Shannon Bids Farewell

I have put off writing this Salute all week. Writing my Senior Salute solidifies the fact that my time at Saint Mary’s has come to an end. It is difficult to summarize the unforgettable moments I have had as part of the Track and Field program. Over the past four years I have had some truly amazing and inspiring teammates. Ellen: I remember my first few weeks of track my freshman year. Because of you I felt accepted right away. Thank you for showing me the ropes and believing in me. AKDavis: You make me smile everyday. You have made my life such a joy these past four years. I am so happy we became friends. If it had not been for you and Mags that first year I would have been lost. Tera: I had no clue what determination meant before I met you. Your ambition and love for track and running in general has been inspirational. Thank you for the support and laughs throughout the years. Alicia: I admire you for a number of reasons. You are a strong willed person and you know exactly who you are. It takes guts to check out a library book at Gustavus. Kate, Sarah, and Chloe: I feel like we have been through thick and thin together. Words cannot come close to describing what you have meant to me over the years. I wish each of you nothing but success next year and in the years to come. Gosia: You will always have a special place in my heart. Mainly because you put up with Chris everyday. These past two years you have been my best friend and my worst competitor. You have been the teammate I love to hate on the track. Thank you for pushing me to my fullest potential. Running with you has been an honor. Being your friend has been a privilege. Everyday I find myself wishing I was more like you. You have greatness written all over you. Good luck next year. Tina: Long runs with you and Gosia have been fun, crazy, challenging, therapeutic, and some of the best moments of my life. Thank you for all the talks and laughs we’ve shared. Kim: You have an amazing talent on and off the track. I wish nothing but the best for you. Thank you for all the memories we’ve shared. Megan, Sam, Anne, and Acosta: Although I am sad to leave the Track program, I know it is in good hands. Good luck in the seasons to come. Looking back on my time at Saint Mary’s, I am thankful to have met the people who have made an impact on the person I have become. Brooke and Emily: You are my family and my best friends. This year you have been the shoulder to cry on and the hand to pull me back up. I would not have survived this year without you. I now have stories to tell my grandchildren because you the two of you. I love both of you so much. Jake: Thank you for the memories and support. Gage: My college experience would not have been complete without you. Thank you for the support and reassurance over the years. To the professors who have touched my heart: Mrs. Sorvaag, Mr. Sorvaag, and Mrs. Sowa. Thank you for believing in me every step of the way. To my coaches: Ward, thank you for pushing me and not accepting anything less then my best. Thank you for teaching me the difference between running and racing. Brett, thank you for everything you have done for me in such a short period of time. You are an amazing coach and any athlete should consider themselves lucky to have you put the fear of God in them before a race. Kirk, I don’t even know where to begin. Every athlete on our team has become stronger and faster because of you. Your dedication to the program has been incredible. It is evident that you care about each of your athletes as individuals. Because of you I have never felt more confident in my abilities as a competitor for the Miss Bemidji Pageant. Thank you for your support and dedication these past four years. To my parents: You are the people who have always encouraged me to try new things, put 100% into everything and never give up. Thank you for the never ending love and support. I appreciate every sacrifice you have made for me. I only hope that you are as proud of me as I am of you.