Conor Orr
Assistant News Editor (Spring 2008) — Sports Editor (Spring 2010)

The two dates up here don’t really mean anything, at least that’s what a very smart man once told me. Instead, it’s that dash between the time I started at The Daily Orange and when I finished. I learned more about myself, my co-workers and this wonderful business than I ever expected. That dash contains some of my proudest moments, my biggest embarrassments, and memories of interpretive dancers, misfit toys, and men’s and women’s rowing coverage? I wouldn’t be where I was today without the rustic hellhole that is 744 Ostrom and what I learned from the hundreds of papers I helped put out over the years. So I say to you, Daily Orange, thank you for making that dash so meaningful, and thank you to those who really loved this thing with me — it was one incredible ride. 

Mom and Dad: The job I want in the future requires me to express everything in words. But I literally cannot when it comes to relaying the thanks I owe the both of you. All the sacrifices you’ve made and all the care you’ve given while I pursue my dream has been unimaginable. All the while, you’ve asked for nothing in return. One day, I promise I’ll pay you back. You have no idea how much this has meant to me — providing me with this education, driving me to events, reading every last word I wrote. For now, I promise I’ll keep my room clean and go to church. Thanks for everything.

Professor Grimes: Some students leave school talking about that one professor that changed their lives. Know that you were that professor for me. Thanks for being so inspiring and supportive. -30-

Matt Gelb: Your tenure as sports editor was like an encyclopedia for me. Your attention to detail and passion for the paper was infectious. Thank you for being a great reference and friend. Let’s run the pong table again sometime and listen to some New Radicals, I heard they might be getting back together.

Ethan, Zach and all the past D.O. sports editors: Before I started my term as sports editor, I read almost everything you guys wrote over the years. Compliments and criticisms coming from the both of you mean a ton. Thanks for letting me live the dream; hope I didn’t let you down.

Clayton: Go Phillies. I owe you for that field hockey beat, man. Thanks for giving me a shot. I swear Eddie and I will never write the same gamer and sider again. 

Kyle: You probably should have fired me after my Ripken-like streak of fact errors. Thanks for all the tips and you were right — though we did this as last-semester seniors, it was totally worth it.

Jared: You’re one of the most fascinating people I’ve met in my four years here. Thanks for giving me a shot at this job, I owe you big time. I’ll never understand your thing with Merryl Streep, though. Angela Lansbury is a way better actress.

Melissa: You convinced me to apply in-house and told me I’d have friends and experiences for life. At first, I thought I was crazy to believe you. Now, I know how right you were.

Lauren: Best of luck, continued success in NYC. Wilco will love you, baby.

Heather: Thanks for editing my school papers. I wish you the best as a big-time health reporter in the city.

Matt Reilly: Whatever you’re going to be in the future, remind me to hire you — or vote for you — to do it.

The D.O. water fountain: No matter the time of night, you were so frosty cold and delicious. I can’t believe it. I love you.

The SU French department: Before I came to campus, I heard a lot of horrible things about the French. Thank you for confirming all of these.

Andy: Thanks for being my reference and guide for how to do anything in this industry — I’ll try not to let you down. We started working together so long ago that I can remember saying ‘sticks and stones may break my bones’ and meaning it! So long ago that f****** Jesus Christ was my editor! And my best friend hadn’t fully evolved yet! His name was Ug and he walked on all fours! There were two epidemics when we started here: head lice, and the plague — the bubonic plague! 

Dockery: Your mental and verbal assaults on all facets of life leave me dumbfounded sometimes, but mostly they just make me laugh. You’re a bold man, the kind I could see digging his bare hands into this nation’s soil and uprooting some social change. A man must have a code (Oh, no doubt).

Erinn: I always enjoy our conversations. This, in conjunction with your creative mind and wonderful skills, is why you’re such a great writer. Now, this is the point where I make my hands into faux pistols and repeat where you’re working this summer. Know this is just my way of saying congratulations and that I look up to you.

Stephanie: I wish you the best of luck in life. Keep your head up and do something great. I’ll talk to you soon.

Kelly: You called me the most fly white person you knew in your Duck. If only the kids in my high school could see me now. Seriously, though, thanks for always making me laugh.

Abram: One of the best newspapermen I’ve had the pleasure of working with. You said I was nuts not to choose print. Know I feel the same for you. Let’s break another story together some day — it may not be worth the money, but it’s fun as hell.
Bill: When we were freshmen we told each other we could run this campus. I don’t know how close we really came, but the ride was amazing. I can’t wait to read your first novel — you’re a strong, unique writer that I have no doubt will make it. But more importantly, whether there’s a drug deal going down or a rip-off going down, (snap) you’re a great friend … BABY!

Katie: You were the creative force that drove every single one of my ideas. Without you, my term as sports editor would have been a wash. You took my weird thoughts and half-brained rumblings and turned them into award-winning designs, while replacing some tremendous, tremendous holes in the paper. You’re going to be a great EIC. Tell Phyllis I said good work. Shut it down.

Bump: You are great for this paper. You’re smart, cool and collected. You’re like a COW-BOY Beth-Nay, (with the top let back and the sunshine shining). Cow-BOY Beth-NAY, (West coast chillin with Boone’s wine).

Kathleen: Seeing you emerge in one semester was awesome. Trust your instincts and you’ll be more than OK.

Lauren & Maria: You guys have to be the two most annoying women I’ve ever met in my entire life. But that doesn’t mean we didn’t have a great time along the way.

Flash: Samesies as Kathleen. You’re well on the way to being one of the great ones.

Burton: We were one Mormon wife short of a perfect trip to Salt Lake City. I’m glad I got to know you over the last few semesters. You’re one hell of a photographer and a great dude.

Hallsey: You’ve got a heart of gold, an eye for pictures and an ass like a Georgia peach. Keep truckin.

McComb: I got your duck sauce, baby. Right here. Right freakin’ here. 

Chavar: Here’s to some more party (and bullnonsense) on the mountain. Thanks for watching me pizza when I should have french-fried. S

Meredith: So many memories, I have no idea where to start. Working alongside you has been an incredible ride and I know you’re going to be a wild success. I’ll always look fondly upon our lacrosse road trips, just as much as I will the late nights we spent crammed up in this old house. You were the best EIC a sports editor could ask for, and an even better friend. I told you we’d make a great team! Next stop, the dirty Jerz.

Matt Ehalt: You’re a true sportswriter through and through. It’s been a blast getting to know you on WBB, MLAX and MBB over the years. I’ve got no doubt you can be the king of the NYC back pages for years to come. You’ve just got that stick of luck.

News: Rock on. Make sure Kheel keeps her pants on.

Sports section: I’m so proud of you guys. Thank you for everything.

Tyler: NEWS! You were an awesome beat partner this year. I found myself hating how talented you are as a writer, but it made me work that much harder to try and keep up with you. I know I’ll be reading you syndicated in print down the road as you introduce waterbugs to the masses. Don’t mess with Sasquatch.

Tony: Your passion for this place is incredible. You remind me of myself, only way more talented. I know The Daily Orange can take you where you want to go, so keep plugging along and reach all your goals. Learn from your mistakes, take a step back and analyze the situation and you’ll be unstoppable.

Andrew: Here we go, baby! The next sports editor at The Daily Orange. You earned it, man. Keep your cool at all times and implement all those awesome ideas you had. If you ever need anything, I’m always a phone call away.

Brett: Make it your goal to stop Zach from drinking. But also, continue to Kheel it on a regular basis. You’re the best writer on campus.   
   
Zach Brown, Mike Cohen, Mark Cooper, Allie, Zuri, Rachel, Jason and the rest of the sports staff: Read everything you can get your hands on this summer and get to work next semester! You’re the future of this place. Don’t let this opportunity slip away.

Brittney: It seems like forever since that fateful impromptu Carrabas dinner and I’m still as crazy about you as I was back then. Actually, definitely more. As a girlfriend, I couldn’t ask for anything better. You always make me laugh, keep me grounded and force me to smile whenever you say ‘Oh, sugar!’ when you forget stuff. As a worker, you’re phenomenal. Your dedication and skills are paying dividends and I now know why you were such a ball-buster back when you were my boss a year and a half ago. Oh how the times have changed, but only for the better. I love you. 
 

Published on May 4, 2010 at 12:00 pm