The Union Daily Times wants to welcome its newest staff member — Sports Editor Joe Pettit.

Pettit officially took over the sports desk helm as of Monday, July 26. Readers may have already seen samples of his writing and photography in recent editions of The Times as he began his duties as a contributing writer for the newspaper during and after the 2010 Dixie Girls State Tournament at the Timken Sports Complex in Union last week.

Pettit, 28, is a Union County native and resides in Jonesville with his wife, Damaris, and two children — Lexxie, 8, and Osvaldo, 6.

Staff Writer Nathan Christophel asked Pettit a few questions to help readers get to know him a little better.

Q: Why The Times?

A: “It’s my hometown and our newspaper is our pride. This opportunity is a chance to provide readers with what they want to read — stories about our people. I know Union sports and the pride players, coaches and fans take when it’s time to ‘play ball.’”

Q: What is your sports background?

A: “I grew up playing Dixie Youth and Boys’ baseball, Stinger Football and Rec basketball. I was a four-year varsity letterman in football at Union High School and was on the team that won the state championship as its quarterback in 1999 and played in the ‘99 Shrine Bowl, won the game and was named MVP. I played for Shell Dula and Mike Anthony and was also a varsity letterman in basketball, playing for Joe Pitt.”

Q: What do you want readers to know and what can they expect from you as The Times sports editor?

A: “I want readers to come to The UDT’s sports page for the best coverage of Union County’s sports. They can expect a player’s perspective, first, then a writer’s second. No story is too small or large so I want readers’ input. There is an open door.”

Q: Why are sports important to you and the community?

A: “Sports brings unity. Union always has and will pride itself on its championships — from Dixie teams to UCHS’ varsity teams. Union County sports bring positive light to Union. We have a rich tradition which I look forward to covering and bringing to each household. Sports is where I found the ‘better me’ when I was younger. It’s where I found companionship and the desire to be the best. It introduced me to places, things and people that I would’ve never experienced. This town embraces those who wear a Union jersey.”

Q: How will you continue — or add to — the already excellent sports coverage The Times provides?

A: “Fellow church member Ronnie Henderson told me after reading last week’s articles he felt like he was at the game. That’s what I hope to bring — excitement, every day — because sports are my passion.”

Q: What does the future hold for the sports section of The Times?

A: “I’m looking forward to this year’s football season because of its rich tradition in Union. We will offer recruiting news, sports scoreboard — or ticker, local sports schedules, Union County High School news and senior players’ profiles.”

Pettit is available to contact several ways. People who would like to reach him — with story ideas, photos or any other sports-related items — can call him at the office by dialing (864) 427-1234 ext. 17 or emailing him at jpettit@heartlandpublications.com.

Joe is excited about working for The Times.

“It’s so rewarding to have this opportunity at The UDT,” he said. “I enjoyed my sports career in Union and I look at this as a new beginning to help other athletes receive recognition they deserve, just as (then sports editor) Tracy Theo offered me 10 years ago.”

He welcomes all input on the sports page and encourages people to contact him — even if it is for a correction.

“My grandmother, Matrel O’Shields Stribling, loved to write and especially read The Union Daily Times,” Pettit said. “If only she were here — she’d be very proud of this accomplishment and she’d also point out any grammatical errors. So I welcome all grammatical corrections, feature story ideas and pictures.”

He is glad to have this opportunity to keep the public informed on topics he grew up with.

“It’s great to see it all come full circle,” Pettit said. “As I build on my experiences as an athlete growing up in Union and then to leave it temporarily behind and gain a college education in communication and now put it all together for the people of Union County, it’s an honor and a blessing from God.”