BonnerSprings.com

How I've dreaded this day. By the time most of you read this, I will be in my second day of work at a new job and wondering if I made the right decision.

As some of you know, Wednesday was my last day as a sports writer (and interim sports editor the past month) with the Chieftain-Sentinel as I am now working at the big paper, the Kansas City Star, as a sports statistics/copy editor.

When I decided to take the job at the Star, I knew it would be a great opportunity for me. But I also knew that going to the Star meant not covering local school events on a daily basis. This has been something I have enjoyed since 1983 when, as a junior at Bonner Springs High School, I began to freelance sports stories for the Chieftain-Sentinel.

With the exception of 1989-1994, when I was going to school at Pittsburg State and toiling in television as a news videographer, I have been involved with the Chieftain-Sentinel, mostly writing sports articles with the majority of that covering Basehor-Linwood sports.

Most of what I will be writing about in the rest of this column pertains to Basehor-Linwood High School, so I hope I don't offend anyone involved in the Bonner Springs-Edwardsville School District or others in the B-L district. But BLHS has been my "home away from home," especially the last four years.

It's not that those involved with Bonner Springs athletics or others in the B-L district aren't special to me. You are. It's just that over the years I have developed a unique bond with the players, parents, coaches and administrators at Basehor-Linwood High School.

As a journalist, I was taught not to take sides in issues or events. Not to cheer for the team you are covering. Well, I've broken that rule since 1984 when I first stepped foot at what was then Basehor High School.

There were numerous times when I stepped out of my "reporter's role" and became a "fan." Though I tried to never let it show, I was always beaming inside when you won and was heartbroken when you lost, especially at the end of the season. Working for the hometown paper has allowed me to ride the same roller-coaster of emotions you have.

The trips to state tournaments have been few and far between (with the exception of the B-L softball team the last three years), and writing about a game you've won sure is a heck of a lot easier than writing about a loss. But all in all, it's been a wonderful journey, one I'll never forget.

I wish I had the space to individually thank all of those involved with Basehor-Linwood High School and its athletic department, past and present.

Since there are just too many of you, I'll put you into groups.

• To the players: You're performances on the field, court, mat and track were what I wrote about. I've watched some of you grow up from boys and girls to becoming gentlemen and women. Thanks for all of the memories. Also, thank you very much for the framed certificate of appreciation you gave me Tuesday night. It means a great deal to me and I will hang it with great pride at my new desk.
• To the parents and grandparents: I've been able to get to know many of you well and I thank each and every one of you for the kind words you've given me about my stories over the years.
• To the administrators, including the secretaries: Thank you for all of your help, no matter how menial it seemed. Also, thank you for allowing me to conduct business during school hours.
• To the coaching staff: You are the best! Many of you have become good friends over the years. I don't know of many reporters who cover a game then head to a local watering hole for a beverage or two with the coaches. Thanks for all that you've done.

Though I won't be around as much, I still hope to not be a complete stranger at local high school events. Please keep in touch. For those with computers, my e-mail address is Bradbiles@aol.com.

Again, thanks to all of you. It's been a great ride.