2008 Woodie Awards
Joe Meloni, Asst. Sports Editor: Men's Soccer, Hockey, Men's Lacrosse
Joe Meloni, Collegian Staff
Issue date: 5/13/08 Section: Sports
Two years as sports writer at the Daily Collegian; one as an unpaid assistant editor - that really should have been enough. And it probably would have had I taken school as seriously as writing game stories and sidebars about the six sports I've covered in my time here. Since I didn't, however, I will return to the Collegian for my second senior year as its Managing Editor. I'm still not really sure what my job is, but I know I'll get paid for the first time, and the headaches of dealing with thin-skinned UMass athletes will be replaced with those from the equally-sensitive SGA and other groups of students at UMass. I can't wait, honestly. Writing for the Collegian has given me something to be proud of, a place on campus where I belong and a new group of people who will remain a part of who I am for the rest of my life.
Like I said, I've covered six sports in my two years as a beat writer - field hockey, swimming and diving and softball last year before men's soccer, ice hockey and men's lacrosse this year. I've covered one coach firing, three NCAA Tournaments, three Atlantic 10 Champions, a College Cup , a national player of the year and a big mess of a lacrosse season.
But there is more to journalism than what happens on a field, a rink or a court, and I can't wait to see exactly what it all looks like next year. My friends have questioned for two years now why I've dedicated my life to this newspaper, and I think they're finally starting to get it. Who I am now, and who I will be forever, was molded by what I learned here. There is no feeling in the world better than realizing what you're good at; I hope every freshman listening to their iPod in Psych 100 is as lucky as I was to find their calling no matter how long it takes.
There are a host of people that I never could have done that without. People who edited the drivel I turned in last year and others who dealt with my sleep-deprived self this year. People who carted my intoxicated and broke self around Amherst and others whose under-aged drinking habit I directly contributed to. There have been arguments, hugs, awkward moments, a painted a bridge and the occasional drunken jig with "Shipping Up to Boston" blaring in the background. And it's all documented in full on Facebook, the Daily Collegian Web site and the Amherst police log.
Like I said, I've covered six sports in my two years as a beat writer - field hockey, swimming and diving and softball last year before men's soccer, ice hockey and men's lacrosse this year. I've covered one coach firing, three NCAA Tournaments, three Atlantic 10 Champions, a College Cup , a national player of the year and a big mess of a lacrosse season.
But there is more to journalism than what happens on a field, a rink or a court, and I can't wait to see exactly what it all looks like next year. My friends have questioned for two years now why I've dedicated my life to this newspaper, and I think they're finally starting to get it. Who I am now, and who I will be forever, was molded by what I learned here. There is no feeling in the world better than realizing what you're good at; I hope every freshman listening to their iPod in Psych 100 is as lucky as I was to find their calling no matter how long it takes.
There are a host of people that I never could have done that without. People who edited the drivel I turned in last year and others who dealt with my sleep-deprived self this year. People who carted my intoxicated and broke self around Amherst and others whose under-aged drinking habit I directly contributed to. There have been arguments, hugs, awkward moments, a painted a bridge and the occasional drunken jig with "Shipping Up to Boston" blaring in the background. And it's all documented in full on Facebook, the Daily Collegian Web site and the Amherst police log.
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