What’s up, guys? I am James and I am the new sports editor for The Flor-Ala. This is a very exciting opportunity to have. I am looking forward to making it the best sports section in The Flor-Ala history.

My love for sports is rooted in my childhood. My grandfather used to sit around and listen to Atlanta Braves games on the TV. He only listened to the game, because he was blind. I would sit and watch the games with him, and it amazed me how he was able to tell what was going on just by listening to the commentators and hearing the sounds of the game. He really taught me how to love sports and the art of the game.

So, baseball was my first love in life, and I came to love all sports because of the amount of intensity, hard work and competition required to play the games.

I played basketball in high school, but my skills did not earn me any college scholarship offers. I did find I was a pretty good writer and loved reading Sports Illustrated, so I decided to become a journalist.

Freshman year is only a couple of months behind me, so I understand that coming into this new atmosphere can be a bit overwhelming. I had never been away from home for more than a week, and to know I was going to be living by myself freaked me out.

It was a huge change in my life and it caught me off guard, but the adjustment was not as bad as I thought. My involvement with two student organizations (Baptist Campus Ministries and The Flor-Ala) has completely changed my college life.

So, whether you are getting involved with a religious organization, an academic organization, Greek life or Student Publications, get involved and stay involved!

As for the sports section this year, I plan to make it the best sports section in The Flor-Ala’s history by covering every sport multiple times. Also, scores and upcoming games will be included in every paper for every sport, so that you can keep up with what the Lions are doing.

The thing is, I cannot do this all by myself. So, if you would like to help make the sports section the best in this paper’s history, hit me up and I will help you get involved. If you do not feel comfortable walking up to a head coach or star player, you can come shadow me. I will be more than happy to show you the ropes and help you get your name in the paper next to an article in the sports section.

I am so excited to see this new group of students here on campus. I hope I get a chance to meet every one of you guys, whether it is in the BCM, in The Flor-Ala office or in class.

Have a great year! Roar Lions!