When I began working at the Daily News in 2007 and eventually started this blog in 2009, I was clear to all involved that it was my goal to bring fans of Western Kentucky athletics the most honest, accurate and up-front coverage that I could possibly offer.
And sticking with that, I’d like to take another opportunity to be as honest with you as possible right now.
With hints of both sadness and excitement, I offered my two-week notice to the Daily News this morning as I have recently accepted a position as the University of Michigan basketball beat writer at AnnArbor.com in Ann Arbor, Mich.
Since 2007, Bowling Green and Warren County has been like a home to me. I’ve met so many phenomenal people during my time on the WKU beat, both inside and outside the playing arena – people that have treated me with great respect and kindness.
People I’ll never – ever – forget.
But, for me, the state of Michigan is home – even in the winter – and that just won’t ever change. And my new opportunity professionally was one that I simply couldn’t pass up.
I’d like to take this opportunity to thank anyone that’s ever read this blog, any story I’ve penned in print or interacted with me on Twitter – and to anyone that’s ever stopped me in passing to bend my ear, to give me a pat on the back, toss me some criticism or just say hello.
My job has always been to provide honest, fair and accurate coverage of the programs you care deeply about.
And I’m proud to say that I think we’ve accomplished that here.
It’s been a truly wonderful four-plus seasons here at the Daily News on the WKU beat – and while the future will offer change, I pledge to do my best to make the present as strong as ever.
I’ve got two more weeks with you here in Bowling Green, and I intend on giving you everything I have until that clock strikes zero.
So if you’ll excuse me, your Western Kentucky football program is in the midst of fall camp – and I’ve got practices left to cover.
Sincerely,
Nick Baumgardner
Bowling Green Daily News WKU sports blog 
Nick,
Thanks for all you have done. You’re the best.
Give WKU some props when you can.
Good Luck,
Hrob
You’re a great writer and will definitely be missed by all local sports fans, not just Hilltoppers. BG’s loss is Ann Arbor’s gain. Good luck and may God bless you in your future.
Who will i follow on twitter for all my updates?? oh no!!! nonetheless, CONGRATS!!!
Good luck. Is someone else going to do this beat? Tell me it won’t die! It’s the best thing on the internet for WKU sports.
I’ve really enjoyed your time in BG covering the Hilltoppers. You will be missed greatly, and best of luck to you in Ann Arbor.
Always remind the Wolverines that Mar 16, 1995 as when the Hilltoppers closed the door on the last of the Fab 5 in the NCAA! WKU 82, MIchigan 76!!!
I would like to wish you the best!! You have done a wonderful job with keeping all the WKU fans up to date, especially to those fans that live out of the state. I will really miss your thoughts and information. Michigan is very lucky. Will there be anyone taking over the site? I hope so. God Bless You!!
Nick, your reporting will sorely missed by many. The Gaines’ will have a difficult job in finding a replacement that kept the community up on WKU as you have done.
Thank you for being such a great source of information! Good luck and God bless you! I hope someone steps up and takes over this blog!
Really hated reading this news. Sometimes you take for granted that things will never change, with your reporting of sports at WKU, you have done that to me. You were the eyes and ears for us out of towners who want to keep up with all things in our WKU sports. You will be a tough follow for someone. Good luck and take care, just remember, I work for a Midland, Mi. based company here in Ky and many a Michigander ends up retiring down here.
Nick,
You’ve never seen a response from me on your blog, but I want you to know there are many out there who read and appreciated every article you wrote. I wish you the best but I really hate to see you go.
Good luck,
Clint
Nick,
You will be sorely missed by all of us! You have done a wonderful job covering WKU sports, and are an excellent writer. Enjoy being back home and the journey that life is offering you, and remember to live life to its fullest!
Nick-good luck, as always
I’ve told Andy Dennis every time i’ve seen him that they needed to do everything possible to keep you.
Thanks for everything. You’ve done an excellent job and will be missed. Best of luck in Ann Arbor.
Nick- I like most here knew it was only a matter of time before you went on to bigger and better things. As stated before, you really kept this out of towner in touch with WKU athletics. Good luck to you and don’t let the Spartan in you come out too much while coving the Maze and Blue. BTW, I’ll grant you honorary Hilltopper status…GREAT WORK during your stay!! Tough shoes for someone to follow.
TitanTopper
What they said! Thanks for being so good. I know you will have continued success. I fully expect to hear about you in the future. Work hard and the rest will come.
Ed Watkins
“BigRedEd”
Great job Nick!!! We the readers, are going to miss you bad! Good luck and God bless!
Scott
Thanks for the great coverage of WKU sports. You are the best we’ve had here in Bowling Green. Ann Arbor is a great area, but you already know that.
Best wishes for your personal life and you career.
Ron Davis
Good luck, man. You’re gOnna be hard to replace.
Great job Nick. Good luck to you, have enjoyed your work very much.
Would love to see some game by game predictions for the upcoming season before you go!