Two months ago, every ten year-old in Denver wanted to kill me.

With Sports Editor Anthony Himes at my side, we joined two of my other friends for a non-televised WWE show at the Pepsi Center. The main event was a battle between Wade Barrett, the suave English leader of the evil, John Cena-hating group “Nexus” and the WWE Champion Randy Orton. Naturally, we had to cheer for the bad guy.

As we used our deep, manly voices to cheer over the prepubescent teens around us, eyes turned from the ring to the four of us. Every prepubescent eye in a three-section radius was suddenly locked on the four guys chanting for the Nexus.

In that moment, our concern went from “where will we eat after the show?” to “how do we explain being assaulted by elementary schoolers?” And more importantly, would we want to admit being assaulted by the Disney Channel’s target audience?

In a way, that moment was almost the embodiment of what the college experience was like for me — plenty of passion, a hint of spontaneity and an overall feeling of “I’m not sure how we got here, but damn, that was fun.”

After three and a half years of small, fun moments fueled by friends and random ideas, I’m actually kind of sad to be leaving this place. Apparently this school thinks I’m ready to graduate, so in mere days I’ll pack up my bag and head off into the sunset.

The problem is, if it isn’t already apparent, I’m terrible with goodbyes. I’ve never been eloquent or suave enough to deliver the inspirational “adios.” I tend to ramble through a superfluous start before I make a small, unassuming point and then stub my toe on the way out the door.

So what is there left to say?

Looking back, even my earliest co-workers would tell you that I made an impression. I’ve annoyed editors, angered reporters, and left a trail of crying photographers in my wake as the Crite moved from the old college center to Houston Hall, and now into our new digs in the new College Center. I was never afraid to bring up an issue that I had. Former photo editor Matt Kroschel summed it up simply upon his departure from the paper by telling me, “you didn’t ruffle feathers, you roasted chickens.”

Make no mistake, I wasn’t always proud of my actions. But I like to think that all involved — be it the crying photographer or myself — were able to learn a lesson through the tough times. It wasn’t always easy, it wasn’t always fun, but the harsh experiences served as catalysts for change in the paper, and in myself.

Work taught me that tough love is a good way to get things accomplished.

I was lucky enough to be surrounded by great people at all times of my journalism career. When I was young and confused, I was lucky enough to have patient editors, and a reporter at the Daily Sentinel who tolerated me as I followed him around learning the craft. As I grew older, he still tolerated me.

As both sports and managing editor, I learned much about teaching and patience, and taught Charlie Martinez about the latter. Learning to write is tough, but learning to write with me as your teacher sucks. I take pride in having both Matt Meyer and Anthony Himes, both Schlaufman survivors, as top-level editors for this paper. (As much as my ego wants to take credit for their success, they’re just two top-notch guys.)

I appreciate those of you who’ve read this column for the last few years. I’ve probably shared too much of my life at times, but it was great getting feedback and provided a learning experience in and of itself. I’ve been blessed to fill this space and like to think I’m leaving on a good note.

And since I always attempted to write something inspirational, here’s Sloppy’s final thought — if you see a moment, seize it and milk it for all it’s worth. I’ve never been the best at anything, but I’ve made it further than I would have imagined simply because when someone said to call, I picked up the phone. If you live dreading those moments, you’ll miss a lot, because the spontaneous, out of nowhere opportunities don’t come often, and those are the moments that changed my life.

So goodbye Mesa, it’s been a pleasure. How or why I ended up here, I’m still not really sure, but damn, it’s been fun.

What’s up!

sschlauf@mesastate.edu