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You guys are going to love this.

When I first started Orange Colored Glasses, I had a hard time figuring out what I wanted from it. “Where Were You” was the main reason I wanted to get back into writing, but I wasn’t interested in a one-off. Also, I didn’t want to do a lot of recaps or puff pieces in a world that has ESPN and Bleacher Report. That said, a multitude of 15-minute reads isn’t what most sports journalism consumers want in 2022. And at the time of this announcement, about 90 percent of OCG subscribers have a direct line of contact to me. Safe to say that there’s room for growth in the tribe.

In the month and change that I’ve been writing for you guys, I cannot say that it’s always been easy. Without saying too much, it takes a lot to believe in the vision you have for yourself when you know the road ahead will be long and winding. Lately, I’ve had more questions than answers about where this thing we call life is taking me. That said, it’s amazing to see what doors open up when you follow the right path.

John Dunn, creator of The All Vol Call in Show, brought me on as a Junior Editor and Staff Writer earlier today. This was something that had been in the works for a few weeks now, but the timing could not have been better. I’ve gotten a chance to know him and the rest of the staff over the weekend, and I’m excited about coming aboard. Their vision for the future aligns with mine, and together we intend for everyone to enjoy what comes next. As such, I want you guys to check out The All Vol Call In Show, and hopefully we get some of the listeners and callers to come check out OCG. It’s not a full-fledged merger, but instead a partnership. I can’t wait to see what comes next for all of us.

So what does mean for Orange Colored Glasses? Glad you asked!

It means that I get to focus more on writing articles like “Where Were You?”, which is why I created OCG to begin with. The stories that speak to me do more than talk about a game or one moment in time. They paint a picture. They go beyond the surface level of it all and look to find the deeper meaning. Most of all, they tug at our heartstrings and remind us that we’re human beings. I want Orange Colored Glasses to focus on those aspects while I give people the SparkNotes over at AVCIS. In my conversations with John and the rest of the crew, I’ve learned about plans to take everything to the next level. Writing for two platforms will have its fair share of growing pains, but I know that it’ll pay off sooner than later.

To tie things off, I have to thank some people, even if they never get a chance to see this. Nick Stokes, who took me under his wing way back in 2018 and gave me my first shot at creating content. The opportunities I’ve had since then don’t come without meeting him first. My sister Taylor, who suggested that I start a blog when I shared the first drafts of “Where Were You?”. She’s been supportive of me in everything I do since day one, so I have to shout her out for the one time. Without her, there’s no Orange Colored Glasses. And then there’s Rachel Ward, about whom I can’t say enough. She was the person that encouraged me to write about The Third Saturday in October. My sounding board throughout the editing and revising process. The first subscriber to OCG and the one who told me I’d be dead wrong if I didn’t share my story with you guys. Those three, along with everyone who’s been there for me, are why I’m here. From Kids Crossroads Preschool to The University of Tennessee, I’m nothing without the people that pushed me to reach my potential. I can’t thank you all enough. I look forward to this next chapter, and I hope you do too.