Thank You, Heartland: A Bittersweet Goodbye from Your Editor

It’s hard to know where to start when you’re saying goodbye to something that’s meant this much.

Four years ago, Pete Mundo gave me the kind of opportunity you don’t forget—one that changed the trajectory of my life. Writing for Heartland College Sports began as a chance to turn a hobby into something more, but it quickly evolved into a passion.

Covering the Big 12 over the past four seasons has been nothing short of a dream. The games, the rivalries, the Saturday chaos, the press box moments that live in your head rent-free—I’ve loved every bit of it. But more than that, I’ve loved the people.

To Pete: Thank you for taking a chance on me back in 2021 and for building a platform where voices like mine could grow. You’ve been so much more than a boss—you’re a mentor, a friend, and someone I’m much better for having known so well.

To Joe Tillery, Matthew Postins, and Derek Duke: y’all made this job what it was. The road trips, the hot takes, the off-the-record laughs—we built something special, and I’ll carry those memories with me wherever I go.

In the time I’ve been here, the Big 12 has changed in ways I never imagined. I’ve watched the league lose two giants—one of them being my childhood favorite team. That stung. But at the same time, I’ve seen Brett Yormark inject new life and vision into a conference that was once fighting to stay afloat. Today, the Big 12 isn’t just surviving—it’s thriving, and the future looks brighter than ever.

Heartland College Sports gave me my first opportunity to cover college football professionally. That’s not a sentence I say lightly. It gave me purpose in a season when I needed it most. And for that, I’ll be forever grateful.

As I step into a new calling—one rooted in ministry—I’m filled with excitement and peace. But leaving this incredible place and this passionate community is not easy. This chapter may be closing, but the memories, the friendships, and the gratitude stay with me.

Thank you for reading, for engaging, for letting me be part of your Saturdays. I’ve cherished every moment.

If you’d like to stay connected, you can follow me on Twitter/X and Instagram (@BClinton40). I’m excited to share what’s next, and I’d love to have you along for the journey.

Until next time—God bless, and go Big 12.