As a graduate fresh out of Troy University, I wasn’t sure where I was going to end up.

I knew I wanted to go somewhere that was away from home, but not too far.

I also didn’t want to go anywhere too big, like Montgomery or Birmingham.

When Michelle Gerlach at The Andalusia Star-News let me know about the opening for a sports editor here in Greenville, I figured it was worth a look.

Everything seemed to fit.

Greenville isn’t too far from my hometown of Red Level, and although it’s a growing place, it’s nowhere near as big and impersonal as Montgomery or Birmingham.

The Advocate primarily covers four schools in sports - Greenville, Fort Dale, McKenzie and Georgiana.

Being from Red Level, I’m fairly familiar with Georgiana and McKenzie, which gave me a head start.

And so, here I am.

Truthfully, I had never spent much time in Greenville aside from the occasional stop at the Cracker Barrel or Ruby Tuesday on the way home from Montgomery.

My first day on the job was last Wednesday, the day of the Fraternal Order of Police/Safe Harbor golf tournament out at Cambrian Ridge.

That was my first visit to the golf course, and I was blown away at how beautiful it was.

I’ll admit, my golf experience is limited.

I’m fairly comfortable at putt-putt courses, but my lone experience at a driving range ended shortly after I sliced a shot into the windshield of a passing Jeep Cherokee.

Since there’s no danger of that happening at Cambrian Ridge, I might have to give the game another shot.

Because the tournament was a big event for the community, it also gave me a great opportunity to meet many of the local folks.

Everyone I’ve met has been warm and friendly, and I look forward to meeting and working with all of you.

I’m not terribly good with names, so you’ll have to forgive me if it takes a few introductions before I remember it.

I’m also coming in at a time of transition for many other people in the community.

There are new football coaches at Greenville and Georgiana, and it won’t be long before there’s a new basketball coach at Fort Dale.

We’ll all be getting to know each other at the same time.

I got to know Austin before he left, and I see that I have some big shoes to fill.

If any of you have any sports news, feel free to let me know about it.

Without you, this section won’t be nearly as good as it can be.

I’m looking forward to exploring the Camellia City, and hopefully I’ll see you around.