Jenny Folgers	Why is a sprinter running cross country? I can’t begin to tell you how many people have asked me this question. And to be honest, I can’t begin to answer it, either. For some reason, I get a thrill out of racing. I get a thrill out of putting on my jersey, lining up at the starting line, waiting for the gun to go off and running until I see the finish line and there’s not an ounce of strength left in my body. Six-thousand meters or 100-meters, I do it because I can. I do it because I love it and I love my teammates, who have grown to become my best friends in the world. I’m honored to have gotten the chance to compete in cross country at the collegiate level. To me, distance running is a challenge, and to say I’ve taken on and completed four years of Saint Mary’s University cross country is quite an honor. If we were first in a meet or last, I’m proud to say I’ll always be a Cardinal. Thank you to John Skemp who, without knowing it, taught me life’s most important lessons at practice everyday. From Skemper, I’ve learned the importance of enjoying the simple things in life. He’s not just a coach, he’s a life-long friend, and no matter what mood you’re in, a five-minute conversation with Skemper is sure to put a smile on your face. Thank you to Ida, Po and K-Smoothness. The four of us have made it through four LONG years. The memories we’ve made together are memories I will treasure for the rest of my life. I admire all three of you for your leadership and dedication to cross country. Thank you from the bottom of my heart. Thank you to Draker and A.C., my fellow senior girls! Although the two of you came in a little late, I’m so glad you decided to join me and Ida and take on the SMU cross country challenge. Without you, I wouldn’t have made it through the tough workouts and races; I wouldn’t have made it through the dramatic soap operas on the women’s cross country team! Thank you for pushing me to be the best I could, always. Thank you to Ellen Koranda, for representing the juniors all by herself! LN — you are an incredibly talented runner who is on the verge of accomplishing great things. Thank you for being there to share the highlight of my athletic career, NATIONALS! I’m honored to hand the team and the traditions over to you. You’ll do great, kid, just keep smiling. Thank you to Mags, A.K. Davis, Tera, Alicia, Shannon and JoAnna. The six of you sure know how to put a smile on someone’s face! Mags, I’ll always remember your laugh. Ashley, the way you improved yourself as a runner this season is something I’ll always admire. Tera, I want my future daughter to be JUST LIKE YOU! Thank you to Zwebes, Chloe and the Koecheler twins for going along with our fun cross country traditions and enjoying every one of them! You four are the future of SMU cross country, and I promise to stay in touch and be there for you, just like you were for me. Thank you to the men’s team, to the SMU cross country alumni, to the moms and dads and to anyone else who has supported us in any way. Our sport is so draining, both physically and mentally, and hearing your cheers and constant support has made every step easier. Thank you to my parents who, although too far away to actually watch me race, heard about every step of my races by cell phone when I was finished racing. I love you both very much and can’t thank you enough for allowing me to become a runner — it’s the best thing that’s ever happened to me. Thank you to Jim Baertsch. We met as teammates on the cross country team, and now, you’re my boyfriend and best friend. Thank you for driving to far-away places just to see a quick race, and thanks for your constant support of me and every person on the team. You’re a wonderful and caring person. I love you. Well, I think I’ve finally got it figured out. Why is a sprinter running cross country? It’s because of the people I just mentioned. The people involved with cross country are what make cross country such a spectacular sport — that’s why I do it. I love how we support one another, no matter what, and I love the way a long run can take you away from the world. With just the speed of your feet and the strength of your lungs, you can prove anything on a cross country course. Like I said before, I’m proud to say I’ll always be a Cardinal at heart. Thanks again to the people who made SMU cross country something I’ll never forget. Girls — remember what I taught you, “The faster we run, the faster we’re done!” I hope your final seasons turn out to be as amazing as mine has turned out to be!