So far, so good in Butler County

My introduction to the Poplar Bluff and Butler County is long overdue.

If I haven’t had the pleasure of meeting you, my name is D’Courtland Christian, and I am the new Assistant Sports Editor for the Daily American Republic.

When I arrived in February, I dove straight into a hectic basketball season, and I’ve loved every minute of it. As a person who loves the game of basketball, it feels great to cover a community that’s invested in it.

So far, everyone I’ve come across has welcomed me with open arms, and that is the best thing anyone can ask for when relocating to an unfamiliar area. I am originally from a similar small city in Meridian, Mississippi, where I got my first shot at journalism.

After graduating from the University of Arizona with a journalism and mass communications degree, I received my first job at the Meridian Star newspaper covering education, community and sports. Covering sports was always a passion of mine, but covering all aspects of journalism helped me become a better storyteller.

Though I enjoyed covering education and the general community, I wanted to focus primarily on sports because it came naturally. One thing that I have enjoyed about covering sports so far is the emotion and passion that’s involved. Each team works toward the same goal of winning and watching players go out there and compete is a joy to watch.

When I’m not out covering sports, my favorite thing is to spend time with my family and host my sports podcast, “Real Spill Sports,” which inspired me to get my journalism degree. My favorite basketball team is the Los Angles Lakers and the New England Patriots, simply because of Tom Brady, but I’m attempting to stay loyal.

As for baseball, I have been asked many times about the Cardinals, and it’s my goal to catch a game and hopefully become a fan.

My philosophy as a sports journalist may be different than other writers because I don’t care if you’re the worst team or the best team, my goal is to tell your story. When someone sees one of my stories, I want them to feel as if they were actually at the game.

As I enter my second year of journalism, I want to continue to grow as a writer and provide great coverage to the Poplar Bluff and the Butler County area.

If you have any story ideas, feel free to contact me at dchristian@darnews.com. I look forward to hearing from you.

D’Courtland Christian is the assistant sports editor of the Daily American Republic. Contact him at dchristian@darnews.com.