A message to our readers as Emmett Siegel and Andrew Chodes step down as editors.
You’re probably going to be tired of hearing “thank you” once you make it to the end of this piece. But as I sit down to write this, I can’t shake those two words from my mind.
Thank you.
I’ll spare everyone the time and cut right to the chase: I’m stepping down as managing editor of Testudo Times, and my fellow soon-to-be-graduate Andrew Chodes is stepping down as deputy editor. No COVID years for us, I guess.
Jokes aside, working for Testudo Times has been one of the most fulfilling experiences of my time in College Park, which flew by way faster than I could’ve anticipated. It hasn’t always been easy, but few things worth doing are.
During my time here, I wrote hundreds of stories and helped publish what felt like a million more. I was lucky enough to travel to bucket-list events, including multiple bowl games, the NCAA men’s basketball tournament and a men’s lacrosse national championship game. I’ve stood on the fields and courts of venues I grew up watching on television, hoping one day to be a part of it all.
I without a doubt had the coolest job a student could ask for.
I don’t care what anyone says about the transfer portal, NIL or anything else — college sports are, and always will be, special. I will forever cherish the opportunity to have a front-row seat to everything that makes that true.
I’d be doing a disservice if I didn’t thank those that came before me. To Lauren Rosh and Dylan Spilko: thank you for giving me a chance and allowing me the opportunity to prove myself. To Sam Oshtry and Ben Dickson: you were fantastic partners to work with last year and I’m forever grateful for you entrusting me with this position. And lastly, thank you to everyone who’s worked with or for Testudo Times. It truly takes a village to make this thing go.
Andrew — you’ve been a joy to work with and I’m proud to have done this job alongside you. It was a grind, but I think we can say with pride that we managed to hold it all together and not screw up an already good thing. Maybe we even did a halfway decent job at times. Whatever’s next for you, you’re going to kill it.
This job would be impossible without the help of those within the athletic department, and I owe everyone there a sincere thank you for working with me every step along the way. Essentially the entire communications department deserves appreciation, but I have to give a special shoutout to those that served as sports information directors for teams I covered: Dustin Semonavick, Ben Kessler, John Sinnett, Josh Schmidt and Keith Sneddon.
To all the talented journalists — both students and professionals — I’ve had the opportunity to learn from along the way, thank you. Your guidance has taught me invaluable lessons and helped prepare me for whatever awaits me.
And most importantly, to the readers: thank you. Each and every one of you plays a role in making this place special, and nothing happens here without your support. I can’t express how appreciative I am of everyone who read our work or interacted with us in any capacity. I hope everyone recognizes the value of this community and never takes it for granted.
Now that all the reminiscing is out of the way, let’s talk about the future. I’m very excited to announce that Colin McNamara will be the next managing editor of Testudo Times. Colin is one of the most talented student journalists I’ve had the privilege of working with and I’m 100% confident that he’s the right person for the job. I’m fired up to watch him take Testudo Times to the next level.
It’s been a fun ride, y’all. Thank you for everything.
A message from top deputy editor Andrew Chodes
The past two years have truly changed my life.
From an unsure freshman looking to gain journalism experience in a still-COVID world, I sent Lauren Rosh a direct message on Twitter, a message that paid off in the greatest way.
From freelance work to covering women’s basketball, soccer, men’s basketball and football, I’ve grown and learned more than I ever imagined. Never did I think I would have a byline in over 320 stories and help publish hundreds more.
Traveling to Chicago, Minneapolis, Columbus, Philadelphia and Nashville, working as the top deputy editor over the past year at this unbelievable platform, which is run and driven by student journalists, is something I will forever remember and reflect on.
I would be remiss if I didn’t shout out Maryland Athletics’ incredible staff, so many of whom helped me in my reporting at every turn. A special mention goes to Rose DiPaula, Dustin Semonavick, Ben Kessler and John Sinnett, who worked as sports information directors on my beats.
To the people I’ve met and the friends I’ve made since turning my childhood dream into an incredible reality — I thank you and I appreciate you.
To the incredible professors and mentors inside Knight Hall — I thank you and appreciate you. To Mark Hyman and countless others, your constant guidance has been invaluable.
To our dedicated readers at Testudo Times — I thank you. I appreciate you. And I hope my work did enough to make your days a little bit brighter.
To Sam Oshtry and Ben Dickson, where do I start? Both of you provided me with incredible guidance as editors and helped me become a well-rounded journalist, and frankly a better person. I wouldn’t be where I am today without the two of you, giving me the opportunity to live out a dream, but most importantly turning a difficult start to my college tenure into some of the best years of my life.
Last but not least, thank you to Emmett Siegel. While I think you’ll be happy that you no longer have to listen to my constant questioning, we can both admit these last nine months have been so special. From late nights to early mornings, I’m unbelievably proud of the work we’ve done together to make sure everything runs smoothly and Testudo Times continues to provide the best coverage out there.
Thank you for being a great co-worker and friend. I know success will follow you in the coming years and I’m so excited to follow it.
Finally, I’m so excited for the future of the site with Colin McNamara at the helm. Colin is one of the most hardworking and talented journalists I know, and I can assure our passionate readers that he will work tirelessly to continue to provide incredible coverage.
A message from new managing editor Colin McNamara
It is an honor and privilege to be taking over as managing editor of Testudo Times. I would not be in this position without those who came before me and helped me along the way, namely Lauren Rosh, Dylan Spilko, Sam Oshtry, Ben Dickson, Emmett Siegel and Andrew Chodes. I want to express my sincerest gratitude for the opportunities and aid they have provided me over the last three years.
Serving as Testudo Times’ deputy editor this past year has been the best experience of my journalism career. Working with Emmett and Andrew has been an absolute pleasure, and while I hate to see them go, I know what awaits these two extremely hardworking and talented people will be worth watching.
Now, as managing editor, I am excited to announce that Ryan Alonardo will be stepping into the role of lead deputy editor. Ryan has been with Testudo Times the past two years and has displayed time and time again why he deserves this opportunity. We are excited to continue what has made this site extraordinary and provide the best possible coverage of Maryland sports to our loyal and passionate readers. Couldn’t be more excited for this next chapter!