​The Fourth of July has come and gone, and with football season approaching fast and basketball season not far behind, it feels like the perfect moment to spotlight one of the nation’s most competitive athletic programs. That’s precisely what I’ll be doing as a new contributor to Rock Chalk Talk, and I’m excited to be here. Let me share a bit about myself.
I was born and raised in New Jersey, and from an early age I found a deep love for sports. That passion has shaped my career as a sports writer, and I’ve spent the last several years turning it into professional work. I began my journey with SB Nation in 2020 at On The Banks, covering Rutgers Athletics. Two years later, I took on the role of site manager. Today, I continue to write for OTB while also contributing to four other sites: BC Interruption (Boston College), The Only Colors (Michigan State), and VU Hoops (Villanova).
You might wonder about my fandom given my involvement with these sites. Although I started at OTB, I am not a Rutgers fan. Rutgers is in my home state, which makes it convenient to cover, but my personal sports allegiance runs deeper elsewhere. My excitement about VU Hoops comes from being a Villanova basketball enthusiast since 2004. This matters because Villanova and Kansas have engaged in some of the sport’s most memorable battles over the past decade. I vividly recall watching the 2018 Final Four clash in my sister’s apartment, where Villanova etched a new record for three-pointers. On the flip side, the 2022 matchup when Kansas overwhelmed Villanova with flawless shooting was tough to watch. Still, I’ve found reasons to cheer for Kansas too, linking my admiration for Bill Self with a casual fondness for players who have delighted fans over the years—Mario Chalmers, Cole Aldrich, Devonte’ Graham, and Thomas Robinson among them.
When it comes to football, I don’t root for a single team in the traditional sense. Interestingly, as Kansas began climbing out of the Big 12 cellar under Lance Leipold in 2022, my two friends and I—motivated by a bit of friendly gambling—started following the Jayhawks closely. We even nicknamed our group chat “Jayhawks Fan Club,” and Saturdays were filled with enthusiasm for players like Jalon Daniels and Jason Bean.
So, what can you expect from RCT? Everything and anything related to Kansas sports and beyond. I’ve been given the freedom to discuss a wide range of topics in the comments, from recruiting and news to game analysis and even video game rankings. My coverage will span the full spectrum, ensuring that readers can find insights on all aspects of Kansas athletics.
I’m genuinely looking forward to starting this journey with Rock Chalk Talk and growing even more excited as football season approaches. I’m eager to deliver thoughtful, engaging content that connects with fans, supports the community, and adds valuable perspectives on Kansas sports.