After 38 Years and Thousands of Stories, a Journalist's Final Chapter
In what marks the conclusion of a remarkable 38-year career, veteran journalist Darren Zary has filed his last story for the Saskatoon StarPhoenix. The journey that began with a typographical error in his very first byline has now come full circle, with Zary reflecting on nearly four decades of storytelling that spanned multiple publications and countless community narratives.
A Career Measured in Words and Milestones
Darren Zary's journalism career represents an impressive body of work that few in the industry can match. With approximately 10,000 articles to his name—including over 7,000 for the StarPhoenix alone—Zary has been a consistent voice in Saskatchewan media since his professional debut in 1988. His tenure also included nearly eight years with the Battlefords News-Optimist/Telegraph and almost two years with the Humboldt Journal, creating a comprehensive portfolio of regional reporting.
When calculated at an average of 600 words per article, Zary's output totals approximately six million words—a testament to his dedication to the craft. "That's a number to be proud of," Zary notes, acknowledging the sheer volume of work produced throughout his career.
From Humble Beginnings to Professional Legacy
The journalist's career began with what he describes as "some typos over the years," most notably his first-ever byline in the Saskatoon Phoenix being credited to "Darren Zery" rather than Zary. That initial story, published on June 21, 1988, covered the World Plastic Bat and Ball Tournament in the hamlet of Burr—a far cry from the thousands of articles that would follow.
Zary's connection to sports journalism runs deep, rooted in his upbringing in Humboldt where sports surrounded his daily life. "Sports, as you can see, were all around me," he recalls, describing how his father Ozzie, a physical education teacher, frequently brought him to the school gym during evenings and weekends. The distinct smell of the cleaning products used by school janitors remains a vivid childhood memory.
Community Roots and Personal Connections
Growing up just a block from the historic Leo Parker Arena, Zary developed early connections to local sports culture. He and childhood friend Bruce Gehlen would watch Humboldt Broncos games from beneath the press box, enjoying what he describes as "hundreds of Mrs. Bunko's rink burgers" while observing the action from behind the team's player bench.
The journalist's personal sports background is equally diverse, with participation in baseball, basketball, bowling, badminton, curling, golf, football, track and field, tennis, and volleyball throughout his youth. "I ended up a jock of all trades, master of none," Zary humorously reflects on his athletic endeavors.
Family connections to sports run particularly strong, with Zary's older brother Darrel having played for the Humboldt Broncos junior A squad. The journalist recalls hearing crowds chant "We want Oz!" during games, only to watch his brother "take runs at multiple players and earn multiple penalties on the same shift."
A Legacy of Storytelling and Community Engagement
As Zary prepares to step away from daily journalism, he leaves behind a substantial legacy of community reporting and sports coverage. His career spanned significant changes in media technology and consumption, from print-only publications to digital platforms and electronic editions.
The journalist's final reflection acknowledges both the professional journey and personal growth experienced over nearly four decades. From that initial misspelled byline to becoming a trusted voice for Saskatchewan readers, Zary's career represents the evolution of regional journalism in Canada.
While the specific details of his post-retirement plans remain unmentioned, Zary's departure marks the end of an era for the Saskatoon StarPhoenix and Saskatchewan media landscape. His thousands of articles will continue to serve as a historical record of community events, sports achievements, and regional developments throughout the late 20th and early 21st centuries.
