That’s a lot of hair, my friend. Looking forward to you and Wilner podcasting together. I can already tell the chemistry will be terrific as you complement each other’s styles exceptional well.
I reflect often on what brought me to newspapers early on, and it makes me sad to see how these sections have declined (jumping on Ken Reed's piece below). I've never been a big "sports guy" but loved the features pages - waiting eagerly for Friday's entertainment section on movies and dining, Wednesday's food and home section (as a younger kid, it was Tuesday *afternoon's*), seeing how big the Sunday paper would be and if any special sections were there along with the comics... Interestingly enough my aunt also got me into media. She wasn't yet teaching journalism at my high school, but also at 13, she sent me to KPHO-TV with her neighbor who was the producer of the noon newscast. It was so cool to hear all the control booth cues and the like in my ears, see the meteorologist preparing his forecast graphics, the scramble before the broadcast when the "A1" story had issues and would be changing.
Sorry this comment is growing long and has two paranthetical digressions. Enjoyed the time with the piece today.
Spend most of my time at our cabin 65 feet above Lake Superior in Herbster, WI, now after 40 years in Astoria, Eugene and Portland. Grandchildren brought us to the Upper Midwest in St. Paul. Your Aunt's actions hit home for me, as my brother, who ended up being a photojournalist in Astoria and Longview for 40+ years, gave me my first camera during my junior year of high school back in CT. I am hitting 70 in Oct., and am just now starting a landscape photography website (only took 50+ years). Your articles always justify the time to look for, and read them. I had the opportunity to be a go between with you, for an article several Christmas ago on Leroy Erickson, the oldest living Duck football player at that time. Unfortunately my wife's "Uncle Roy" passed on Sept. 2020, 8 months shy of 100. You made his day, both in what you wrote, and how you let him run with his stories, even those that had nothing to do with the story you wrote. Thank your Aunt Nicole for getting you started. Be well, John. Peter
I have commented before, and have resisted commenting after reading many great stories of yours. I just couldn’t resist after reading today’s…your introduction to Sports journalism with a very special aunt! Love it!
Great story John. I was a newspaper reporter and editor for 33 years. I didn’t cover an NFL game at age 13 but the bug bit me in my teens and stayed in my blood for 3+ decades. Keep the stories coming, and share that photo of your aunt crawling through Cambodia.
Another wonderful story! We never know what we say and do with kids will impact them for the rest of their lives. (Also growing up in Oakland I loved your reference to "the city")
Great article John! There's nothing quite like hearing stories of people/friends that are doing exactly what God gave them talent and passion to do. You have a gift and we're blessed by it! Thank you!
Another great human interest story delving into the rich legacy of John Canzano! Thank you for revealing to us another tidbit of your rise into journalism!
My Dad was a journalist for his life's career. He started out in Sweetwater Texas, then Wichita Falls then to Lima Ohio and finally with the Long Beach Press Telegram. He covered sports including High School and College. He covered semi pro sports. I grew up accompanying him to games. He retired as a copy editor. He could turn a prose unfortunately I did not inherit the gift. May he and the old style of journalism RIP.
A great reminder that one kind gesture of love can change a life. I will focus even more on making the time to extend those gestures going forward.
For sure.
Another great column, John. Your personal stuff is the best. How wonderful your aunt thought to snap your photo after the game. Good stuff.
She's a pro.
That’s a lot of hair, my friend. Looking forward to you and Wilner podcasting together. I can already tell the chemistry will be terrific as you complement each other’s styles exceptional well.
thank you Rich.
I reflect often on what brought me to newspapers early on, and it makes me sad to see how these sections have declined (jumping on Ken Reed's piece below). I've never been a big "sports guy" but loved the features pages - waiting eagerly for Friday's entertainment section on movies and dining, Wednesday's food and home section (as a younger kid, it was Tuesday *afternoon's*), seeing how big the Sunday paper would be and if any special sections were there along with the comics... Interestingly enough my aunt also got me into media. She wasn't yet teaching journalism at my high school, but also at 13, she sent me to KPHO-TV with her neighbor who was the producer of the noon newscast. It was so cool to hear all the control booth cues and the like in my ears, see the meteorologist preparing his forecast graphics, the scramble before the broadcast when the "A1" story had issues and would be changing.
Sorry this comment is growing long and has two paranthetical digressions. Enjoyed the time with the piece today.
I read the newspaper every day as a kid -- all the way through. Every section. I love stories.
You never disappoint! This is truly in your blood and for that, I am truly grateful!
thank you Gay.
Spend most of my time at our cabin 65 feet above Lake Superior in Herbster, WI, now after 40 years in Astoria, Eugene and Portland. Grandchildren brought us to the Upper Midwest in St. Paul. Your Aunt's actions hit home for me, as my brother, who ended up being a photojournalist in Astoria and Longview for 40+ years, gave me my first camera during my junior year of high school back in CT. I am hitting 70 in Oct., and am just now starting a landscape photography website (only took 50+ years). Your articles always justify the time to look for, and read them. I had the opportunity to be a go between with you, for an article several Christmas ago on Leroy Erickson, the oldest living Duck football player at that time. Unfortunately my wife's "Uncle Roy" passed on Sept. 2020, 8 months shy of 100. You made his day, both in what you wrote, and how you let him run with his stories, even those that had nothing to do with the story you wrote. Thank your Aunt Nicole for getting you started. Be well, John. Peter
Such a cool story. Thanks Peter.
Another great column John!!
You hit the jackpot - a job you would probably do for free!!
Keep it up!
thank you Stephen.
John,
I have commented before, and have resisted commenting after reading many great stories of yours. I just couldn’t resist after reading today’s…your introduction to Sports journalism with a very special aunt! Love it!
Thanks Missy!
Great story John. I was a newspaper reporter and editor for 33 years. I didn’t cover an NFL game at age 13 but the bug bit me in my teens and stayed in my blood for 3+ decades. Keep the stories coming, and share that photo of your aunt crawling through Cambodia.
thank you. I looked for that photo. I'll find it. It ran in the SF Examiner years ago, as I recall. My mother clipped it out.
Fabulous article, John. What a night that must have been!
I froze. And I loved it.
Another wonderful story! We never know what we say and do with kids will impact them for the rest of their lives. (Also growing up in Oakland I loved your reference to "the city")
So true.
Love the photo of you on the field.
My knees were knocking when I saw Hacksaw!
I'll bet. He was a tough dude.
Great article John! There's nothing quite like hearing stories of people/friends that are doing exactly what God gave them talent and passion to do. You have a gift and we're blessed by it! Thank you!
Thanks Steve. Really appreciate this.
Another great human interest story delving into the rich legacy of John Canzano! Thank you for revealing to us another tidbit of your rise into journalism!
Awww, thanks Betty.
Everyone should have such an inspiring teacher in their lives. Thank you for sharing.
Have one... and BE ONE! Thank you F.
My Dad was a journalist for his life's career. He started out in Sweetwater Texas, then Wichita Falls then to Lima Ohio and finally with the Long Beach Press Telegram. He covered sports including High School and College. He covered semi pro sports. I grew up accompanying him to games. He retired as a copy editor. He could turn a prose unfortunately I did not inherit the gift. May he and the old style of journalism RIP.
Your dad paved the way for so many others.