The Squamish Chief editorial staff welcomed a new sports and community reporter this week with the arrival of Neil Petrich, a recent journalism graduate from the Prairies.
Born and raised in Regina, Petrich just completed his journalism degree from the University of Regina.
Petrich bringswith him reporting skills from a four-month internship at the Saskatoon StarPhoenix.
Drawn by the allure the Sea to Sky's beauty, the 23-year-old left friends and family in the Prairies and made the drive to the West Coast.
Although Petrich has visited B.C. a number of times, this is his first time in the Squamish and Sea to Sky areas.
"This is my first time living outside of Saskatchewan and I doubt I could have picked a more beautiful place," he said.
Along with sports, movies and music, Petrich enjoys socializing and discussing any topic, from current world events the debating over which is better, The Simpsons or Seinfeld.
"There are so many intriguing things going on in the world that to focus on one aspect of life would be unfulfilling," said Petrich of his diverse interests.
"Whether it be a genre of music, one sport in particular or a single style of food, I think it's an injustice to stop sampling after the first enjoyable taste." Petrich said he finds both Squamish's small size and its proximity to Vancouver and Whistler appealing, but the overarching attraction to the area was the spectacular natural surroundings.
"I'm excited to explore the hiking trails and to try my hand at rock climbing and bouldering," he said.
"Coming from the Prairies, you don't get to see much in the way of wilderness so every time I glance up from my notepad or computer I am delighted by what surrounds me."
Petrich replaces interim reporter Susan Hollis who covered sports and community news throughout the spring.
