The rest of my life begins Saturday.

After three-plus years on the job I am stepping away from the Metro Sports Report.

My last night is Friday.

It is with mixed emotions that I write these words.

The voyage to reach this point with the Metro Sports Report has been full of twists and turns, highs and lows, laughter and ... well, not tears. More like jaw-clenching tension, the kind that makes your teeth ache.

There have been many positives.

I have made many new friends and reconnected with many old ones.

It has been a worthwhile adventure.

But it comes at a cost.

For the past year I have been working very hard on my health, cutting 50 pounds from the jowly mug you see on this page.

There have been a few setbacks, none of major concern.

But it has becoming increasingly apparent that if I am to achieve my goals, a lifestyle change is necessary.

No more late nights. More sleep. Better appetite control.

Fewer deadlines.

My thanks go out to Jim Ecker, a great business partner who has been the driving force behind this site. My best wishes for future success.

Thanks also to the writers - especially Tom Fruehling and Don Taylor, who have been along for the ride from the beginning.

Photographers Ken Gilchrist and Margaret O'Banion also have been stalwarts.

Margaret runs the ship on the photo side. She set up the photo gallery and operates it. She also is a tireless worker whose desire to improve is a daily mission. And she has.

Thanks also to the advertising staff, headed up by Carl Whiting. Karen Woods has been invaluable and I want to send my special thanks.

I'd also like to thank Eric Wiley and his company for developing this website, making it easy to navigate and ironing out the bugs as they presented themselves.

The reception you readers have given us has been most appreciated.

And with that I say farewell.

Thanks for listening and thanks for reading the metrosportsreport.com.