They say when one door closes, another opens, and I can’t help but know this is true.
On July 31 I stepped down after 24 years with The Wooster Daily Record, and in many ways, I was ready to step away from the area sports scene completely. My eyes were on other adventures, and my inner gas tank was at a real-time low, and I thought my time in the arena had run out.
The reaction to my bit of news hit deep. You never know the impact you have, never know how much something really means to you, until you think about the reality of it not existing any longer.
The outpouring of support and words from so many people really meant a lot as I reflected on 24 years — people who have given me more than I could ever give them.
Not long after, the door opened to potentially working with AloNovus Corp, which owns, among its 12 weekly newspapers, The Holmes and Wayne Bargain Hunters and the Wooster Weekly News. Along with that came some familiar faces and names in Mike Plant, Chris Snow and Dave Mast, whose relationships I’ve always treasured.
Outlined was the unveiling of a new website — YourOhioNews.com — that made its debut Aug. 18. The site will cover a pretty broad area including all of Wayne and Holmes counties, providing opportunities to write, shoot photo galleries and still be a part of such a great sports community.
It was a chance I didn’t have to think about for long.
I just had to ask myself, what did I want? What would refuel my motor? Where were my priorities? The answer was pretty simple — putting the spotlight back on the area kids.
I want to give them the opportunity to have their own voice and for the area to know just how special they truly are, not only as athletes, but also as young people and future leaders, community drivers and so much more.
That’s something I wanted to still be a part of and something that truly could re-energize me. Sitting here smiling while writing this, I can’t help but think of some young people I look forward to chatting with this fall — Delaney Marshall, Ally Morgan, Jacob Bruner, Sara Snowbarger and so many more come to mind. Coaches like Conner Lee, Adam Indorf, Broc Dial, Jen Snowbarger and, of course, so many awesome school administrators. Then you toss in the great communities, and you have the perfect recipe.
That is what I’ve found in AloNovus, a company that shares those views. It was the door I had to answer. I am looking forward to still working with the greatest communities in Ohio through The Bargain Hunter, the Wooster Weekly News and its website, YourOhioNews.com. The best part of that is readers who aren’t served — yet — by one of our print publications can hop online and read.
It’s a part of my life I’m not ready to let go of just yet, and I look forward to continuing to work with each of you going forward.
Josh McWilliams can be reached at 330sportszone@gmail.com.
