When I came to the East Suburbs five years ago and began writing and editing the sports pages of the Woodland Progress, Penn Hills Progress and the Oakmont-Verona Advance Leader, I was greeted by great people.

That never stopped.

Today marks the final editions for the three papers and over the past few days, I have been flooded with many great sports memories.

I thought about all the high school athletes I saw start out as young players in junior high or ninth grade, blossom into all-star performers and close out solid careers as seniors.

I remembered how I got to know a little more about sports such as rugby, Ultimate Frisbee and rowing.

I can't forget the memories of Friday night football at Penn Hills or Woodland Hills high schools or the beauty of watching football on a Saturday afternoon at Riverside Park in Oakmont.

Who can forget last June's U.S. Open, an event that I was fortunate to be able to cover.

The coaches and athletes I've met while working for the Penn Hills Progress, Woodland Progress and Oakmont-Verona Advance Leader have made me proud to be associated with the area.

When I travel home to visit family or friends or cover an event away from the area, I'm happy to share that I'm a part of your communities.

You have gained a reputation for strong athletic excellence and that excellence will continue into the future.

While I remain the sports editor for the Monroeville Times Express and the Plum Advance Leader, I will never forget the communities I've served in the East Suburbs.

Thanks for everything.