It is so hard to believe it’s been a year since we waved goodbye to The Rocky. There’s a gathering of Rocky staff members tomorrow night. I won’t be there. It’s still just too hard. We remain like family. That’s one of the things that always endeared me to the Rocky. Everyone worked together for the greater good.
The final days of a business about to close it’s doors is a very strange journey. Some of you know what I mean. So I won’t get all maudlin here. I thought I’d just share a few highlights of my time there.

September 1982 I joined the Rocky as it’s first (and last ) sports editorial cartoonist.
December 1982 Get to do a full page drawing of the Rocky sports staff. No one ever sees it as the Rocky halts for a day due to the Blizzard of 82.
February 1983 I get to play broom hockey at McNichols with the San Diego Chicken. I swear.
December 1984 Rich Karlis hits uprights, fork cartoon follows.
January 1987 Broncos beat Browns to go to the Super Bowl. Dad attends first NFL game ever. The Super Bowl.

February 1987 First anthology of cartoons is published.
June 1997 Avalanche win the Stanley Cup
September 1997 Second anthology of cartoons is printed
January 1998 Broncos win the Super Bowl. Hell freezes over and I finally get to draw a Broncos win cartoon.
January 1999 They do it again.
April 1999 The worst day ever at the Rocky. Columbine. Elway retires the very next week.
April 2000 The photo staff at the Rocky win the Pulitzer for it’s Columbine photos
June 2004 My 3rd anthology is printed, this time an homage to John Elway.
Rocktober 2008 Rocks go to the World Series!!!
February 2009 We stop the presses

Now I ask you. Any great memories of your favorite paper?

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Hey Everyone. Been doing some more contemplating. I’m really trying to set the right tone for this blog moving forward. Though I love the navigation and the look someone pointed out to me “it doesn’t seem like a sports blog”. And I’m starting to agree. I’m game for another brief makeover if you can stand it. Nothing radical, if anything, a bit more toned down. Let me know if don’t agree. I’m always all ears. And I promise I’ll stop fiddling with it all the time. At least for a while anyway. (Progress, Progress)

Drew

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A Day to Remember
Count myself among the millions who admired Dr Martin Luther King. His march to freedom has brought us to a place in history where it is possible for us to have the first African American President. Today, as we pause to remember all that Dr. King did for the racial divides in our country, let us also turn or thoughts and prayers and aid to the people of Haiti. If you feel so inclined, I’ve added a donate widget in the sidebar (a beautiful poster drawn by animation director Theodore Ushev) that takes you to the Red Cross site to contribute to the task of helping those who are truly hurting in an impoverished country in the midst of unfathomable tragedy. This is not a political plea. I know the economy is bad, and we are seeing a lot about this event on our TV’s and radios, but perhaps now is the most important time in our lives to reach down and share our bountiful blessings with those in need. My wife and I will be giving today for this just cause. I ask for your consideration as well, in honor of MLK.

Thanks and have a great day.

Drew

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