New semester and new editor-in-chief

The summer of 2010 is a big one.

Not only does this sports writer embark on a journey as the next editor-in-chief of the award winning Central Florida Future, but the 2010 World Cup from South Africa is only 43 days away.

Here's hoping that the U.S. National Team can take the first game against England and do a better job than they did in Germany four years ago.

All silliness aside, a year ago today, I could not have imagined having the opportunity that presents itself for me this summer.

I can definitely tell you that I am excited and up for the challenge.

It's no easy feat to take the reins of the school paper that Jeff Riley, friend and soon to be former editor-in-chief, and the current staff took to the next level this past academic year.

But it is a welcome invitation to do better.

I started as a sports writer last spring, covering three UCF sports-teams. Since then I've prided myself on being one of the hardest workers this paper has had.

With my new position, I plan on bringing the same work ethic that I have as a writer to being the "chief."

My goals for this summer are simple. I want to provide you, the reader and the only reason we publish, a college paper with great stories to read this summer.

I am happy to say that the editorial staff hired for the summer is a great bunch, and I cannot wait to start working with them when the month of May rolls around.

As the saying goes, "If it ain't broke don't fix it." Now I know the copy editing people will not agree with me using the word "ain't."

Most of you are already aware that our paper was awarded "The Best All-Around Non-Daily Student Newspaper," "Best Affiliated Web Site," "Sports Writing" and "Online Sports Reporting" in the Society of Professional Journalists Region 3 Conference.

This is a remarkable accomplishment, and it seems like doing anything better can be a daunting task. Riley definitely leaves some shoes to fill, as somebody commented on his final column, but I'm not worried about it.

It is all about building on the previous success and adding to it. I have some great ideas that I want to add to the website, and when that time comes, I do hope the readers appreciate the hard work we put into the paper.

So when summer comes around, kick back, relax and follow us as we score a goal by bringing you the latest UCF and the surrounding community has to offer.