I’ve sat down to write my farewell column too many times, yet, I have nothing to show for it. It’s frustrating, but I think I know why. I can’t write about my time as the Technician‘s sports editor because, well, I haven’t decided how I feel about the year and a half I spent in the position.Lots of old farts out there already understand this about life, but I’m just figuring it out, so just keep reading. You spend so much time giving everything you have to an effort. Most people don’t know, but the Technician editors spend between 30 and 45 hours each week putting out the paper. There’s all that time and effort, and far too often, it’s an entirely thankless, rewardless effort.At the same time, I’ve made some of the best friendships of my life here — friendships that if I’m lucky enough, I’ll keep for many years to come. It’s tried my patience and forced me to push myself. Without question, my time here has shaped my college experience, and for that, I’ll always be grateful.And before I get to my thank yous, I want to address one thing. This University.I’ve spent three years here studying N.C. State, and it’s easy to say there’s something special starting here. The success of the Achieve! Campaign signals that people are ready to make this University truly elite. And both academically and athletically, the signs are there. But I implore anyone reading this to ask questions. Challenge the University. One billion dollars is great, but this school isn’t going to be anything until people demand answers and force the community to think. The ridiculous tailgating laws must go. The blockade or Iron Curtain, perhaps, that this University has keeping information from the public must be taken down. And for goodness sake, fans need to realize N.C. State has one of the best athletics directors in America. Thank you for reading, and thank you for letting me be a part of this school. I wanted to spend the majority of this column thanking the people who really afforded me any success at this job. Being that this is sports, I needed a Top-10 Thank Yous. Anywho, here goes.

#10 The Athletes — I met lots of great athletes who are great people. Thanks for chatting.#9 The Sports Reporters — Especially Chip Alexander, Matt Carter and Tim Peeler, the three members of the Raleigh media who were always good enough to say “hello” and to help the student reporters.#8 The Coaches — From Chuck Amato to Lisa Navas, Elliott Avent to Sidney Lowe to Lee Fowler. I’m sure I’ve asked plenty of off-the-wall student-reporter questions. Thanks for the patience. #7 Technician Folks — Especially Tyler, Laura White, Katie, Saja, Martha and Bradley for putting up with me. And thanks to Austin Johnson and Ian Jester for the opportunities. #6 The Writers — Especially Dennis, J. Mike, Brian, Tanker and Langdon for all your work. You know I didn’t write much, so thanks for pulling my weight. #5 The Roommates — Dan the Man Easley and Steven MacEachern for letting me rant and rave when I needed to. And if Stephen Federowicz is out there, thanks. #4 The Deputies — Josh, Nick and especially Clark, for what I’m talking about in this column, I’m probably most grateful — or perhaps indebted — to you three. I was more than lucky to work with you. #3 Prof. Dick J. Reavis — Hands down the best professor I’ve had. Thanks for the talks, and I hope they’ll continue. #2 Krista (and Reesie) — The constant stress release and sedative. Thanks for your tolerance. See you next year. #1 Mom and Dad — I used to pick up pine cones in the leaves for $.10 each. The funds went into my college fund. I surely wanted that $10 at the time, but one undergrad degree and a summer abroad later, I’m just thankful.

If I missed you, sorry and thanks. I’m off to UNC-Charlotte to work on a master’s degree. If you want to chat, never hesitate to call or e-mail. My contact info is below.

Cheers,-Tanner Kroeger

You can contact Tanner at sports@technicianonline.com or at (919)244-8506.