Saskatchewan transplant, former intern, optimistic about return to Airdrie

See, Airdrie, I told you I’d be back! For those of you who have no clue who I am, my name’s Briana, and I’m the new(ish) sports reporter at the Airdrie City View. While short, blue eyed brunettes are not exactly unicorn-level rare, if I look or sound familiar, I was the publication’s intern from last May to December.

After Christmas, I returned to the University of Regina to finish up my last semester and complete my journalism degree, which was an adventure in itself. It was a short, hectic, fun four months, but I can now say I’m officially a university graduate. It’s my second best life moment, bested only by the Keith Urban concert I went to three years ago.

It was nice to get back to Saskatchewan for four months. It is and will always be home, and my friends and family are all out there. But, there were more than a few times that I missed Airdrie to the point where it bordered on separation anxiety. Well, maybe not that extreme, but there were the occasional moments where faint mirages of the Rockies popped up on the flat, Saskatchewan farmland.

It was a no-brainer when the City View asked me if I wanted my job back after graduation. I got to do and see and cover so much last year that I’m beyond excited to do it all again. Plus, it has helped me avoid the proverbial graveyard where many arts degrees go to die.

What really sold me was that I’d be covering sports. The No. 1 thing you should know about me is that I am a sports fanatic, or “sports nerd” as my mother lovingly and proudly refers to me as. The dream of becoming a sports journalist is what drove me towards J-school and it’s what keeps me going.

So, to get the opportunity to cover sports exclusively so early in my career is truly an honour.

Being a sports fan has led me to pledge allegiance to certain teams, so let’s get this out of the way early. Yes, I am a Riders fan.

Even after last season, when I was forced to watch my team implode while surrounded by Stampeders fans. The chirping has yet to cease.

My hockey allegiances, however, aren’t as controversial. I’ve been a Colorado Avalanche fan for 12 years. In the event they don’t make the playoffs, which has become a trend in recent years, my second team is the Chicago Blackhawks. Hey, it could be worse. I could be a Leafs fan. (Kidding!)

While sports occupy an alarmingly large and sometimes concerning aspect of my life (at least to my mom), I also have other interests. If I’m not watching a hockey game or a tennis match, I have my nose buried in a book.

The first thing I did upon learning I was heading back to Airdrie was to compile my summer reading list, which is currently 20 books and counting.

A highlight of summer 2011 was my weekly trips to the Airdrie Public Library, which is one of my favourite places to visit in the city.

If I haven’t stressed it enough, I am incredibly excited to be back in Airdrie and at the City View. Driving back into town felt like coming back to my second home.

So, I’ll see you all on the field, pitch, diamond, court or at the rodeo or rink!