Connor Butts on Nov. 17, 2025. (Pacer Photo/Chloe Kent)
When I first came to UT Martin, I had no clue what I really wanted to do.
I knew I wanted to do something in sports. When I was a freshman, I started out with a focus in broadcasting. At the time, I had no interest in writing due to some rather annoying interactions and papers I had to write in high school. Little did I know how different that really was from journalistic writing.
I am not big on writing about myself. I prefer to write about something or someone, preferably sports related.
A big thanks to Ms. Tomi McCutchen for where I am today. As mentioned, I came to UT Martin unsure of what I was going to do, but Ms. Tomi pushed me in the right direction and threw me straight into the fire, naming me sports editor right away in the fall of my sophomore year when I switched to a focus in journalism. I had little to no experience writing as a journalist, let alone being named to this big of a role. I cannot say I regret it or can be mad at her, though, as it has impacted how I write and who I am today.
Ms. Tomi took a fly on a guy with no writing experience, at least professionally, who simply loved the Chicago Bears. If she had not pushed me to where I am today, I doubt I would have found my connections in the NFL. I doubt I would have applied to and gone to the 2024 NFL London games or met some great friends I have today.
Speaking of those friends, I want to point toward fellow sports editor Nate Szarzynski and executive editor Chyler Lee.
Nate is a Chicagoan through and through. Sometimes for the better, sometimes for the worse. I met Nate through the simple enjoyment of Chicago sports, football to be exact. Little did I know the random guy in a Pittsburgh Steelers Mitch Trubisky jersey would become one of my close friends. He calls me out when I say stupid things and when I make mistakes, for the better. Nate has helped me mold my common sense and critical thinking skills, or at least the little bit I have. He has pushed me to expand my sports knowledge and my journalism skills.
Chyler, on the other hand, came in later than Nate but has been one of my biggest supporters when it comes to my work. I first met Chyler thanks to Ms. Tomi’s recruitment skills, and once I learned he was not a fan of the Green Bay Packers but instead the Tennessee Titans, I knew he was going to be a good and close friend. Chyler will stay up until 4 a.m., even when you tell him to get some sleep, but he makes sure your articles get edited. Chyler will congratulate you and tell you when you did well on an article while still holding you to The Pacer standard.
I feel like this semester I have seen a big jump in not only the amount of work I have put out but the quality of work. Kudos again to Nate and Chyler for pushing me in that department, but I also want to highlight our new advisor, Dr. Kayli Plotner.
Dr. Plotner has come in and not only pushed our staff to the best of our abilities but also taught us more about how to write as journalists, especially in AP style. In a short time, Plotner has allowed me to show off my work more and pushed me to be a better editor and writer.
UT Martin, it was fun, but man, I am tired of school and glad it is over. I will never forget the impact The Pacer had on me, not only for my future in journalism and media but for who I am as a person. Always and forever, Bear Down.
