Keri Drake	Picture the stereotypical cross-country runner: a pasta-loving, short-shorts wearing, running fiend holding onto beaten up trail shoes for the sentimental value. I know that I am not the first person to say there is something uniquely great about cross country runners, but I am proud to say I have been a part of that experience during my last two years at Saint Mary’s. The one thing that impresses me most about this team is that it is made up of non-stereotypical runners—it’s true that we eat our fair share of pasta, but almost everyone comes from a different running background with different experiences in training and competing. Despite these differences, we have all come together as a team, and each person has contributed to making this season a wonderful experience. To my fellow seniors Jenny, Erin, and Anna: Congratulations on a great cross country career; you are amazing people and runners, and your leadership throughout the season certainly reflects your love for the team. To next year’s best-senior-ever, Ellen: BIB. To the sophomores, Tera, Alicia, Maggie, Ashley, Shannon, and JoAnna: the improvement throughout the season reflects all your hard work. Even though some times it feels like the race results do not always show it, remember all the small victories in hard workouts and long runs. You have all pushed me to become a better runner, and I wish you success in your future seasons. Finally, our freshmen, Sarah, Chloe, Kim, and Tina: It has been a blast getting to know you, and I am proud to see the future personality of the team developing for seasons to come. Keep up the hard work and enjoy every minute of it. To the men’s team: congratulations Po and Karl on your senior season—you guys never cease to impress me. Andy, Mike, Aaron, Pat, and Steve: thanks for always making me laugh, cheering everyone on, and working hard to keep improving Saint Mary’s cross country. Coach Skemp and Ward: I cannot thank you enough for giving me the opportunity to become a part of this team. I appreciate all that you have done for me and for the team throughout the season. This team has taken me in, and a special thanks goes to Anna, Natalie, and Renee for showing me how fun cross-country can be. As a senior in college, I honestly never would have guessed that I would be running cross country, and now I cannot imagine my experience at Saint Mary’s without it. Even though I still drive my car everywhere on campus and hitch rides to class on the back of Erin Ida’s back, my best memories of college certainly include my experiences on the cross country team. I am not sure if I will break out those short shorts again or have a long run last two hours, but I am not throwing away my running shoes anytime soon. I will always value the friendships, the coaching, and the camaraderie of the team that made the experience so memorable.