For my latest entry I would like to talk about a new form of recognition I have decided to implement with the team. Since we have a unique team I think it is appropriate to develop a weekly MVR (Most Valuable Runner) award. No, there will be no formal recognition or actual award that goes along with this recognition. Sorry, but this is a pretty low key addition to the team atmosphere. In retrospect, I want to do this so that student-athletes that are going above and beyond the “call of duty” will be acknowledged for doing so. The MVRs are chosen solely by me, Coach Riedel, and are completely subjective and the result of my observations from the past week at practice. The votes will have no rhyme or reason other than to allow me to recognize someone who has been doing good things the past week. In a sport like cross country and track and field (a sport, that in my opinion, few people outside of those that directly participate care about it is important to promote our athletes and shine a light on them when necessary), awards for hard work and dedication come few and far between.
The MVR will be given to the athlete that has worked extraordinarily hard to improve over the course of the previous week. This person will not necessarily be the fastest runner on the team. In fact, a lot of times top athletes are overlooked because everyone is so used to them bringing a solid effort everyday that it becomes the expected norm (but the norm that got them to where they currently are).
Enough banter…Drum roll please……
Our first ever women’s MVR for the week of August 20-25 (and in a close contest nonetheless) – Sonya Gibbs, Georgetown, TX. Sonya is a freshman Lady Cardinal. Her hard work has been an inspiration to everyone on the XC team. She did not run her entire senior year in HS because of several illnesses. In fact, she wasn’t even sure if she would be able to run this year. That didn’t stop her desire to be the best runner that she can be. She has brought an enthusiastic attitude and a lunch-pail work ethic to the team as she continues to work herself back into shape. She had a fantastic 11 mile run on a hilly course Saturday morning – hitting her easy run pace the entire run. Finishing a close second for this week’s MVR was freshman Melissa Martinez, San Antonio, TX. Melissa, despite her surprisingly short training age, continues to serve as an inspiration to the girls on the team with her focus each and every day. Congrats ladies on your hard- earned award!
Next, we need to award our men’s MVR for the week of August 20-25. Again, this was a difficult vote for a number of reasons, some of which I will address in my closing remarks today. After tough deliberation, I have chosen Adrian Carrillo, freshman from El Paso HS. Adrian is only in his fourth year of cross country (having joined his sophomore year of HS). Adrian struggled with IT band issues all summer, which severely limited his base building goals. God’s gracious hands healed his knee just in time for the start of pre-season practice, allowing Adrian to begin some serious training. After overcoming some initial soreness Adrian has shown some great improvement the last week of practice. He had a great long run Saturday morning on a not-so-easy course. Finishing a close second was Shayn Weidner, sophomore from Marion, TX. I am reluctant to brag about Shayn because of his propensity for becoming easily embarrassed when praised. But, as any of the men or women on the team will attest to, not many people will outwork Shayn, a quality that nowadays seems hard to find – even in the intense world of distance running.
Closing remarks…Get it over with already!
I have enjoyed the first two weeks with the team. It can sometimes backfire when a coach heaps praise after only two weeks of practice. In fact, we have not yet raced and racing can bring out the best and worst in athletes. But, I say that while we may not be the most experienced, or the deepest, or even the most talented collegiate team, I believe that there may not be many that work harder than we do. I have been pleased with the work ethic of our cross country team up to this point. This may seem silly to say as you read and think “all distance runners work hard.” However, after last XC season, I have come to not take this characteristic for granted. I always took it for granted with my athletic pursuits because I grew up knowing no other way than to love what you do and pour everything you have into that pursuit. Good things are bound to reap from being responsible and consistent. I always look for student-athletes that want to come to UIW to be mature, responsible, consistent, and love cross country and track and field. Desire and hard work can overcome minimal talent in a way that not many other characteristics can. By this I mean, that an athlete with a strong desire and good work ethic can make themselves a good, competitive athlete capable of regularly out performing someone with more talent and less work ethic.
It is important to live in the “here and now.” As Socrates in Way of the Peaceful Warrior asks Dan Millman: “What time is it? Where are you at?” Dan answers “It is NOW and I am HERE.” Always remember that there are no ordinary moments. Never live in the past or look too often to the future. Live in the Here and Now and allow yourself to be a great WARRIOR every day of your life no matter what you are doing. Great individuals find deep meaning in the mundane tasks of an otherwise meaningless day. People that can find meaning in things they otherwise would not find meaning in can truly understand what it means to be a superb individual capable of achieving extraordinary things!
P.S. – Please remember the Mandatory Track and Field team meeting – set for Thursday, September 6th in the Natatorium classroom (114) at 5 PM. It will be an informational meeting for everyone on the track team. We will outline the workout schedule for the month of September and discuss the start of pre-season practice October 1. See all of you then!!
Until next time…
