Reflections on the SportsWise Column

by Patrick Edwards, StreetWise Executive Assistant.

Hello, all. I want to take the opportunity to thank the fellas for allowing me to share space with them in this SportsWise journey.

Reading the magazine back in the day, I recall reading SportsWise and thinking it must be cool to have a voice— especially as someone whose voice is often deemed not worthy of being heard. Or, from the vendor’s perspective, someone who is self-stunted in that he or she is unable to roar due to various reasons, e.g., depression, abuse issue (home or substance), etc. Everything I witnessed firsthand pushed all of those thoughts from my mind, and, initially, before I read the tiny words at the top of the SportsWise page stating that these were vendors, I thought they were legitimate sportswriters farmed by StreetWise.

When I came to StreetWise, I felt as if I were in the presence of royalty. I once was a mere reader, now, was “inside” the magazine! A few days later, after decompressing, I spotted the SportsWise team as they huddled in a cramped office, preparing to record the audio. Russell Adams, John Hagan, and Donald Morris. I vaguely remembered them from the magazines I’d purchased over

the years, and when I grabbed a magazine and re-checked out their photos, I was literally starstruck. Not to the point of stuttering, but to the point of true admiration. I felt as if I was in the company of celebrities—which was the case; it wasn’t Tracee Ellis Ross or Arnold Schwarzenegger, but still…

Initially, I hooked on as the recorder/transcriber…but, then, one day, Russell invited me to speak, to get in where I fit in. I was too shook and didn’t say much, nor did I include my words in the writeup. One afternoon, Russell wasn’t available, and I sat in as a guest. I was pretty cool with Don and John, and became even more so as we crewed through our discussion. Don, from the time I’ve known him, has always told it like it was and is, and he’s very passionate about sports (and religion and birds). He

can, sometimes, get going on a topic and has to rein himself in, but it’s always interesting. John’s interesting because he has the quintessential sportswriter's voice and mannerisms. He’s detailed and knows his stuff—even when caught off-guard. I admire that about him. Russell, he’s the glue that keeps the crew together—and the glue that enabled me to join the team. Russell may be as passionate about sports as Donald, and as sportsknowledgeable as John, but more than anything, Russell cares about people more than anyone I know. He does his thing and can roll with the real (in regard to anything), but when it comes down to it, he cares. He cares about me, he cares about you, he cares about the random person who comes into StreetWise afterhours asking about food (Russell: [Grumble] You’re hungry? Random person: I am. Russell: I got you…but, next time, get here on time, all right?), and he cares about his family deeply—both his at-home family and his StreetWise one.

I love being with all my people at this gig—I do. As to my SportsWise crew, I lucked up. To realize I’m working with celebrities—interesting and cool ones—and feeling as if I belong is amazing. I don’t even mind my little baby photo up against theirs; shoot, I have a lot of learning and passion and take (from giveand-take) from these guys to earn that man-photo.

I’m up for the ride.

Any comments (including greatest historical comments by any of these guys!) or topic suggestions, please write to pedwards@streetwise.com.