Since I misquoted the artist who I claimed to be one of my favorites last week, I figured I would keep it simple this week. When does time fly? I am happy to say, I didn’t have to google this quote, because we all know it flies when you are having fun. Can you believe I am entering my third school year at the Pleasanton Express?

Third and counting- I must be having fun, because time has gotten away from me here in the Brush Country. I guess it is because thus far, it has been a blast for the most part.

Through my 2+ years, I have come across a number of great people including a number of dedicated fans, athletes, coaches, teachers and administrators.

The biggest coaching overhaul since my arrival occured this summer. The one school which will stay the most consistent is Pleasanton. Poteet, Jourdanton, Charlotte and Tilden on the other hand will welcome a number of new faces to their staff. Everything happens for a reason and one can only hope the new blood will flow smoothly and the athletes will benefit in the end.

Learning from a local legend- I always enjoy a good Tuesday, because this is when former sports editor and long time Express employee Maggie Rodriguez comes in for his weekly commentary. I always enjoy shooting the bull with Maggie and picking his brain about everything from the Spurs to the Cowboys to the Pleasanton Eagles. Heck, once in a while we even talk a little about the Jourdanton Indians.

I was reading the Dave Campbell’s Texas Football magazine this week. I decided to look at my shelves located next to my desk which hold numerous years worth of Dave Campbell’s magazines. I was able to locate every copy dating back to 1974.

One thing I have learned, is Rodriguez is an avid sports fan of the past and present. I always catch him looking back in old issues of Pleasanton Express sports issues. Heck, most think history is just that, but it is something he enjoys looking back on. Who else would keep issues of high school football magazines dating back 38 years?

One thing I wish is I could make my words flow as good as Rodriguez’s. I am sure most of you have read his column, especially if you are reading mine. He has a way with his words that keeps the reader coming back. I can only hope some day when my time comes to an end here in Pleasanton, I can make half the impact on the community that he did. Thanks for making my job enjoyable Maggie.

Thoughts or opinions- Last week my title was “learning as you go”. Although the true singer was John Michael Montgomery, it actually highlighted my title even more. As a Sports Editor of the Pleasanton Express, I always try hard to improve on everything I do. When I do make mistakes (I am human), they are a bit embarrassing, but I have to keep on keeping on.

One thing that helps me grow as a Sports Editor/ Writer is feedback from my readers. Over the past two and a half years I have had my share of complaints for misspellings, wrong scores and a few other things. Along with the complaints, have come a number of compliments and even an award or two .

With that being said, do you have a question, a concern or a comment? I want to know what you think about our Pleasanton Express Sports Section. Please e-mail me and let me know what you think. esmith@pleasantonexpress. co mAs year three begins for me, I can not wait to get out and about in Pleasanton, Poteet, Jourdanton, Charlotte and Tilden. I will begin to rack up miles on the Ford Company Truck, as I hit the highways and country roads to cover Brush Country Athletic teams during those Tuesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday night contests.

Make sure if you see me at a game near you and you have not met me yet, that you say hi. I always enjoy meeting new readers and am always shocked how many of you relate to things that I write.

Thanks for making my job here in Pleasanton, an enjoyable one to say the least!