Well, the Daily is in the home stretch of my tenure as editor in chief, as we hit our final three weeks of publication before I leave for the summer. I'll be in Seattle working for the Mariners via MLB.com, and hope you all check out my stuff online at seattlemariners.com :)
In the meantime, though, the Daily will be under new leadership, as Pat Shaver was selected by the Iowa State Daily publication board as this summer's/next years's editor in chief.
It's exciting, but it's tough at the same time. I'm excited to move on, to come back in the fall and to graduate in December. I think it's about time for me to be moving on, and let someone else take the reins.
But, at the same time, I've poured a lot into this newspaper. Planning, meeting, mediating, reporting, troubleshooting, chaos managing and, of course, the daily ins-and-outs of a newspaper grind.
Some things have worked well. We've successfully created a redesign of the newspaper, revamped highnote into a much more attractive product, AMUSE, and have really stepped up our coverage and design as of late.
There have, without questions, been failures, too. We've made mistakes, had misprints, misspelled names, locations, etc. We barely said a word about the severe winter storms that devastated much of Iowa and the Midwest.
But, of course there are going to be those successes and failures. It's as much a part of everyday life as it is a newspaper. My biggest success, though, the one thing I'll walk away from with an immense amount of pride, is this:
The Iowa State Daily newsroom is a fun place to be again. People want to be there working, breaking stories and just conversing with coworkers/friends on a daily basis.
That was my biggest goal, without question. And without question, it happened. And that will set this paper up for success for many years to come, as long as the atmosphere doesn't go stale again.
You see, when I first started reporting (at the Daily Vidette at Illinois State) it was boring. The newsroom was dead. No one wanted to be there, and everyone complained about it. It had been hardly any different in my next two years at Iowa State, and I witnessed the news section go through nearly TEN editors in one year, and that includes me being the sole news editor for the final month last spring.
To put that into perspective, we've had just one news editor quit this year, and it had nothing to do with the newsroom. The sports editors have been the same all year, and FYI changed beause our former editor, Rob, is studying abroad this semester.
And honestly, that makes me smile.
I've worked pretty damn hard this year, and I'm proud of the accomplishments of this newspaper. And I know I won't go down in history as the best editor in chief of the Iowa State Daily, but that's OK. Because although my competitive spirit wants me to be known as "the greatest," that would have been nearly impossible for me to achieve. There was too much to put back together.
Consider this: At the start of my editor in chief stint, we were still trying to shake off the bugs from the "Ames for Dummies" debacle. (If you don't know, please, don't ask). We had no idea what our newspaper was going to look like, and have been tweaking things as recently as February. We completely cut highnote out of our Thursday rotation, and spent all year developing AMUSE, a section released two weeks ago for the first time.
The ship stayed upright. We did a fantastic job covering many things throughout the year. The three biggest that come to my mind are our election night coverage, the Big 12 Tournament in Oklahoma City and the drowning of Abel Bolanos.
So in all, it's been a successful year, without question. And in the end, I can walk out of the newsroom in three weeks with my hear up high. And I take a lot of solice in that.
So thanks to all the readers, callers, letter-writers, critics and supporters. I've tried my very best this year to cater to you, the reader. Because in the end, it's not about how I'll be remembered, or how the Daily will be remembered this year.
It's about you. It's your newspaper. It always has been, and it always will be. And I was lucky as hell to be able to serve you this year.
Sunday, April 8, 2007
Thursday, April 5, 2007
Life's tragedies
Hey all-
Sorry I haven't kept up lately. It's been a little crazy around the newsroom lately, trying to keep up to date with all of the events around the campus.
This last week the Cyclone family has lost one of its own, and by now it's well known what I'm talking about. The loss of Abel Bolanos has hit us all hard, and I can't even imagine how hard this time is on his friends and family.
Possibly one of the most disturbing things about Abel's death is the public's eagerness to point fingers immediately. Some blame Abel, some blame alcohol and some blame friends. Here's the thing: There's no finger to point. Alcohol consumption on campus is no secret. In fact, the way it would appear now, Abel and his friends did everything correct last Friday night. His friends took away his keys, and Abel chose to walk home. 100 times out of 100, that's the right thing to do. It's nearly impossible to convince an intoxicated individual to spend the night unless they want to, meaning if they want to walk, that's generally what happens.
Abel's death appears to be an accident. There are some questionable details right now, such as discrepancies in the time he left the party to the time he attempted to enter Wilson Hall, a vacant dorm across from his residence, Wallace.
Still, it appears to be a horrible accident. And as unfortunate as it is, accidents happen. There was no one at fault. The troubling thing for all of us is that no one understands why or how he ended up near Lake LaVerne. And it will most likely never become clear. So naturally we want answers and start pointing fingers, not to make others feel bad, but instead to get questions answered.
There are circumstances where fingers should be pointed. I should know.
Back when I was in eighth grade (1997) one of my friends, named Nicca, was on summer vacation with her family. Nicca was a year older than me, but I worked with her daily in our Jr. High Library. I'll never forget July 4 of that year, when my mom opened the door to the basement.
I was playing with Legos at the time. This is what I heard.
"Pat, did you know a girl with the last name Boley?"
I was only partially paying attention, and quickly replied no. About three seconds later, it hit me. So I jogged up the stairs, and asked my mom..
"Nicca?" I asked.
She froze. Most of the color dropped out of her face. I remember turning around to look at the TV, and seeing a crumbled, charred SUV on the 10 p.m. news.
The vehicle belonged to the Boleys. The entire family of four, Nicca, 14, her sister Krista, 12, and her parents were killed in the accident.
By a drunk driver.
There's a situation where fingers are to be pointed. The stupid decision making of one individual took the lives of four, FOUR human beings. I'm still upset about it. I don't think I have ever fully healed. My heart hurts sometimes, thinking of Nicca, who would now be 23 (my age) and Krista, who would now be 21. How wonderful their lives could have been. Where would they have gone to college? Neither one even got into high school. It was the summer before Nicca's freshman year at Naperville North High School, the same one I graduated from.
I was part of a group that created a mural that's still in Jefferson Junior High School, in remembrance of the Boleys. Death, especially sudden death, is always so terribly hard to handle.
It is impossible to ever understand. But I guess it's not our job to understand. It's our job to heal, and never let anyone forget about those we loved.
And that's where we are at as a university. It's important to heal, and important to educate. Most importantly, though, we need to come together and support each other for as long as it takes to heal. We'll never "move on." That's not even possible.
But we can take life for everything it's worth, and never take a moment for granted.
In fact, I think I'm going to go call family and friends and tell them I love them. You should do that, too.
Sorry I haven't kept up lately. It's been a little crazy around the newsroom lately, trying to keep up to date with all of the events around the campus.
This last week the Cyclone family has lost one of its own, and by now it's well known what I'm talking about. The loss of Abel Bolanos has hit us all hard, and I can't even imagine how hard this time is on his friends and family.
Possibly one of the most disturbing things about Abel's death is the public's eagerness to point fingers immediately. Some blame Abel, some blame alcohol and some blame friends. Here's the thing: There's no finger to point. Alcohol consumption on campus is no secret. In fact, the way it would appear now, Abel and his friends did everything correct last Friday night. His friends took away his keys, and Abel chose to walk home. 100 times out of 100, that's the right thing to do. It's nearly impossible to convince an intoxicated individual to spend the night unless they want to, meaning if they want to walk, that's generally what happens.
Abel's death appears to be an accident. There are some questionable details right now, such as discrepancies in the time he left the party to the time he attempted to enter Wilson Hall, a vacant dorm across from his residence, Wallace.
Still, it appears to be a horrible accident. And as unfortunate as it is, accidents happen. There was no one at fault. The troubling thing for all of us is that no one understands why or how he ended up near Lake LaVerne. And it will most likely never become clear. So naturally we want answers and start pointing fingers, not to make others feel bad, but instead to get questions answered.
There are circumstances where fingers should be pointed. I should know.
Back when I was in eighth grade (1997) one of my friends, named Nicca, was on summer vacation with her family. Nicca was a year older than me, but I worked with her daily in our Jr. High Library. I'll never forget July 4 of that year, when my mom opened the door to the basement.
I was playing with Legos at the time. This is what I heard.
"Pat, did you know a girl with the last name Boley?"
I was only partially paying attention, and quickly replied no. About three seconds later, it hit me. So I jogged up the stairs, and asked my mom..
"Nicca?" I asked.
She froze. Most of the color dropped out of her face. I remember turning around to look at the TV, and seeing a crumbled, charred SUV on the 10 p.m. news.
The vehicle belonged to the Boleys. The entire family of four, Nicca, 14, her sister Krista, 12, and her parents were killed in the accident.
By a drunk driver.
There's a situation where fingers are to be pointed. The stupid decision making of one individual took the lives of four, FOUR human beings. I'm still upset about it. I don't think I have ever fully healed. My heart hurts sometimes, thinking of Nicca, who would now be 23 (my age) and Krista, who would now be 21. How wonderful their lives could have been. Where would they have gone to college? Neither one even got into high school. It was the summer before Nicca's freshman year at Naperville North High School, the same one I graduated from.
I was part of a group that created a mural that's still in Jefferson Junior High School, in remembrance of the Boleys. Death, especially sudden death, is always so terribly hard to handle.
It is impossible to ever understand. But I guess it's not our job to understand. It's our job to heal, and never let anyone forget about those we loved.
And that's where we are at as a university. It's important to heal, and important to educate. Most importantly, though, we need to come together and support each other for as long as it takes to heal. We'll never "move on." That's not even possible.
But we can take life for everything it's worth, and never take a moment for granted.
In fact, I think I'm going to go call family and friends and tell them I love them. You should do that, too.
Monday, March 26, 2007
Sports Happenings around ISU
So it's been kind of crazy around the ISU athletic department lately, for multiple reasons. Whether it's ISU athletes performing well in postseason play, wrapping up their season or getting in some trouble with the law, the wind has been swirling all around Cyclone Nation.
Football spring practice started up, and everyone I talk to sounds almost identical — Gene Chizik is hard-nosed coach who always expects the best from his team. That's good, because he's going to need their very best. I think all of the talk about a 7-5 bowl season is a little unrealistic, although stranger things have happened.
I guess what really surprised me was Chizik saying even Bret Meyer's job wasn't safe. I understand he's trying to make an impression, but one would think the athletes that stayed on board (and there are quite a few of them) still need some sense of unity from the past. Something to hold on to...for now. But, again, Maybe it'll just increase Meyer's drive and he'll become twice the quarterback he has been in the past.
That's all I have from the football front right now.
The ISU gymnasts are gearing up for their Big 12 run, and it'll be interesting to see how not-so-new coach Jay Ronane gets his ladies to respond! I'm excited to see if they can repeat their Big 12 Championship. Keep an eye out in the Daily at our Web site, and also check out assistant sports editor Cody Saveraid's blog, which you can access from this page. (Look right.)
That's all I have for you for right now. Thanks for checking back, and look for another update tomorrow.
Football spring practice started up, and everyone I talk to sounds almost identical — Gene Chizik is hard-nosed coach who always expects the best from his team. That's good, because he's going to need their very best. I think all of the talk about a 7-5 bowl season is a little unrealistic, although stranger things have happened.
I guess what really surprised me was Chizik saying even Bret Meyer's job wasn't safe. I understand he's trying to make an impression, but one would think the athletes that stayed on board (and there are quite a few of them) still need some sense of unity from the past. Something to hold on to...for now. But, again, Maybe it'll just increase Meyer's drive and he'll become twice the quarterback he has been in the past.
That's all I have from the football front right now.
The ISU gymnasts are gearing up for their Big 12 run, and it'll be interesting to see how not-so-new coach Jay Ronane gets his ladies to respond! I'm excited to see if they can repeat their Big 12 Championship. Keep an eye out in the Daily at our Web site, and also check out assistant sports editor Cody Saveraid's blog, which you can access from this page. (Look right.)
That's all I have for you for right now. Thanks for checking back, and look for another update tomorrow.
Monday, March 19, 2007
Second half, final two minutes of Iowa State's season.
At this point, play-by-play seems rediculous, so I'm going to take a minute to reflect on Iowa State's season.
It was a great season, and much thanks goes out to seniors Lyndsey Medders, Megan Ronhovde and Abby Reinert. This season saw the Cyclones go to the second round of the NCAA Tournament and the Big 12 Championship game.
While the Cyclones' second-round game didn't go well at all, Iowa State's options were limited, and one rough game can't scuff the Cyclones' season.
1:26 Seniors Lyndsey Medders and Megan Ronhovde taken out of the game for the last time in a Cyclone uniform. emotional moment, and the Cyclones will miss them dearly. It may have been a rough way to go out, but nearly 300 division 1 basketball teams would have loved to be in that position.
FINAL: GEORGIA 76, IOWA STATE 56.
Great season, Cyclones. My hat goes off to you. Best of luck next season.
It was a great season, and much thanks goes out to seniors Lyndsey Medders, Megan Ronhovde and Abby Reinert. This season saw the Cyclones go to the second round of the NCAA Tournament and the Big 12 Championship game.
While the Cyclones' second-round game didn't go well at all, Iowa State's options were limited, and one rough game can't scuff the Cyclones' season.
1:26 Seniors Lyndsey Medders and Megan Ronhovde taken out of the game for the last time in a Cyclone uniform. emotional moment, and the Cyclones will miss them dearly. It may have been a rough way to go out, but nearly 300 division 1 basketball teams would have loved to be in that position.
FINAL: GEORGIA 76, IOWA STATE 56.
Great season, Cyclones. My hat goes off to you. Best of luck next season.
Second half, part four
Ross to shoot two. First one up and down. Second one up and down. 63-38 Bulldogs.
6:59 Wieben layup, 63-40.
6:28 Layup Ross, 63-42.
5:59 Foul on Iowa State, Georgia to shoot two. First one up and down. Second one up and missed. 64-42.
5:06 Wieben layup, 64-44.
4:45 Layup Georgia. 66-44.
4:32 Lacey layup. 66-46.
3:57 Medders for three. 66-49.
3:28 tip-in Georgia. 68-49.
2:46 Layup Georgia. 70-49.
2:28 Wieben for three. 70-52.
2:23 left.
GEORGIA 70, IOWA STATE 52
6:59 Wieben layup, 63-40.
6:28 Layup Ross, 63-42.
5:59 Foul on Iowa State, Georgia to shoot two. First one up and down. Second one up and missed. 64-42.
5:06 Wieben layup, 64-44.
4:45 Layup Georgia. 66-44.
4:32 Lacey layup. 66-46.
3:57 Medders for three. 66-49.
3:28 tip-in Georgia. 68-49.
2:46 Layup Georgia. 70-49.
2:28 Wieben for three. 70-52.
2:23 left.
GEORGIA 70, IOWA STATE 52
Second half, part three
And away we go again, with the game already pretty much over.
9:06 Ronhovde with a layup. 63-36
8:22 left and it's getting ugly. Elbows being thrown, players going down. It's gtting ugly.
7:52 Ross draws a foul.
GEORGIA 63, IOWA STATE 36
9:06 Ronhovde with a layup. 63-36
8:22 left and it's getting ugly. Elbows being thrown, players going down. It's gtting ugly.
7:52 Ross draws a foul.
GEORGIA 63, IOWA STATE 36
Second half, part two
15:49 Turnover, Iowa State. Georgia ball.
15:22 Another turnover, Iowa State.
14:54 Foul, Iowa State. Georgia to shoot two. First one up and down. Second one up and down. 61-31 Bulldogs by 30.
13:17 Ronhovde draws a foul, and will shoot two. First one up and air ball. Second one up and missed. That sums it up.
12:48 Foul on Lacey. Georgia to shoot two. First one up and missed. Second one up and missed.
12:23 Layup Georgia. 63-31.
11:37 Ronhovde for three 63-34. Timeout Bulldogs, up by 29...I can't say I understand that, either.
GEORGIA 63, IOWA STATE 34
15:22 Another turnover, Iowa State.
14:54 Foul, Iowa State. Georgia to shoot two. First one up and down. Second one up and down. 61-31 Bulldogs by 30.
13:17 Ronhovde draws a foul, and will shoot two. First one up and air ball. Second one up and missed. That sums it up.
12:48 Foul on Lacey. Georgia to shoot two. First one up and missed. Second one up and missed.
12:23 Layup Georgia. 63-31.
11:37 Ronhovde for three 63-34. Timeout Bulldogs, up by 29...I can't say I understand that, either.
GEORGIA 63, IOWA STATE 34
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