This is the hardest column I've had to write in nearly 18 years with this newspaper, largely because it's the last column I will write for The San Diego Union-Tribune.
In a few days I'll be leaving to cover the NFL for Sports Illustrated, and while I know this column is supposed to be about pro football, I selfishly have chosen to use the space to recognize some longtime co-workers who helped make my job change possible.
These individuals helped me grow not only as a reporter, but also as a person. When I arrived in San Diego in 1989, I had no wife, no kids and no real responsibilities. The same cannot be said today.
Before proceeding, let me caution that the following text is not sexy or entertaining. But it is heartfelt.
I'll start with the people I've spent the most time with over the past dozen years while covering the Chargers in particular or the NFL at large:
Nick Canepa, a writer's best friend and one of the finest storytellers around. Your help and support through the years will always be remembered, as will the fact that you persuaded me to accept the Chargers beat when I wasn't sure I wanted it. I cursed you during the team's 1-15 season, but I thank you this morning. You're a pro and a friend.
Jay Posner, one of the smartest people I've had a chance to work with. Thanks for covering my rear end for so many years and for being a willing sounding board. Your strengths masked my many weaknesses, and I owe you for that.
Kevin Acee, a talented reporter and beat writer. Not a bad dresser, either. The paper is fortunate to have you, and I'm glad we had the chance to work together.
Jerry Magee, longtime NFL writer. You're truly a legend, and it was an honor to sit alongside you on occasion.
Bill Suda, Steve Oakey, Peter Clark, P.K. Daniel, Eddie Ibardolasa, Ed Phillips, a terrific group of copy editors who, under tough circumstances, put my copy through the wash-and-rinse cycle and made it appear fresh. Thank you, all.
Chuck Scott, Doug Williams, Jess Kearney and Michael Rosenthal, department heads who never wavered in their support. I made your lives difficult at times, but I appreciate that you were there when I needed you.
Bob Wright, the former San Diego Union sports editor, who hired me in 1989.
Stan McNeal, the former U-T sports editor who pushed for me to take over the Chargers beat full time in 1997, even though others believed I wasn't ready.
Nicole Vargas, Ed Zieralski, Bill Center, Mark Zeigler, Tod Leonard, Steve Brand, Chris Jenkins, Kirk Kenney, Tom Krasovic, Hank Wesch, Mick McGrane, Kevin Gemmell, Karen Pearlman, Leana DeKock, Liz Grauman, Hans Ruegamer, Brent Schrotenboer, Ralph Honda, Don Norcross – talented, hard-working co-workers. I couldn't imagine a better group with which to work.
And finally, Karin Winner. You took a lot of verbal bullets on my behalf when certain team officials and fans complained about my coverage, but you never attempted to stop me from painting an accurate picture. I could spend the next decade searching for the right words to express my appreciation, but I doubt they exist. Simply know that your support will always be remembered.
I apologize to anyone I forgot; it was not intentional. However, one final thank you goes to the readers who e-mailed or called over the years. I tried to take something constructive from each of you, whether you liked a story or not.
Anyway, it's been great. See you down the road.
Jim Trotter: (619) 293-1859; jim.trotter@uniontrib.com
