After more than six years here at the Idaho Press-Tribune, this will be the final time I occupy this space.

With much thought and debate, my family and I have decided to move on, setting sail for Southern California. I must confess, I'm pretty happy this winter will be my first without shoveling snow.

For those who don't know me well, I moved to Idaho more than nine years ago from Michigan. Yes, I was happy to leave those brutal winters too, trading them for super-sunny ones at Bogus Basin and spring time that seems to arrive in mid March.

In my time at the IPT, I got to cover many sporting events and re-tell them here — which I hope was as good for you as it was for me. From high school basketball championships to the Fiesta Bowl, I got to witness first hand my fair share of memorable moments in sports.

I would like to thank Vickie Holbrook for giving me a shot fresh from the college ranks to join her staff way back in the summer of 2003. She was a great boss to work for and understands the importance sports have on community news.

I would also like to take this opportunity to introduce Tom Fox, who will now lead the sports department as the new sports editor.

Tom brings a lot of experience with his two prior stops at the Moscow-Pullman Daily News and the Idaho Statesman.

As for me, this is it. Idaho, specifically the Treasure Valley, will always be special to me. It was a great ride and one that I will cherish for the rest of my life.