I’ve mentioned it to a few folks around here but, for the most part, I haven’t gone out of the way to tell.

This issue is my last with the Statesman.

I got a job offer. I’m going to work, starting Monday, at the Kaufman Herald.

Not as a sports guy, but as a news guy. That’s really what I do. Being a sports guy this time was just like the last couple of times I did it ... I needed a job and that’s what was available.

But, as always, the one thing about covering high school sports that I like, is the one thing that made it all worthwhile.

Not “the athletes,” but “the kids.”

I mean, the youngsters are involved in athletic endeavors, they do the work, and they get out and compete. They are indeed, athletes.

But they’re kids first.

And they’ve been keeping an aging “old dude” somewhat fresh. It’s nice to kinda know what’s going on in modern culture ... to actually know who Jason Aldean and Trent Wilemon are ... as well as The Chemical Brothers and Jayzee.

It’s always a plus to be able to get into sporting events for free, roam the sidelines or at court level, and snap pictures. And all that’s not to mention being able to hang out at the scorer’s table with Coach Fredrick ... even though I did pass on a severe case of the flu to him one week when I just had to be tough, come to work and not stay at home in bed.

Coach is still gigging me on that one.

So, I’ll be moving on down the road. Like with coaching, I guess, this kind of work can be somewhat nomadic at times. Jobs change, opportunities come up (this one, of course, is because of more money), and it just comes a time ... a time to make that change.

As I ease on out the door, I have to leave with this.

Thank you for all the help ... you coaches, athletes, and parents. I appreciate the constructive criticism AND the kind words. This has been a good job and a good environment for me.

I’ll want to keep an eye on the kids — basically through the paper’s Web site — for the next year anyways ... just to see what happens.

Good luck to BHS, I won’t forget.