And just like that, my time at Technician is over. After trying to get on the sports staff for two years and riding the pine for another semester, I finally got the chance to ply my trade and work on my craft. Finally, the dream of being a sports journalist is being fulfilled.
But I feel that this dream is somewhat cut short. I feel that I had a lot more left in the tank. I guess I’m saving that for the long run known as a “career.” Still, I had fun, and I know for a fact that I am proud of myself. I feel my run at Technician came with one distinct positive out of all of this.
It’s not the valuable experience, nor the nice perks of being a media guy. I have developed what I like to call the “karma.” That’s right, karma.
Radio personality Jim Rome has something called the “jungle karma,” where if an athlete says he or she is coming to his show and fulfills his or her commitment, he or she will have a positive karmic after effect and vice-versa, not showing up causing a negative after effect. My karma is similar in the fact that if I show up as a journalist to cover an N.C. State event, chances are the Wolfpack will win.
Don’t believe me?
Look no further than the women’s tennis team.
Ever since I became a beat writer for them, they are a combined 7-1 when I write the recaps of the match, including an undefeated 7-0 at home. The team is 14-5 overall, and they have won as many ACC matches this year (three) as they have over the last seven years — combined.
Still don’t believe me?
The baseball team took two of three from then No. 1 Georgia Tech when I reported on them. The gymnastics team won its final home event when I went to cover it. The women’s and men’s basketball teams went a combined 3-0 when I was donning a suit and tie, not to even cover the event, but to learn the ropes from guys like Clark, Ian and Tanner.
However, I couldn’t keep the karma from letting Herb go, and that’s unfortunate.
Now, I’m not too much into superstitions. Some may say I happen to be at the right place at the right time. Maybe the teams are working harder this season, and teams are improving right in front of my eyes.
Who knows? All I know is that if I am in a journalistic capacity, N.C. State can almost put up a W.
Almost.
So as I leave Technician with my karma having a current win percentage of around 87, I thank Tanner, Clark, Josh, Breedlove, Tanker and the rest of the sports staff for giving me a chance. With that chance, I feel like I have something to build on.
And maybe I can take my karma on the road and help some other professional, collegiate or prep team either get over the hump or continue their success. I know it might not work for really bad teams like the Charlotte Bobcats or, even worse, the New York Knicks, but you never know.
I’m sorry that I sound too arrogant, but I know these teams are competing or competed hard this year to get where they are at, and I respect the effort and time these athletes are putting into games, practice and schoolwork. For that, I salute you.
But one thing is clear — you can’t forget the karma. It’s simply foolproof.