The new quarterback

Hello Tri-County sports fans, my name is Craig Purcell and I am the new sports editor for Tri-County Newspapers. I was the full-time sports reporter for the Corning Observer from 2005-2007, and before that I covered sports simultaneously for the Dyersville Commercial and Cascade Pioneer newspapers in my native Iowa.

I am both fortunate and unfortunate to have worked with Kevin Askeland in the recent past. Fortunate because he has shared his encyclopedic sports knowledge of the area with me, and unfortunate that I now approach the bar he has set so high for Tri-County sports coverage.

I grew up playing baseball, not because I was particularly good at it but because I loved the game. Even at my best I was probably just slightly above average as far as skills go, so I know and applaud effort as much as results. Not everyone can be a star athlete, but anybody who goes through the practices and wears the uniform is a vital part of a team's success.

I also played no-pads, full-tackle neighborhood football, and if you've ever landed knees-first on a makeshift football field in Iowa in February, you know the true meaning of "frozen tundra."

Since I topped the six-foot mark everybody assumed I also played basketball, but I was cursed with a bad ankle and poor hand-eye coordination, so I had no "hoop dreams."

My playing days are behind me, but my love of sports is as strong as it's ever been. I'll talk for hours about Chicago Cubs baseball or the 49ers, and if my TV remote had speed-dial, you can bet that ESPN would be at the top of the list. Stronger though, is my love for my wife and children.

There will be a slight learning curve as I get to know the new schools, athletic directors, coaches and students in Glenn and Colusa counties, so your patience is appreciated. At the same time, don't be afraid to offer me ideas, praise or criticism — it's all good. You can reach me at 824-1036 or sports@tcnpress.com.