By Rich Palzewic
Sports Editor
I don’t force myself to do a commentary Hot Corner article every week.
If there’s a topic worthy to write about, I whip something together.
Last week, after interviewing two seniors for spotlights, I thought it would be a good idea to look back in time and reminisce about some of those we’ve featured during the past few years.
In total, The Press Times has spotlighted about 318 seniors since Bay Port’s Jacob Calawerts was first featured online in August 2017.
I remember meeting Calawerts at Bay Port, and we sat and chatted for 20 minutes at a table.
Since then, it’s been a fun ride.
Even before The Press Times went online, I did the spotlights for The Press under the leadership of Mike and Annette Aubinger.
Before the COVID-19 pandemic hit, I predominantly met with the student-athletes in-person – at restaurants, coffee shops, schools or outside after a practice.
But since then, I’ve had to adjust to a 15- or 20-minute phone call or zoom meetings.
It takes some setting up, but normally, I’ll plan the call about a week before it’s needed.
Sometimes plans have fallen through, and I’m left scrambling a day before press day on Wednesday to find a candidate.
I’m often asked how I pick the seniors.
I mostly use the recommendations of their coaches.
It’s the easiest way to make sure the students are in good standing with the school and are good role models.
I’ve also gotten recommendations via email, so if you ever have a worthy senior you think would be a good candidate, please drop me a note at [email protected].
Because I’m the sports editor, I started the features with athletes, but candidates don’t have to be in sports.
I’ve spotlighted band, choir and theater students as well.
It’s safe to say these features are my favorite thing to do.
I get to know every one of the seniors, and many times, I stay in contact with them after they’ve left their respective schools.
Last week, De Pere’s Jolie Guyette and Green Bay East’s Riley Wittig were featured.
Guyette shared a funny embarrassing moment, while Witting is a third-generation East attendee.
I’ve interviewed state champs, future college athletes and genuinely nice individuals.
Some interviews are easier than others.
Like any interaction, the more the students talk, the better it is.
Many times, I have to cut a few hundred words from the story.
Other times, I have to add a little more description on my part to fill in the gaps.
If you visit GoPressTimes.com and search “Senior Spotlight,” you’ll have plenty of past articles to read.