The Varsity Year by Sister

My younger sister Soki's post on her cross country HS senior runner son.

The Varsity Year

They did it! When all of New York's professional football teams bowed and lost to their rivals in the league one Fall weekend, our local cross country team stepped forward and scheduled a Recognition Night for our teenagers. It was a wonderful thing. It was a night when teachers, siblings and parents came to give sixteen happy seniors a standing ovation. These teenagers deserved it for not giving up on the running program facilitated by their coach, mentor, and adviser whom they call "Coach Raff". They ran together for four years! This last one, being the varsity year when schedules had to be tweaked, race courses diverted, summer and fall practices shortened caused by two hurricanes, rain, more rain, and snow. And yet, they were all there.

As a novice runner, we signed him up in 7th Grade for modified cross country under Coach White. She nurtured each of her runners under her wing. (The goal of the sport is to eventually be finishers of a 5K race, or 3.1 miles). Every year, he improved. He grew taller, stronger, and healthier. He never mentions his past accomplishments. He never mentions the disappointments either.

So here is where I come in. There were many mementos: NY Public High School Scholar-Athlete award, Varsity letter Certificate, "goldified" medals with inscriptions, apples, T-shirts, ice cream, and bragging rights for the Boys team as they finished first, second, third during various Mid-Hudson Athletic League (MHAL) races. (This is the local championships held at the end of a cross country season). Looking back, this also included a memorable experience as a freshman. He was lucky to be part of the cross country team that retired the "keg" for successfully winning the MHALs for four straight years under their winningest coach, “Coach Raff”. What an honor!

Still there is one award he cherishes more than any prized hardware which he keeps on his bookcase: The “Most Improved Runner" trophy he attained as a beginner, five years ago, exploring the road. If you talk to him now, he will tell you that apart from the sport requiring discipline, good work ethic, pacing, Tiger Balm, ice pack, and endurance, he soon figured out that to succeed, he had to motivate himself to work on his speed and mental toughness, so he can sprint and finish strong --with a good kick in the end! He gained a wider perspective too. That's what kept him going.

Contrary to any other sporting event where the arena is contained and one gets instant gratification as an athlete performs in front of a cheering crowd, this sport is run quietly when no one is looking. For signing up, showing up, and finishing a race is satisfaction unto itself. This is why it means a lot to him when coach congratulates and says quietly: "Thank you for sticking with the program, Anthony."

Warm regards,
~ S
11/15/2011