BLOOMINGTON - Bryan Bloodworth isn't leaving the sports media business. He's just moving into a new role. Bloodworth has resigned as Pantagraph sports editor to become director of Media/Public Relations for Central Illinois Arena Management, which oversees operation of the U.S. Cellular Coliseum in downtown Bloomington.

His resignation is effective Oct. 28.

The 50-year-old Bloodworth joined the Pantagraph sports staff in 1976 and has served as editor since 1988. The Pantagraph sports department has won numerous awards under his leadership, including the Illinois Press Association Sports Section of the Year in 2002.

A native of Marshall and a 1979 Illinois State University graduate, Bloodworth initiated many programs to recognize the accomplishments of high school athletes in the Pantagraph area.

Among them were the Pantagraph All-Star Softball Game, development of the Pantagraph Scholar-Athlete and Athlete of the Year programs, and the naming of All-Area teams in a variety of sports.

He was only the third sports editor in the Pantagraph's history, following Fred Young and Jim Barnhart in the position.

"I feel like I've had a great career at the Pantagraph, but I also feel like a great opportunity presented itself," Bloodworth said. "I've made a lot of friends through my job, in all ranks from high school to college. I've taken great pride in the fact many people have told me they think the Pantagraph has the top sports section in Central Illinois. I've always made high school sports - not only in the Intercity but in the area - and ISU and Wesleyan the focus of our coverage.

"I've also been fortunate to work with a great staff which has been very dedicated and very loyal to me and to the paper. The staff is what allowed us to do the things that we've been able to do."

Editor Mark Pickering said Bloodworth's departure is the newspaper's loss, "but this opportunity was something Bryan felt he couldn't pass up. I have nothing but respect and admiration for the job Bryan has done in the 30 years he's been associated with the Pantagraph. The staff wishes him the best in his new career, and it should be noted that he won't be a stranger."

That's because Bloodworth will remain heavily involved in the local sports scene. Among his new duties will be providing media relations for the Bloomington Extreme indoor football team and Bloomington PrairieThunder hockey team.

"It's a new challenge, yet it gives me the opportunity to stay in town and be with my friends and to stay in the media somewhat," he said.

Jerry McBurney, vice president and general manager of the Extreme and PrairieThunder, said Bloodworth brings instant credibility to the position.

"We're obviously thrilled to have someone as known in the community as Bryan to join us," McBurney said. "His expertise makes him the perfect fit to handle all of our media relations on behalf of the Extreme and the PrairieThunder and the Coliseum.

"To have someone who's been in sports journalism in your market join a team like this is not unprecedented, but it's always worked out very well."