Talking to my mother as I packed my final boxes in Virginia last week, something struck me.
For 20 years, I told myself I would find my way back to Massachusetts and call it home once again. As I smoothed the tape over that last box in my kitchen, I realized that dream would finally be coming true. Or more accurately, my mother in her infinite knowledge led me to that discovery.
My journalism journey began as a toddler just outside Boston while using the sports pages of the Globe as my reading tutor. It was in those moments that I realized I wanted to be writing the words on that paper one day.
My earliest memories came here in Massachusetts, so moving to Maryland in 1998 left in me a hole in my heart. As I’ve bounced around from Chicago to North Carolina to Virginia, I always felt I would fit in better in this beautiful state. There is something about the people, the weather and the culture that seems to click with me.
My first week back in Massachusetts has just confirmed everything I suspected about myself and even more. Although I was more familiar with the Eastern portions of the state, I have quickly learned to love Western Mass. for all of its beauty and charm. It truly feels like I am back where I belong, and my heart is whole again.
It is surreal to me to be back in Massachusetts, where I first knew I would become a sports writer. There was never really another choice for me no matter how many times people tried to nudge me into a safer path.
Now I’m here to serve you, the readers, and be your liaison to the University of Massachusetts’ athletic programs. When football practice opens Sunday, I’ll be there, ready to update you on the latest comings and goings with the program. If something is happening at UMass, I promise you I’m ready to jump in and cover the action.
You’ll hopefully come to know me as someone who takes my job seriously — but not too seriously — and a person who promises to be fair to all sides. Chances are you won’t like my answers to some of your questions, but that can’t stop the dialogue between us.
Follow me on Twitter (@JoshWalfishDHG), like our Facebook page (Gazette UMass Coverage), blow up my phone at the office (413-585-5244) and/or if you see me around town stop and say hello. I enjoy the interactions with fans and welcome your comments on what I write in these pages.
What excites me most about my job these days are all the different avenues I have at my disposal to communicate with readers and fans. They are the tools I wanted to have when I was younger to devour all the information available, and I know there are plenty of knowledge-hungry people like myself.
There are many exciting plans in the works for coverage this upcoming season, but your input is just as important to me. Whether it be mailbags, podcasts, or videos, I want to include you and make this as interactive as can be. At the end of the day, I don’t care who wins or loses, but I know you do, so I want to give you that outlet to celebrate the big wins and commiserate after tough losses.
The only thing left is for August 25 to arrive and for the football season and the subsequent rush begin. I hope you’re as excited as I am for the ride this year.
Josh Walfish can be reached at jwalfish@gazettenet.com. Follow him on twitter @JoshWalfishDHG.