As anyone who has been paying attention to the newspaper lately knows, the Southern Standard has been undergoing some big changes this week. Last Sunday’s paper marked the last full editions for longtime Publisher Patricia Zechman as well as Sports Editor Jeffery Simmons. The two exits have prompted questions, and certainly they will both be missed; but I can say with confidence the newspaper remains in capable hands. 

I said quite a bit about Pat in Sunday’s edition, and really there aren't enough words to truly convey how much she has meant to everyone at the Southern Standard and to the community at large. As far as Jeff, he has been a good friend to me and a valuable part of the Warren County sports scene during his three stints covering sports for the Southern Standard. 

Jeff started as a sports reporter in 2010 before leaving the Standard in 2014. He returned to the Standard sports desk in 2017 and gained the title of sports editor which he held until 2020, when he launched his own sports venture. When I assumed the role of managing editor in 2022, one of my first calls was to Jeff and I was fortunate he agreed to return to helm the Standard sports section once again. 

Jeff leaves big shoes to fill, but I’m happy to say his desk won’t sit empty long as Sam Griffin is joining the Standard as our sports reporter. Sam, a Warren County native, has already amassed an impressive resume in sports writing despite his young age. He brings with him a passion for sports as well as strong writing and photography skills. 

He previously served as the sports editor of the Manchester Times in neighboring Coffee County. The switch to the Standard brings the Morrison resident back home to cover the schools and events he grew up with. 

Jeff’s experience isn’t something that can be immediately replaced, but I am confident Sam will quickly learn the ins and outs of covering Warren County sports under the mentorship of Rob Nunley. 

While he currently serves as news editor, Rob is no stranger to sports coverage, winning back-to-back Tennessee Sportswriters Association Gary Lundy Sportswriter of the Year awards and earning the Tennessee Press Association’s top prize for sports writing four times at the Standard (in 2002, 2005, 2007 and 2010 if you're keeping count, and Rob certainly is). 

So while we’re sad to see Pat and Jeff go, the Standard staff will continue to provide the type of coverage of all things Warren County our readers deserve.

Standard Managing Editor Seth Wright can be reached at editor@southernstandard.com