Anither one is gone

The coming and going of sports guys in this town is a fairly common occurrence, because they basically sign a two year contract and then head out the door for brighter pastures.
It has happened so many times in the last 10 years that it really isn't that big of a deal, but when one leaves that we really like, it does take it a minute to really sink in.
That my friends is what is happening this week as WGXA loses Luke Hetrick.
I remember the first time I met Luke. It was at a Stratford Academy basketball game and I saw this goofy looking guy standing in the corner of the gym with a camera. He has this big smile on his face and was filming some basketball. I went over to talk to him at half-time and the rest is history. I am proud to say that we are friends and I will miss him when he leaves Macon.
Luke takes his career very seriously and we all figured he was a two year guy here. All the good ones that aren't from around here usually are. I don't know where he will end up but I do know wherever he goes he will be well liked. He, along with Mason Prince, have turned around the WXGA sports scene and made them legit.
I have not always agreed with Luke and I think that is more me than him. You see, I can be a bit opinionated. The  best example I have of this is when Tennessee beat Georgia on the last play of the game a year ago in football , and I click on twitter and see that big ole smiling Luke talking about this was the greatest thing he had ever covered in his career. Well that smile just rubbed me the wrong way. The people that watch him, UGA fans , were gutted after that loss, and here was a reporter from Macon smiling like he was as happy as he could be about seeing Tenn beat UGA on a miracle play on the last play of the game. Of course I made  a twitter comment about how he doesn't for in Tennessee and he shouldn't be so damn happy about that damn play.
Luke called me on the way home from the game and gave me his side of why he was so happy and I explained my views and it was settled. His youthful enthusiasm was great but it was just painful for me to see.
Luke has the ability to get along with everyone and that is a gift now days. The coaches love him the kids love him and the other media love him. He was possessed to cover as many games as he could get to, and his stories got better and better as he gained experience.
He came to Macon as a green reporter with not much experience, and he leaves as someone who knows what he is doing and is ready for bigger things.
If I needed another son, I would take him, but I am afraid we don't have enough hair products in my house to keep him happy.
Everyone knows of my love for Wes Blankenship, but Luke, you are right up there with him in my book.
Fairwell my friend. You are welcome at my house any time to drink a beer or eat a meal or just to start a conversation about that damn Tennessee touchdown.