It seems fitting that the last thing I write for The Reveille is a column. After all, the first time my name graced these pages, back in January 2002, was a column for the opinion section. In the nearly three years since then, I’ve put some crazy things in print, spouted off Seinfeld references and even compared the Star Wars galaxy to college football.
I’ve also met some of the most incredible people in my four plus years at LSU, been part of some amazing sporting events and really had way too much fun doing a job I love.
I stood about 10 feet from Devery Henderson when he caught the pass known as The Bluegrass Miracle. I watched as the baseball team mourned the loss of star Wally Pontiff. I was in the press box when the LSU football team did what I never thought I’d live to see in all my time growing up in Baton Rouge, La. — win a national championship.
I’ve met some extraordinary athletes who are no doubt going to reach new heights on the professional level and in life. Michael Clayton, Seimone Augustus and Julie Wiese were among my favorites.
But none of that compares to the wonderful group of people, new friends and old, that I surrounded myself with at LSU and that have helped shaped me into the person I am now. Words don’t do justice to what they’ve meant to me. I’ll miss The Mellow Mushroom outings, Office Space impersonations and general tomfoolery reserved only for college kids.
I’ve had the privilege of working with some of the best aspiring journalists at The Reveille. I spent many a late night in the Hodges Hall basement, often questioning my sanity, but the lasting friendships I gained there were well worth the strain. I have so much respect for everyone working at the paper, and I know it will be in good hands when I’m gone.
I’d like to devote the rest of this space to the people who’ve had such a tremendous influence on my life. These specific people have touched me deeply along the way, some of them finding their way into my columns, others in my heart. This one’s for them.
To my grandpa, “Hop” Kennedy for taking me to countless LSU football games and passing down the experience of Saturday night in Tiger Stadium. To my grandma, Dolores Kennedy, for making all the Sunday morning breakfasts.
To Aunt Tammy, with her cries of “Geaux Cymbals!” and my favorite LSU Tiger Band cousins, Sasha and Alexandra Trana, for making the sounds of pregame a whole lot sweeter for five football seasons.
To Aunt Terri and all my Mississippi State-loving cousins for the fun rivalry we had from here to Starkville, Miss. To Uncle Sammy, who I know is looking down on me from heaven.
To Lora, who was there for me when I needed a friend the most.
To my parents Theresa and Gary Martin, thank you for pushing me to be the best and always supporting me. Your patience, guidance and understanding have kept me going at times when I wanted to give up.
To all my fellow sports buds — Graham, Gibson, Theard, Wideman, Dore, McNeil, Ronnie, Tabby, Jeff, Elliott, Bill, Jessica, Mandi, Justin, Walter, Lindsey, Mitchell and Sternberg — thank you for making my job not seem like a job at all. You’ve meant the world to me.
Finally, thanks to the entire LSU community for all the great memories I’m leaving with. While I’m sad to leave, I know that no matter where life takes me, the “Ole War Skule” will always be the place I call home.
It’s been a wonderful ride, but now I must say good-bye. I’ll leave you now with some paraphrased words from the immensely funny Cosmo Kramer, whose free-wielding spirit I hope to emulate in the real world:
“I’m out there and I’m lovin’ every minute of it!”