A message to our readers as Colin McNamara steps down as managing editor.
I’ve mulled over how to start this article all weekend but haven’t quite found the right words to truly encapsulate how I feel.
I’m not quite as witty as some of my predecessors, so I’ll stick to my strengths and keep it clear and concise: I am stepping down as managing editor at Testudo Times.
I thought about writing this article last weekend, but elected Friday would be better suited, before further pushing it off until Monday. I made multiple excuses for the lateness. First, I wanted to put out one last profile, then I convinced myself men’s lacrosse should have the spotlight this weekend. While both seem valid, the truth is, it is so incredibly hard to say goodbye and completely leave behind what I’ve dedicated the last four years of my life to.
So, for the readers who have stuck with this site and I through it all, allow me this one final article.
Testudo Times has been a part of every aspect of my college life. I still remember hopping on a Zoom call with Lauren Rosh about a week before my move-in day. She offered me the volleyball beat reporter position, and although I had no prior journalism experience or knew a lick about the sport, I accepted. And I cannot thank my past self enough.
Those first few articles on the beat were brutal as I navigated my way through covering live events and learning what it means to be a journalist; I sincerely apologize to the volleyball fans who had to endure that, I promise you our writing and coverage is much better now.
I then followed a long, but spectacular baseball season in the spring, and men’s soccer and men’s lacrosse the following year. As I had hoped, I was promoted to deputy editor as a junior and have covered football and men’s basketball the last two years.
I’ve written nearly 550 articles and edited hundreds more. No doubt it was difficult at times, but I would do it 10 times over for the lessons learned and memories made as a result.
I’ve been graced with the opportunity to travel to Columbus, Brooklyn, Newark, State College, Eugene under the expanded Big Ten and Seattle for the NCAA men’s basketball tournament. I sat courtside for the Derik Queen buzzer beater, watched Taulia Tagovailoa become the Big Ten’s all-time leading passer and soaked in the sheer energy radiating from Xfinity Center. I can’t imagine a better way to spend my four years.
This job has given me a new-found appreciation for college sports that won’t soon wear off. The magic and fandom behind it are truly like no other.
Most of all, Testudo Times has been there for me more than anything else these past few years. I became a beat writer before I made my first friend in College Park. I made mistakes, learned and grew. And I further developed my skills and got closer to accomplishing my dreams one season at a time. Nothing has prepared me for life after college more than this experience, and for that I am forever grateful.
But none of this would have been possible without the help of so many.
First, to the editors who came before me. To Lauren Rosh and Dylan Spilko: thank you for taking a chance on me. To Sam Oshtry and Ben Dickinson: your continued belief in me and support meant the world. To Emmett Siegel and Andrew Chodes: thank you for your friendship and guidance, no one has shaped me as a journalist more than you two.
Thank you to the dozens of staff writers, photographers and videographers who have worked with or for Testudo Times over the years. Your tireless work and dedication are the reason for this site’s success.
To the entire media relations department within Maryland athletics: thank you for allowing us access to provide coverage to thousands of Maryland fans. And a special thanks to the sports information directors I worked with directly: Dustin Semonavick, Ben Kessler, John Sinnett, Alyssa Muir, Taylor Smyth, Matthew Gilpin and Josh Schmidt.
And most importantly, to the readers: thank you. Your continued support and readership make this site run, and your comments and feedback have been incredibly helpful in my development. But what I love most about this site is the community it fosters. Commenters care just as much about the games as they do another’s family. This is truly a special fanbase.
Lastly, I am thrilled to announce that Matt Germack will be the next managing editor of Testudo Times. Matt has a special eye for journalism and ideas that will take this site to the next level. It has been an honor to work alongside him this past year and I am so excited for what he has planned.
It’s been an incredible ride and I’m extremely proud of what we’ve accomplished. Thank you for all of it.
A message from new managing editor Matt Germack
I am so grateful for the opportunity and privilege to lead Testudo Times in its next chapter. I want to thank Colin and Ryan Alonardo for welcoming me with open arms, for their guidance over the past 10 months and for the good times along the way. I also want to thank those I previously worked with on the managing desk at The Diamondback — Hannah Ziegler, Lizzy Alspach, Apurva Mahajan and Olivia Borgula — for showing me what it takes to be successful in this industry and helping me grow as both a journalist and professional. I wouldn’t be here without any of you, and appreciate all of you more than you know.
Serving as deputy editor this past year has been the best experience of my young working career. It was a pleasure to cover Maryland football and men’s basketball this past year — even though I picked quite the eventful basketball spring to do a semester abroad — and I thank everyone on both teams that I worked with for their grace.
Colin and Ryan are incredible coworkers and people. I wish Colin nothing but the best as he moves into the next phase of his professional and personal life, and I’m thrilled to have another year alongside Ryan.
Lastly, I’m pleased to announce that Nolan Rogalski will be taking over my old position as deputy editor this upcoming year. I’ve been blown away by the quality of his work this past year, especially as a freshman, and am excited to see him grow and blossom as an editor. We’re going to continue doing everything we can to provide the quality coverage you all deserve, and grow it in new, exciting ways. Time to get to work!