Dear Friends at the Tucker Quarterback Club,

I do not know how much word has gotten around, as I have spoken with a few of you individually in the past few weeks, but I am writing to regretfully inform you that I will not be covering Tucker Tigers football this fall.

My sports coverage for Tucker Patch was simply the latest victim of ever-dwindling budgets for news outlets. As many of you know, Tucker Patch is locally run by a Tucker resident, Kevin Madigan, who makes every effort to supply news and stories that the community cares about.

He was a staunch supporter of my Tucker football beat coverage even as other popular regional media outlets only reported on a few top prospects and the state championship games. Without Kevin, I never would have had the opportunity to cover the Tigers.

Unfortunately, forces out of his or my control made it impossible for Kevin to pay a regular sports writer this fall. I know Kevin would love to have a blogger at the games; unfortunately this is not a position I can fill. I have accepted a position with the Collegian, the student newspaper (I am a part-time student) at Georgia Perimeter College, and it will require me to attend sporting events some Fridays.

I am also already deeply involved in volunteer work as a coach with TYSA and with Furkids pet adoptions. I believe Patch will carry a county-wide football blog, which will highlight Tucker from time to time, but I’m sure Kevin would welcome a Tucker-only blogger if you or someone you know would like to take up the reigns.

It was a pleasure to work with you all over the course of the past year, and I greatly appreciate the support, whether you read my stories on Patch, followed me on Twitter, or gave me a warm welcome at Tucker events.

I wish you and your boys the best of luck. It’s going to be an exciting season, and I am looking forward to attending as many games as I can as a fan.

Thank you.

Making Way for Fall Sports
Alan Simpson's articles