Stefan Krajisnik joins Clarion-Ledger as Mississippi State beat writer

STARKVILLE – I take into account myself lucky to be taking a step in my profession the place I’ve the chance to be someplace I am already snug. And I don’t say that solely as a result of it makes my introduction to you a bit simpler.

I’m not an enormous fan of introductions as a result of these often entail some small speak. Happily, a lot of chances are you’ll know me or my work from the previous eight months I spent masking Mississippi State for the Northeast Mississippi Day by day Journal. In case you don’t, I’ll maintain it temporary.

I’m an Indiana College graduate who grew up in most northwest a part of Indiana – about an hour outdoors of Chicago and a pair blocks from saying I reside in Illinois. If my ardour for decent canine and disappointing skilled sports activities group doesn’t give it away, maybe my occasional pronunciation of “the” as “da” will present my roots.

However these roots stem a lot additional as my dad and mom got here to the US from Serbia within the late Nineteen Nineties. Do not forget that for after I instantly change into an avid soccer fan throughout this yr’s FIFA World Cup.

There’s extra about me you’ll certainly be taught sooner or later as I hope you proceed to comply with together with my work because the Mississippi State beat author for the Clarion-Ledger, however I’m glad we bought the small speak out of the best way.

As an alternative, I’d like to make use of the remainder of this introduction as an opportunity to thanks, the readers and people who helped make Mississippi change into dwelling for me.

Once I got here to Starkville final August, it was my first time residing south of the Ohio River. There have been loads of issues to be taught and changes to make as I moved 10 hours away from what I initially known as dwelling.

And but you, the individuals who welcomed me in, helped make the transition a lot simpler. From the guy beat writers who put competitors apart tohelp me get my toes moist to the assorted individuals who weren’t afraid to repeat themselves when utilizing slang I wasn’t conversant in, thanks.

Don’t fear, I do know what “fixing to” means now.

Mississippi State is clearly a particular place to a lot of you, and also you allowed me – a recent face out of faculty – to step right into a full-time beat author function and share the information you needed to listen to about your favourite groups, gamers and coaches.

It’s not all the time constructive, and also you confirmed understanding of that. With the tales about soccer coach Mike Leach’s time in regulation faculty or the toughness of Doug Novak-coached girls’s basketball, got here the information of accidents and firings.

And it’s not all the time destructive. With every harm or sudden switch, there got here tales of soccer’s miraculous comeback towards Auburn and volleyball’s historic season.

By means of all of it, you confirmed loyalty and fervour towards the work being performed on the beat. I’m past enthusiastic about attending to proceed that work on the statewide paper.

Deep down — like many sportswriters — I’m nonetheless the child who grew up fascinated by the traditions of SEC nation. I keep in mind wanting wide-eyed at my TV pondering, “the place is Starkville, Mississippi” and, “how freaking loud are these cowbells.”

That child now makes certain to pack some Advil on his technique to Davis Wade Stadium.

And that child is thrilled you’ve given him the chance to serve your group and canopy your favourite groups. I look ahead to persevering with doing so. Thanks.  

Stefan Krajisnik is the Mississippi State beat author for the Clarion Ledger.

Contact him at skrajisnik@gannett.com or comply with him on Twitter @skrajisnik3.