Covering Alabama has made me stronger on unimaginable levels (Izzy Gould)

[Coach Hank Crisp]

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There was plenty more to learn, such as interacting with fans. In some cases, the best intentions can go horribly wrong. I made a habit of visiting an online fan site during the offseason to try to explain one journalism position or another. That must be like sending Al Gore to a Tea Party rally.


I quickly learned of the passion. Alabama fans drive hundreds of miles and wait in line weekly during fall Thursdays at Buffalo Wild Wings for Saban's radio show. Mothers with babies will literally wait for hours, arriving before dawn to get the best seats. The reward? Sitting within breathing distance of Saban, maybe eye-to-eye contact, possibly an autograph or a picture.

Nothing could compare to the afternoon I stood with two neighbors in an empty lot next to my house. Together, we watched the April 27 tornado as it passed about 4 miles north of my home ripping a huge gash just south of the city center, the university and DCH Regional Medical Center.

I spent every waking moment the next several days reporting those stories instead of the NFL draft. When I slept, like many in this town, I ran from tornadoes.

I am very proud to say I live here.

What I've learned in my one year covering Alabama is that this job is bigger than any one writer. It's bigger than any one player. Even bigger than any one coach.

Often it's a soap opera where news never sleeps. The job can defeat you some days only to challenge you again.


Alabama beat reporter Izzy Gould interviews Crimson Tide running back Trent Richardson at SEC Media Days in Hoover.

Footnote:

Izzy Gould joined the Times in 2005 to cover high school sports in Pasco County. Born in Philadelphia and raised in its suburbs, he made his way here to study journalism earning a bachelor of science degree in journalism at the University of Florida. He previously was a staff writer for the Tampa Tribune, the Morning (Arkansas) News and the Sun (Yuma, Ariz.). During his college days he wrote for the Independent Florida Alligator student newspaper and was a correspondent for the Miami Herald. He currently covers high school sports, state colleges and general assignment.

By the time you read this I will be well on my way to my new job covering the University of Alabama football program for a collection of three newspapers. After six years on the North Suncoast, it's time to pass my computer along to another aspiring journalist ready to pick up where I left off. Starting Monday, St. Petersburg Times staff writer Bryan Burns will provide this area with coverage on high school sports. And I will be in Tuscaloosa, Ala., facing Crimson Tide coach Nick Saban for the first time. Scary, I know. But it's time for a new challenge. I won't lie, it's hard to leave my comfort zone. In these past six years I have gotten married, started a family and sprouted roots in a community where I would love to spend the rest of my life. But new opportunities in journalism are rare.

[Jamos]

Very interesting read. He, like others that come here for the first time, has learned first hand that Tuscaloosa and the University of Alabama is a very special place. I don't know what it is that charms the newcomers but once they arrive here and stay here for awhile, they don't want to leave.   

[2Stater]

Very interesting read. He, like others that come here for the first time, has learned first hand that Tuscaloosa and the University of Alabama is a very special place. I don't know what it is that charms the newcomers but once they arrive here and stay here for awhile, they don't want to leave.   

True, J. I had a hard time making myself leave after the game Saturday. 

[Jamos]

Very interesting read. He, like others that come here for the first time, has learned first hand that Tuscaloosa and the University of Alabama is a very special place. I don't know what it is that charms the newcomers but once they arrive here and stay here for awhile, they don't want to leave.   

True, J. I had a hard time making myself leave after the game Saturday. 

Tuscaloosa is a wonderful place to live, I'm glad I was able to relocate back here after I left in 1963.

[Hannibal Lecter, MD]

I made a habit of visiting an online fan site during the offseason to try to explain one journalism position or another.

Anyone remember a poster at TS (or another pacle) that could fit this description?

[Chechem]

I made a habit of visiting an online fan site during the offseason to try to explain one journalism position or another.

Anyone remember a poster at TS (or another pacle) that could fit this description?

    dd?

[2Stater]

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