Roger Carlson will always be a part of the Daily Pilot

Steve Virgen

Roger Carlson is the epitome of old school. In this day and age, that

could be something that’s taken for granted, but that’s what gives

the Daily Pilot sports credibility and that’s what’s made him an icon

in the Newport-Mesa area.

The Daily Pilot will always be the newspaper that Roger Carlson

worked for, just like the Los Angeles Times will always be the

newspaper that Jim Murray wrote for.

Roger Carlson has retired as sports editor of the Daily Pilot, yet

the standard he set here will always remain. It’s a standard, I’m

proud to say, that I will adhere to not only in my career, but in

everyday life.

That standard is high and it’s a level that includes accuracy,

professionalism and a relentless work ethic. That standard is also

about never being satisfied with what you did yesterday. In other

words, there was always room for improvement when Roger was in

charge.

I could use this article to share all the wonderful and humorous

stories of what made Roger, Roger, but the best words to sum him up

are magician and coach.

He was a magician because he put out newspaper pages everyday and

he sometimes left me in awe as to how he did it with such ease, and

the results were pleasing to the eye. Yet, Roger was never totally

pleased and I guess that’s what made the next day all the more

exciting and all the more inviting.

While on assignment, and in my time at the Daily Pilot, which

started September, 2000, I have met people who have known Roger for

20-to-30-plus years, and when they find out I’m from the Pilot, a

smile comes to their faces, followed by nostalgic chuckling.

“How is Roger?” they would ask.

“He’s still going at it,” would be the response. Now, it’ll be,

“He’s taking it easy.”

It’s resting well deserved. The work he put in here was

overwhelming.

If the Newport-Mesa School District was a child, that child would

be a spoiled one, in regard to what Roger provided for the local

readers. He’s been the leader of bringing a worthy spotlight toward

the athletes of the Newport-Mesa District and of the colleges in the

area. More importantly to him, perhaps, is that he’s also been a big

reason why local newspapers have been sweating and working to beat

the “small” newspaper in Costa Mesa. And, Roger made it all look like

magic.

Roger, my former boss, was also my coach. There were times he

would approach my desk after reading a first draft. He would just

look at me and that look said, “Is that all you got? You better bring

some more if you want to stay in this business.”

But, calmly, he would tell me, “You need to rewrite this.”

Don’t get me wrong, Roger wasn’t always Mr. Nice Guy, but that’s

what added to his charm and that’s what motivated the people who

worked for him and with him.

Roger never told me anything I didn’t deserve. A little over two

years ago, he took a chance on me, this kid, a leftover from the

defunct Our Times Irvine. He told me that I would get all the

experience I needed here. And he told me to put in politically

correct terms, you’re going to work your behind off here. But he

reminded me that I would be better for it.

The work aside, I’m better for it because of Roger Carlson.

Roger, enjoy your retirement.