Ben Lepper ’25
Chief Sports Editor
It feels like just yesterday that my first Spire Sports article came out. It was the first issue of the 2021-2022 school year, and I sent Mike O’Brien a 1000+ word article about the first week of the NFL season. Only half of it made the print version, which at the time upset me – until I realized that I had written way, way too much.
If only that bright-eyed freshman knew exactly what would be in store for him over the next three years. About a year later, I would get a call from Mike asking if I wanted to be the next Chief Sports Editor. Obviously, I accepted, and the rest is history. I’ve done things here that I once dreamed of. I’ve interviewed professional hockey, baseball, and football players. I’ve been a credentialed member of the media at pro days and baseball games. I’ve asked questions at press conferences. I’ve met so many passionate people who love sports more than I do. I feel like I’ve done it all, and I don’t regret any of it.
So, it’s bittersweet to be moving on. On one hand, I am excited for my future as Co-Editor In Chief of The Spire. But, on the other hand, I’m going to miss this section. To me, we’ve been more than a section for the past two years – we’ve been a family. Every time something notable happened in the sports world, I knew exactly who I could talk to about it. It’s been special.
This section is nothing without the writers. I do what I can, but it’s really everyone who’s ever written a sports article in the past two years that has made this section amazing. So, there are some shoutouts that I have to make.
First off, to Mike, for trusting a sophomore with his section last year. Without his guidance, I am certainly not where I am today.
Secondly, to all of my editors over the past two years. Ben, Colin, Jake, Aiden, and Patrick, you guys are all incredible. I couldn’t ask for a better, more reliable, more passionate group of editors.
Thirdly, to everyone who has written a sports article in the past two years. It might be weird, but I remember everyone that has written at least one. So, to Jake M, Courtney, Jack, Henry, Pat R, Pat M, Logan, Jackson, Caitlin, Zoe, Billy, Blake, Ben C, and Tony, thank you. I don’t think I missed anyone, but if I did, I deeply apologize. I specifically want to shout out the underclassmen; I’ve been consistently blown away by the sportswriting coming from the classes of 2026 and 2027, and the future of this section is so incredibly bright.
And, lastly, to all the student-athletes, coaches, and anyone else who took time out of their days to be interviewed, thank you. I’ve made it a priority to add a special, personal touch to this section, and seeing it come to fruition these past two years has been incredible.
I am sure that this section will be in good hands next year, and even though I won’t directly be a part of it anymore, I will always cherish these past three years.
So, for one final time, thank you for reading. Go Saders!
Copy edited by Lilly Baumfeld
Featured image courtesy of Holy Cross Athletics
Leave a Reply