SANDPOINT — It's not easy to leave a position you're passionate about.

Three and a half years ago, I packed all of my belongings into a couple of cars one weekend and made a four-day, 2,500-mile drive out west with my father. I had no knowledge of the area's housing market, but thankfully, on the day I was supposed to arrive in town from Butte, Mont., I was able to score a great studio apartment from a rather generous and well-meaning longtime local resident.

After that happened, I realized I was meant to be in this position, in this location, at this very moment in time.

Sandpoint is a tremendous community with an above-average number of charitable individuals. Although growing in size at an unprecedented rate, there is still a small town charm that exists here. As for the communities of Clark Fork, Bonners Ferry, and Priest River, I have enjoyed meeting plenty of wonderful folks who, quite literally, make sure things are running smoothly while wearing a number of different hats.

Based on the travel distances alone, sports players, fans, coaches and school administrators make it work with the resources available to them. I quickly learned just how important it was to recognize the hard work and achievements of all involved in the sports scene in this area of the world.

Thankfully, the Daily Bee allowed me the freedom to fill up multiple pages a day with local content ranging from youth sports to those from the area competing at the collegiate level and beyond. I can't take all of the credit for this — the community's willingness to connect with me on a level deeper than sports made this possible. The conversations I have had out-and-about are ones to remember for a lifetime. 

Sitting in the bleachers at Sandpoint High football, basketball and soccer games stand out the most to me. At Priest River, I enjoyed the cheeseburgers from the concession stand so much that at halftime, I would often ask my significant other if she could grab me another while I took third-quarter statistics. In Clark Fork, the home crowd in a small gym made for lots of excitement. A shoutout to the three-man band playing at the senior night basketball games this year — you guys rocked. I even made it up to Bonners Ferry for some football and volleyball contests, helping out with the Herald when need be. There were so many good games, district and state championships, and standout performances that I couldn't possibly pick a favorite.

You learn and document a lot of history in a role like this. There's a lot to reflect on and digest.

Building the sports section back up to par, or as I like to say, "getting it as close to as good Mark Nelke", was not an easy feat. Whether the sports writers at the Coeur d'Alene Press realize it or not, they acted as great mentors for me and shaped my writing into what it is today. I am thankful to say that they're also helping me as I transition the role into the hands of Jack Freeman, who has been covering the City & Education beat for nearly a year. He has past experience as the Sports Editor of The State Hornet at the Sacramento State University. He will do well in the position, no doubt about it.

My last day at the Daily Bee was yesterday. While sad, I'm also excited to see what life throws my way next. I'm not exactly sure what that next is, but as long as I'm in a location where I can sit back and enjoy the heat from a wood stove on a cold, snowy day, I'll be alright.

Bonner County and beyond, thanks for being so welcoming, treating me with kindness, and allowing me to tell your stories.