Carson Field

Anyone reading this probably knows by now, but if not, my time in Powell is coming to an end. I have accepted a job at the newspaper in Abilene, Texas, a place much closer to home and a great sports town. 

It’s been an awesome ride.

The Powell Tribune took a chance on a 21-year-old recent college graduate in June 2020, giving him his first full-time job.

I was, admittedly, very apprehensive to accept the position. It was somewhere I had never been, very different from anywhere else I had lived and — perhaps most frighteningly — very cold.

In the middle of a pandemic, I knew landing a full-time journalism gig might not be easy for a while, so I decided to give it a shot.

I’m so glad I did.

Working for the Powell Tribune has been amazing. I’ve had the chance to tell the stories of athletes, coaches, parents and others in the area, which has been so rewarding. To name a few, some of my favorite stories have been about Ethan Asher’s addition to the PHS football coaching staff, Toby Ahlstrand stealing the show at the Celebrities for a Cause softball game and Stephanie Warren continuing her duties as PHS swim’s head coach while fighting breast cancer.

Not only did I enjoy reporting, I enjoyed the relationships that came with it. Whether it’s coworkers, coaches, athletes or their relatives, I’ve made countless friends just from doing my job. That’s not all that common while working in journalism and is a testament to how loving and supportive the community is.

Though it took time, I fell in love with Powell, the Big Horn Basin and Wyoming as a whole. Between the community’s friendliness, the all-around beautiful scenery and everything about the “Cowboy State,” I saw Wyoming as home. I saw Powell as somewhere I could live for years and years and be happy.

Even in a place that gets to minus 30 degrees at its worst, I was happy.

Then, an opportunity arose. I applied for the Abilene job, thinking I had no chance of landing it. One thing led to
another and the Abilene Reporter-News ended up hiring me to join the staff.

Initially, I had no clue if I was going to take it or not. I was in a place I loved and wasn’t sure I wanted to give that away. 

Ultimately, I decided there were enough positives about the Abilene job that I wanted to accept it. It’s in a strong sports community that has Division I teams and great high school athletics, the temperatures are more sauna-like than freezer-like, and, most importantly, I’m within four hours of some of my closest friends and family. 

But it wasn’t easy — I spent a couple days praying and thinking if this was the right decision for me; I hope it is. 

This is goodbye for now, but believe me, I’ll be back to visit. I’ve made enough friendships in this area to have a reason to return. I don’t know when I’ll be back, but I promise I will be.

Thank you for everything, Powell. I will miss you.