Some people brush off athletics, as something only children partake in, and having nothing to do with the “real world.” Unfortunately they don’t see what I see in sports. What they don’t see is the underlying stories that go deeper than just statistics and scores.

To me, sports can be an extremely complex thing. Sports can make grown men cry, or a city erupt in chaos. Sports have provided us with some of our national leaders and have helped unite nations — if even for a short period of time.

Sports are about the underdogs, the over-achievers, the one-hit-wonders. Sports involve economic and social issues.

Sports are more or less a microcosm of society, a reflection of the times, and I firmly believe that.

Prior to his team upsetting the Soviet Union in Lake Placid at the 1980 Olympic Games, the late Herb Brooks told his hockey team, comprised of collegiate players, (and I’m paraphrasing); “Great moments are born from great opportunity… You were meant to be here tonight. This is your time.”

In a lot of ways I take what Herb said to heart and hope it can translate to my life 28 years later.

I come to Miss-Lou as a graduate of Ole Miss.

I’d like to consider myself not only a dedicated sports journalist, but also — and possibly more importantly — an experienced sports fan.

Prior to working at The Natchez Democrat I worked at Ole Miss’ daily student-run newspaper The Daily Mississippian for the better part of three years — the last 18 months of which I was the sports editor.

From the press box I was fortunate enough to cover the premier college football conference in the nation, cover the Diamond Rebels’ SEC Tournament championship run in Hoover, Ala. in 2006 and several coaching changes. While in Oxford I covered everything from football, baseball and basketball to softball, track and field and volleyball.

As a fan, I’ve been fortunate (and unfortunate) enough to witness Kenny Rogers’ perfect game with the Texas Rangers, Ole Miss’ Mark Wright swatting home runs left and right en route to a SEC Tournament championship, and even Eli Manning stumbling over Doug Buckles on fourth-and-long in his final home game against the LSU Tigers.

I have also seen the inner-workings of teams, having interned with the Portland Timbers and Atlanta Silverbacks of the United Soccer League, and the Portland Beavers (AAA-affiliate of the San Diego Padres) of the Pacific Coast League.

I believe I’m about as dedicated as they come in the sports journalism industry. My articles may not always be the cleanest, but I will continually work hard to make them accurate.

I can’t promise you’ll always like my articles, stories and columns — but I can guarantee they will be open, honest and unbiased.

Although I’ve only been in Natchez a short time I’m loving absorbing the local sports atmosphere and taking it all in.

I am a firm believer of things happening for a reason and in karma, and to be honest, I think I lucked out in landing in the Miss-Lou.

And if you ever see me out on the street, feel free to stop me and chat. I’m always up for a little sports banter.

I’m anxiously looking forward to getting to know you and your area athletics.

Patrick Ochs is the sports reporter for The Natchez Democrat. He can be reached at 601-445-3633 or patrick.ochs@natchezdemocrat.com.