I’m a MN “Homer” and proud of it!

I am a “homer.”

There I said it, and I didn’t flinch. Never have, and I have no intention of starting now.

I was born in Minnesota, and I pretty much live and die with the outcomes of our local sports teams, but, for me it’s much deeper than that.

Like many of the people who live here, I truly love Minnesota, and I’m a strong advocate of the values and ethics I learned growing up here that I believe make the “Land of 10,000 Lakes” such a special place to live.

For years I worked as a TV sports and news anchor/reporter, an opportunity that enabled me to see much of the United States; much of it while covering world class sporting events. While those events allowed me to experience other places and cultures, they also gave me a deeper appreciation for what we have, right here in Minnesota.

While it kills me that the Vikings have never won a Super Bowl, I have taken great pride in seeing Minnesota recognized for its leadership in education and medicine, our vibrant corporate culture and watching Minnesotan’s consistently lead the nation in voter turnout on election day.

The opportunity to appear on local TV news gave me a platform to not only inform the community about the news of our time but to also serve as a conduit for stories of good news, where people go above and beyond to help each other get through this thing called life.

Whether it’s the “Iron Range,” Minnesota’s famed “North Shore,” the State Fair, or yes, even the Mall of America, I pull for Minnesota and Minnesotans, and I want everyone to know that while our weather may be…“challenging” from time to time, Minnesota has a great story to tell, and the people who live here are second to none.

That’s why I am so excited about my new gig with the National Sports Center in Blaine! I get to take the storytelling skills I learned as a journalist and apply them on behalf of the NSC.

Over its nearly 30-year history, the National Sports Center has been the setting for millions of people to experience the joy and rewards of sports. Whether professional or amateur, it’s hard to imagine the countless memories made at this place and the positive impact the NSC has had on the lives of the participants, their families and the surrounding community.

For almost a year I have been working with the NSC to understand their resources, experience their events and to meet the people who both host and participate in them. I hope you’ll join me as I share the stories that are constantly being created here.

Like I said off the top, I’m a “Homer,” and I wouldn’t have it any other way. I’m joining a great team where I get to do what I love to do, and that’s brag about all things “Minnesota!”