of coffee on this crisp Friday morning. My dog, Thor, stares out the window while resting his head on the windowsill. I’m in the process of writing a column.

I can’t count how many times this has happened. It’s not something I ever took for granted, as I really enjoyed putting my thoughts down on paper (or in a computer) and sharing them with my beloved readers.

It is something I have done for more than 22 years. It’s hard to believe that this may be the last time I do this.

This marks my final column for the New Bern Sun Journal and, quite possibly, my final column ever.

As many of you already know, I’m heading to St. Louis. I’m giving up the “glamorous” life of a sports editor in Eastern North Carolina to join my beautiful fiancée, Allison, who has been waiting patiently for me to join her.

(I sometimes still can’t believe she is going to marry me, especially after I injured myself bowling during one of our first dates. Yes, that bowling injury still haunts me to this day.)

I’m not sure yet what I will be doing in St. Louis, besides being the best husband possible for Allison. While I was hoping to be a stay-at-home dad for our two dogs, I don’t think that’s going to fly.

My plan to be an underwear model kind of backfired when David Beckham stole the spotlight away from me during the Super Bowl. (I will spare you the photo.)

And, obviously, being a professional bowler is out of the question. Why do they have to make those holes so small?

I have always wanted to write a book. I’m seriously considering attempting this.

I just hope I can continue to write in one way or another. I think I’m fairly good at it, and it’s something I love doing.

It all started in 1990 when Dennis Sabo gave me a chance to be a reporter at the Bellevue Gazette in Bellevue, Ohio. I will forever be indebted to him.

As I leave, I just wanted to thank everybody at the Sun Journal for their kind words and for making work fun.

Adam Thompson will be taking over as sports editor. I know he will do a fantastic job in providing great coverage to all the area schools.

I’m going to miss writing for the Sun Journal. I’m going to miss the games. I’m going to miss the coaches. Most of all, I’m going to miss the student-athletes.

I have covered some tremendously talented players and so many that turned into lifelong friends. I will be forever grateful for that.

While I may be leaving, I’m still going to be cheering for the area teams. I have a wish list of things I would love to see happen.

I wish for a state championship in basketball for both West Craven teams. They are surely deserving.

China Marshall to rebound from her knee surgery and have a great college basketball career. Good things should happen to good people.

Natalie Salter to earn a spot on the ECU volleyball team. Nat is a terrific athlete, and one of the most entertaining people I know.

Continued success in college and future NFL careers for Danny Webster Jr. and Justin Hardy.

A fun ride and plenty of awards for Darian Roberts during her college softball days at UNC Wilmington.

Another Super Bowl for C.J. Wilson and a Super Bowl for Terrance Copper.

A prosperous Major League Baseball career for Brad Snyder and Shawn Armstrong, two of the best baseball players I know and two of the greatest guys I know.

A soccer championship for the Havelock Rams, led by Natalie Johnson and Ali Wickman.

A soccer title for the New Bern Bears. Alyssa Harding, Hope Rust, Ashley Osiecki and Shelby Osiecki, among many other talented players, are certainly deserving.

A state championship for the Pamlico softball team. I’m really going to miss covering the Hurricanes. Some teams always have a special way of getting to my heart, and players like Allison Hollowell, Kara Cayton, Darian Roberts and Morgan Hudgins certainly did that.

His dream of wrestling in the Olympics and winning a gold medal come true for Raymond Jordan.

Good luck to all the teams in the upcoming basketball tournaments, and to all those athletes throughout the spring sports season. I won’t forget about you.

It’s been a fun ride, but I’m ready for St. Louis.

Sweet Allison, here I come.

Follow Travis on Twitter @ktravman.