My daughter joined the team as a 7th grader and is now about to finish her 9th grade year. When she first began, we had no idea what would/could come of this endeavor. She has participated in many sports in her life. She has always enjoyed competing and we, as her parents, have always enjoyed watching her. With the participation in these sports, of course, came the enjoyment of being a part of a team. We have always felt that team sports can teach your child so very much about life both in the present and for what is needed in the future.
THIS TEAM. Cross country is different. Not in the way you may think. At first glance it seems that it would be obvious, “sure it is different, you aren’t competing as a team. You race, you try to win.” This thought is the farthest thing from the truth. First, you ARE competing as a team. And there probably is not a sport that better supports ‘you are only as strong as your weakest link’ than cross country.
All the teams she has been a part of, not even one could hold a candle to what this TEAM is. They work together, they grind together, they laugh together, they run (obviously) together and they are so happy for the other in their success. It is what a team is truly meant to be. The bonds that she has formed with her teammates are nothing short of amazing. One of the seniors at the banquet this year put it into words, “There is nothing like this. You are happier to see your teammates succeed and achieve than you are for your own successes.” Another stated, “One of the greatest experiences of my life”. She is living these statements and enjoying every minute of it. At one of her races this year she had a huge break through, but one of her teammates had an even bigger one. She ran to her and embraced her after the race. It is one of my most favorite moments of her athletic career. That moment, where she accomplished something big, but was happier for her teammate that accomplished something bigger embodies what this team is all about.
WORK ETHIC. I cannot say enough about this phrase regarding this sport. They awaken at 5 am. They run when it is hot, they run when it is cold, snowing even, they run in the rain, in the sleet, on vacation, on school breaks, they RUN. Sometimes I just look at her and her teammates in awe. If she never sets another personal record, she should be so proud. Here is the BIG thing though, I never have to tell her she must run, SHE WANTS TO! Their dedication is unparalleled. If they learn nothing else from being on this team this work ethic will be something that will take them far in life.
THE COACH. From the mouth of one of his runners, “No one cares more about their job and this team than CB”. CB, he’s the coach. That statement is so very true. You will not find someone more dedicated. He cares. He knows what they are capable of, and he expects them to rise to their capabilities. That is what we all want for our kids, right? They become what we expect them to be. And he has high expectations. Also, he expects them to be winners, and by that I don’t just mean with medals around their necks. He wants them to be whole. He doesn’t expect them to be the best, but he expects them to be the best that they can be.
THE FUTURE. I do not know where this sport will take her. I suppose she is headed exactly where she is intended to go. What I do know, is this experience will stay with her for her whole life and I think it will stick with ours too!
Melanie Sisulak, mother of Kyla Sisulak – three year runner