a heartfelt thanks to track seniors

The hearty folks who have been part of the distance contingent over the years know all about The Book. It’s an 8-volume assortment of spirals and (from more recent years) lightly bound, dog-eared tomes that live in my file cabinet and contain Collegiate cross country and track results dating back almost three decades. The latest edition hangs from a magnetic clip on the side of that same cabinet, and runners know they are welcome to stop in whenever the office door is open and leaf through the pages.

The Book includes race splits and final times. It denotes successes and disappointments. It’s an indispensable record of our performances against the toughest competition we can find.

Still, The Book falls short. You see, no numbers can truly reflect what’s most important, the bond that coaches and athletes feel as they set lofty goals, challenge the limits of their ability, and work as one to realize their dreams. Simply put, The Book can’t touch The Experience.

Last Saturday, the men and women of the distance class of 2005, several of whom joined us as seventh graders (in the last millennium, no less), ended their careers with sterling performances in the state track meet. When I think of the miles we’ve logged together, the long weekend road trips that never really seemed long, and the memories we’ll share forever, it’s incomprehensible that the time has passed so quickly.

Along the way, they created their share of fun, enjoyed each other’s company immensely, and teased their teammates (and coaches) unmercifully. They arrived early and stayed late, and I often marveled at how they could take a pine cone, an empty Gatorade bottle, and a stopwatch and entertain themselves for hours.

They understood too that nothing of value could be attained without diligence and sweat, and when the hills were daunting, the weather unforgiving, and the stakes highest, they trained and competed with an intensity that led to personal victory, and, much more important, team excellence.

There’s Madeline, the 17-season veteran, whose tenacity, conditioning, and commitment made her a two-event state champion on her final afternoon.

Gracie, who ran any race that would help the cause, but never more courageously than Saturday when she covered 1600 meters in close to her personal best time with both shins burning with pain.

Kate, who excelled in four sports in three seasons, always with humility, sportsmanship, and a smile on her face.

Emily, whose passion for running is matched only by her dedication to her teammates.

And True, whose spirit, grace, and integrity I’ll never forget.

There’s Brent, truly a student of the sport, who made each race, especially his last, a work of art.

Jon-Mark, the comedian, who trained with purpose, raced with abandon, and always sprinted through the finish.

Patrick, the Renaissance man, who created masterpieces on his easel and on the track.

Taylor, the quintessential leader and sportsman, who each day lived the Prefontaine credo, “to give anything less than your best is to sacrifice the gift.”

Ian, the leadoff man, who, steady, dependable, and fiercely competitive, set the tone for a championship.

Will, the anchor, whom we could always trust when our hopes rested with his performance. 

Walker, who never wavered in his quest for excellence each time he laced up his shoes.

And Jordan, Ashley, Sarah, Burch, Christina, Margaret Ann, Pearson, Caitlin, and Carmen, their athletic commitments fulfilled by the spring and a much easier path available, who were a vital part of our culture and added character to our delightful cast of characters.

On their journey together, the distance class of ‘05 earned medals and ribbons and championships and commanded the respect of their competitors. What I’ll treasure most as their coach is not the tangible rewards but simply their friendship, and for that gift, I am truly blessed.