From the Portal Panthers in the 2008 GHSA basketball final four, to the unforgettable GSU win over the Florida Gators on the gridiron in 2013 and the program’s first Sun Belt title the following year, I’ve covered a lot of great moments in the pages of the Statesboro Herald.
    The last was the Eagles’ statement win over UL Lafayette on the basketball court this past Thursday. This’ll be my final week heading up the Statesboro Herald’s sports section, as the next page of my career turns away from Bulloch County.
    I’ve seen Georgia Southern baseball reach glory in Gainesville, Fla., Charleston and Greenville.
    I’ve seen basketball heartbreak in Asheville, Chattanooga and Charlotte.
    I’ve seen the Eagles reach the highest of football highs at UF, in Williamsburg, Boone, Spartanburg, and, of course, in Paulson Stadium. I’ve seen the lowest lows, too, in Fargo, Newark, and, oh yes, Paulson Stadium again.
    There was a forgettable NCAA baseball tournament trip to California, and a much more successful one in Tallahassee. There was an NCAA record — 14 homers in one game.
    There’s too many memories to mention here.
    I’ve been to 11 states and travelled countless miles to cover the Eagles. I’ve made so many friends in Statesboro, at Portal, Southeast Bulloch and Bulloch Academy, and at Georgia Southern. I have an extended family at the Herald.
    I’ve gotten to know some incredible athletes, some brilliant sports minds and some of the finest people on earth.
    There were so many moments of glory on playing fields across the county, state and country over the last seven years, and I only hope I did them justice in these pages.
    There will be countless more memorable moments at Georgia Southern, and Mike Anthony will be there to bring them to you. Many of you are familiar with his work and the passion that comes through it.
    He’ll be there for Georgia Southern’s first bowl game and the program’s inevitable — if not imminent — return to the NCAA basketball tournament and the College World Series.
    As for me, I’m humbled by the many people who’ve told me that they enjoyed, in some way or another, my efforts.
    Thank you, and I’ll see you in the stands.

    Matt Yogus may be reached at (912) 489-4908.