When I first came to Boston College, I thought: Hey, maybe I'll try out for the soccer team. Since the varsity team seemed like a bit of a stretch as a freshman, I kept my hopes modest, and thought I'd start on the club team. Those dreams died when this 5'8" 145-pounder with some speed couldn't stand out in a crowd of over 90 players trying out for a handful of spots.

I say thank you to the group of seniors in 2004 who, while still wrong in their evaluation of this player, provided the time needed to pursue the greatest extracurricular at Boston College, The Heights.

I've lost a step athletically. Twenty pounds will do that to you. But I've gained (in addition to the weight) a group of people that I'm proud to call my friends, a group that is among BC's most talented students. I can't wait to see where you guys end up in 10 years. No doubt that you'll be successful in whatever career you choose to pursue.

The first event I covered for this paper was a men's soccer game between Boston University and the Eagles on Newton Campus. This would be the most research I'd ever do before going to write a game story. I studied rosters and trends, and became an expert on both the Terriers and the Eagles.

I showed up to the event an hour before game time, also the earliest I'd ever get to a game while with The Heights. I walked slowly around the field, watching the BU players while they stretched, noticing that the BU coach was walking up to each player, giving them words of encouragement. I took out my pen and pad, and wrote down what he was saying, thinking it could make a good lead later.

I got to the bleachers, and began to settle when I noticed another kid, with a pen and pad, sitting in the top row.

He looked familiar. From Kostka? No. From The Heights? Yes. It was Jay Hedstrom, who, because of a miscommunication, was set to cover the game. I was a little pissed, and Jay must have seen this. I say "thank you" to him, for letting me write the game story, and giving me a great first impression of this newspaper. There would be many more people along the way to confirm my faith in The Heights as an organization of great people. - Jeff Weinstein


Kevin Armstrong: I learned how to run staff meetings from you, and became a better writer just by reading your articles. You made it fun to come to the Eagle's Nest on Mondays and gave me ample opportunity to denounce the Mets and declare Newton as my promised land. While in recent years, I've become a bit of a piñata during KA comedy hour, I've come to accept this role. It's the baggage that comes with being part of the tribe. But seriously, thanks man, and I'll see you sometime in NYC.

Dan Schwartz and Mike Swets: We were a great team. Schwartz - You were, as you liked to say, a get stuff done type of editor, except you never used the word stuff. But honestly, your work ethic, especially during the first couple months when it was just the two of us, carried the section. Swets - You're the man. Enough said.

Reeves: Rock, Chalk, Jayhawk, KU….sucks. In all seriousness, Tom, you set high standards for this paper and for sports. I always was impressed with your leadership, and am glad to have gotten to know you. Same to you Benoit.

Sonny: You are the most selfless person I've ever known. Your layout sessions helped me immeasurably this year. I hope you're doing well.

To the 2006 board: What a great group. From Becca's house parties, to hearts in copy, to Whitewater rafting in October, and 50 cup beer pong in New Hampshire, there was always a good time to be had.

Chris Cameron: You've always been very good to us. The dinner in Winston-Salem was unreal, and I can't thank you enough for extending me an invitation to be in the presence of such an esteemed group. It's been great working with you and I'll be in touch.

BC Media Relations: It's been great coming up to an office of really nice people. Thank you for working with us, and treating us like every other news outlet.

Former Residents of 50 Kirkwood: You guys dealt with me coming in at 4 AM twice a week. Yoon had to deal with this twice as much. He was also my golf media relations contact. Thanks for putting up with me.

To all you guys in the Gate: I've been a stranger. That'll change next semester.

Isner: I leaned on you a lot. But you never really complained. It's your turn, and you've earned it. Have fun with the section, and if you happen be in the office later than you'd like, remember how great this job is 95% of the time.

Tarnoff: You are as loyal as anyone I have known. Anyone that's your friend has one for life. That's a great quality to have. When I began to relax in between issues, you kept me up to speed on breaking news. You've been great to work with, and will always be a good friend.

Ira and Amstutz: Berman - You deserve this. Have fun with it. Amstutz - You bring great ideas to the section. Make them happen.

Lauren: The Heights is classy because of you. You are way beyond your years in your sense of responsibility, and yet, you still know how to have a good time. Thank you for being a great leader.

Irish: This guy…This guy. I have so much respect for you. You had a thankless job, but you did it well because of a great sense of humor. Let's hit up a Dave concert this summer, or at the very least, grab a beer from time to time.

Fouhy: Brother Bossman. It was always fun working in the office with you at the helm. I do wish I had another year. But all good things come to an end. I feel honored that you came to me for advice and I wish you success in whatever you pursue. You're born to lead.

Alexi: You're going to be a great news editor. For the record, my dad thinks you're awesome.

Paschall: The eyes of Texas are upon you. You were great to work with and great to hang out with in the office during the late hours. Let's get some of Cleveland Circle's finest cigars and have a smoke sesh.

Mooney: You're one of the many on this paper who I look forward to seeing what they become. Congressman Mooney? Senator Mooney? Set the bar high.

Lisa and Neil: You guys were great neighbors. Neil - Who's got the keg I'll pump? Lisa - We should publish a sociology report on the office together.

Struzz: Master of the "dumb c" and the "d-canoe." You can be my sports staff photographer anytime. Hope to throw down with you and Fouhy next semester.

Kim: Give me a call next time you get the hiccups. You're a lot of fun to hang out with. Hopefully we can have some more senior nights next semester.

MKP: What a class act KP. You are as genuine as they come. I expect nothing less than Fortune 500 from you.

RLQ: That Big Tyme shot block chart was some great work. I was sad that it never got the chance to run. But you did so much for us after, with all the previews and the spreads. You were always great to bro out with. Let's chill some more next semester.

OB and Keith: My other neighbors. You guys were a fun bunch. I'd never heard half the music you played out of your computer, but at least we agreed upon the greatness of Explosions in the Sky.

Ian: You are the little brother I never had. We have the same appreciation and understanding for sports here at BC. I always enjoyed talking sports with you, because I knew that you "got it." I would like nothing more than to be able to call you a co-worker again.

Maroshegyi: Honorary sports editor Chris Maroshegyi. I didn't take you up on that offer to switch places. You've always impressed me with a maturity beyond your years. I'll miss hanging around in the office with you.

Tue: It didn't take long for you to catch on here. You've been a great addition to the office and have what it takes to be the layout editor.

Alex, Stuart, and Juicy: Arts and Review, the second best section in the paper. It was always fun in the office because of you guys. From now on, every time I hear "Dick in a Box" I'll think of you all.

Jackie, Courtney, Tula: You guys read my crap and made it legible, and you did it with a smile on your face...even in the early morning hours. Thank you for your patience.

Phil and Erika: You guys have always been real nice. Phil, there's one thing I wish we didn't have in common and you know what it is. It's made for some great laughs though. Wish you both the best.

Mariel: I've never seen you at a bad party. You're a fun girl. Let's have some more dance parties at your place and quarters marthons at Roggie's.

Pilar and Grant: Both of you will do great things for this paper. I've always been so impressed by you, Pilar. You are intelligent and articulate and will represent this paper so well. Grant, you will kick ass and take names in the office. You work as hard as anyone, and will be a great managing editor.

To my brother: You pushed me to be the best I could be in high school, even when you weren't trying to. You set an example of achievement, and continue to be a great role model for me. That being said, let's get one thing straight. With Sean Williams, Boston College would have beaten Georgetown. That was the best trip I ever took as sports editor. Nothing even comes close to that. Hopefully as alums the that will happen again.

Mom and Dad: Unlike Scott, you guys were always trying to push me to be the best I could be, in high school and in college. So many times I'd fall short of my own expectations. This experience has been rewarding on so many levels. It has taught me how to work hard, it has taught me how to manage my time, and it has taught me how to meet expectations. When I wasn't working for the paper, I used to worry solely about making you proud. Now because of this experience I'm naturally proud of something that I've done, and seeing you enjoy this along with me has made it even better. Thank you for supporting me when I started this gig, and being my No. 1 fans. I love you guys.

To the 2008 board: Good luck!

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