By Josh Whicker, Editor

December 1, 2004

In recent weeks, Hoosier Gazette readers may have noticed a couple of particularly scathing articles in the sports section.  One highlighted how a very average University of Northern Iowa football team ruined Indiana State’s homecoming festivities by obliterating the Sycamores 58-6; the other explained why IU and Purdue basketball fans are in for a long winter due to the lackluster play of both teams early in the season.

Both of these commentaries were the work of newly rehired sports editor Biff Stevens, a.k.a. John Andrews.

Andrews has returned to the Hoosier Gazette staff after a seven month hiatus.

Being devoted to his career as a shipping clerk, writing deadlines on top of working long hours in the warehouse began to take a toll on his mental well-being.  After writing one of the most popular articles in THG history, “Man dressed as the devil disrupts ‘Passion’ movie” under the pseudonym Bill Dinkel, he turned off his computer, cleaned out his desk, and handed in his press credentials, calling it quits at the end of March. 

He should have known he couldn’t stay away for long.

When other Hoosier Gazette stories became international media sensations this fall, Andrews couldn’t fight the urge to get back in the game any longer.  He asked to return to his job as sports editor and staff reporter in October.

I would be lying if I said I wasn’t skeptical.  There is no denying Andrews’ writing talent; questions about his dedication concerned me.  Would he be able to stand up to the rigors of being a department head of a world renowned news magazine?

I decided to put him on a month-long probation to see if he could still cut the mustard.  If he was successful, I would welcome him back with open arms.  Failure would mean a one-way ticket back to obscurity.

During this month, John didn’t just live up to my expectations, he exceeded them.  He traveled all over the state covering major sporting events, even ones that people hate, like soccer games.  The articles he published received rave reviews.

It was time to reinstate the legendary Biff Stevens.  On November 30, Andrews officially returned to the Hoosier Gazette family.

Look for his hard-hitting commentary in upcoming issues of HoosierGazette.com.  You won’t be disappointed.

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