Several more random thoughts on one of the most memorable
days in men’s XC history:
--The alumni buzz after the race was humbling and extremely
gratifying. My phone blew up with excited texts. I hope I replied to all of
them. Social Media – of which I am still a neophyte – also exploded in
excitement.
--Speaking of alums: Shout-out to Michelle Gaye and Joel
Moss (not to mention Jay and Linda Moss)
for surprising the heck out of us by coming to the meet. Michelle and Joel live
in Texas (yes, TEXAS) and made the
effort to be at MAACs. Joel’s parents drove all the way from central New York
for the meet; we ALWAYS love seeing them. As for Michelle and Joel, “happy”
doesn’t describe how thrilled we were to see them. And of course, the JOEL
EFFECT was in full force. Joel was there, thus the men ran great!
--Hild and Hink, two of the more loyal men’s alums, were
also on site. Hild had a relatively long drive from DC, which he apparently
made in lawless speed time. Hink lives close in Jersey and holds the
distinction for being the first one to actually believe we finished second.
--No one in our program – athletes, coaches, no one –
expected the men to get second place. One of the reasons it was so special.
--Here’s what I will forever remember from the race: Johnny
Lee crossing the line in a PR time. Stops dead in his tracks. Turns around to
see his teammates – Spencer, Dietrich, Edsall … Stefan – finish in rapid fire
succession. When the five guys were through the line, all under 25 minutes, all
ahead of the rival schools for which we were gunning, Johnny let out a guttural
scream of satisfaction that I have never heard. Job done.
--Thanks to all for the well-wishes on the post-championship
award. It was earned by the fearless men who raced with great tenacity.
Finally! This was great, we enjoy it … but the season
continues. NCAA Regionals is in less than two weeks, followed by ECAC/IC4As.
Many miles to go …
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