Preseason ushers in a new era

The text came early on a Sunday morning, and it was quite hilarious, given the context: "Hey coach what time should I arrive? Make sure I have a good roommate this year!" It was hilarious because it came from a Marist 2012 Running Alum, on the morning of the beginning of preseason -- the first preseason camp in four years that he will not be attending.

Yes. Preseason begins today. It's like New Year's Day for our program, as it ushers in the start of the long and winding journey that we'll call Marist XC and Track, 2012-2013. For the next 9 months or so, we'll be "in season" more often than not. There will be cross country, indoor track, outdoor track. There'll be good days, bad days. Good weather. Bad weather. And, most days, bad puns. We'll try to include it all here on the fancy blog.

It really signals a new era as well. Three months ago today, our funny alum and the rest of the Class of 2012 graduated from Marist. That day always hits home with us, but their departure from our program REALLY hits home today, as we welcome the team back to campus -- with those men and women not coming back for the first day of preseason. Graduation was reality enough. Now, we start up without them. They are gone and we move on. They are gone, but not forgotten. They are forever a part of what we do.

Here we go ...