Pat Polasek	It seems weird being a senior. I still remember coming in my freshman year, absolutely terrified of running for a college program. Now I’m terrified of it being over. It has been a lot of fun and a lot of hard work. I know that there have been some rough times over my four years here, but I honestly feel good about leaving now. This year has just been a blast. We have just 7 guys! Yet these 7 guys I would take against any team in the world. We have such heart, we believe in each other, and nothing can bring us down. It has been an absolute honor to run for you guys. I would like to thank my parents first. They have always supported me in running, and despite the fact that it was nearly impossible for them to see me run, they always made a trip out here at least once. It meant a lot to me, and hopefully you can see me run one last time. Thanks for all the running shoes, the winter clothes, and the willingness to learn about my sport. You guys are the best and thanks again for everything. Next, I need to thank my friend back home, Jenny Gadz. If it wasn’t for you, I wouldn’t even be in this sport. You convinced me that I was good. And when an athlete with your kind of record said that, I knew it must have been true. I watched you run and learned that racing was all about heart. You would run down everyone in sight and didn’t know the meaning of giving up. You showed me that racing was all about who wants it more. And if you could move at the end of the race then clearly you didn’t leave it all out there. I’m proud of you Jenny, I love ya, and I will never forget that you taught me how to run. Bob, you have supported me since freshman year. It has been an absolute blast living with you for so many years, and proving your dad wrong! I love the fact that I would go run great and then you would go and do the same on the soccer field. It was like when one of us had a good day; nobody could stop the other one. Also, your ability to have me run fast is amazing. I never want to let you down, so I find a way to forget about the voice telling me that I’m hurting and push it harder and harder for you. Thanks! Todd, Angie, and Rat, thanks for your support over the years. Angie, I know you only made it to one race (and I didn’t even know you were there), but it did mean a lot to me. Todd, you are the man, your support for me and the things I do are remarkable. I will always think of you as more than a runner, but our 8th man! Jake and Michelle, thanks for your support and your yelling. I know you guys were freezing that one race. But you guys got me under the wire and I owe ya. As for my guys: Karl, I have run with you for four years now. I remember our first team meeting, you and me had no idea who anyone was or what to expect. We fought together that year, and knowing that you were always coming up behind me run so much better. After I got hurt, you never let me forget that I could run with you. Every race telling me that I belonged next to you. It was so unselfish, you could have just celebrated the fact that you could crush me, but you didn’t. It made me continue to work hard. You’re the greatest and I’m going to miss running with you. Boisjolie, what can I say? Not only are you one of the best runners I’ve known, but you are an amazing friend, too. Nobody gets me ready to race like you. You understand how racing with pure anger makes for good times. I always look forward to getting to the line with you, because you pump me up and there is just so much amount emotion behind it. I guess I’ll close with the way we start and finish every race. TWO TIMES! Aaron, I am so happy you came out for cross this year. I know you haven’t raced much this year, but you have shown the whole team that you can’t mess with us. Also, you’re so positive that I never want to let you down. Your attitude could get me to run down a train, just don’t be afraid to speak up. Mike, I know you’re going to be back to your usual self before you know it. Things will get better, just got to keep pushing it. Steve, the first race of the season I knew you were a fighter. Never lose that, and when you stood up for me that one time, you made me believe that I was a good leader. You have no idea how big that was for me! Pat, you can be just as good as your brother. You have worked hard all year, and that really impresses me. In time that hard work will pay off. If I forgot anyone, I’m sorry … This thing is just really long! So, that’s it for me. Never let anyone take that look in your eyes away! Fight for every step on that course, in practice and in meets. It has been a blast and I love you guys! Only one last thing to say: TWO TIMES! UNTIL MY BONES COLLAPSE!