'Back in the saddle' writing about 'my kids' again

By Rudy Coggins
Published in Sports on May 11, 2018 8:26 AM

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"Never say never."

It's an adage that undoubtedly rings true at the moment when you least expect it.

At least, that's the case for me.

When I left the News-Argus last August, I thought my journalism career had come to a close. Would I ever cover a game, write a story, take a photo or design a page again?

I didn't think so.

That chapter in my life had been written.

Well...maybe not.

Last September as football season kicked into gear, I got the call to work as a freelance writer for the Duplin Times.

I had a great time covering and talking with talented athletes, learning the tendencies of the head coaches and meshing with the schools' respective communities in Beulaville, Warsaw, Calypso and Teachey.

But you know something?

I just couldn't forget about "my kids" here in Wayne County.

Throughout the fall, winter and spring, I searched each school on Maxpreps.com. I looked at the conference standings, the state rankings, the stats, the rosters and followed every single team in the postseason.

Each time I touched base with a coach through either Facebook or phone text, I realized how much I missed all of you. My departure had left a void.

Little did I know that void would be filled again.

I'm proud to say I'm officially back as sports editor of the News-Argus.

I'm looking forward to getting out in the community again, reconnecting with old friends, writing stories and taking photos.

Just be patient with me while I climb back into the saddle. It's going to be a bumpy ride to start, but hopefully I can once again provide the local coverage that the communities in Wayne County have grown to expect from the News-Argus.