Dan Bids Farewell

Four years ago, I thought I had walked away from track for good. At the time, I had no intention on running in college. I am thankful for the opportunities that I have had at Saint Mary’s, not only to run, but also to grow and learn. When something is unexpected you appreciate it a little more. Running has always been a part of my life. I was nine when I ran in my first track meet. For some inexplicable reason I wanted to run the 800. I am glad that they told me I was too young to do that distance. That day I ran the 400 in 1:17. The first race I ran at Saint Mary’s was a 400, and the last one will likely be a 400 as part of the relay. It is strange to see elements of life come full circle. Mom, there is no way I am at this point in my life without you. There is no one I admire more than you. You have given up so much in your life for me, being the good child isn’t enough to repay you. You have always wanted the best for me and you pushed me to go to college, even though I learned far more from you than I ever did in any classroom. You have overcome so much, and have fought hard. I know you don’t have much of an idea what any of my times mean, but I still like that you call when I have a meet to find out. Thank you for everything I had, have now and will ever have. Dad, thank you for the good genetics, the blazing speed and the good looks. Brian, I can’t remember a track meet in high school that you weren’t at. Both of you have always been very supportive with everything I have done and have shaped me into who I am today. Kirk, Duluth is the reason why I want you to hand-time my races, for some reason I run faster. You gave me a chance when many others wouldn’t have given me the time of day and that’s all I could have asked for. I know that I was a pleasant surprise not only to you, but I surprised myself as well. I wouldn’t be near the caliber of runner I am without your coaching and support. Thank you for everything you have done for me academically and athletically. College as a whole would not have been what it was without the people I have met. Although track isn’t a traditional team sport, it wouldn’t be the same without my teammates. Bill saved me from doing workouts by myself, and showed me what it meant to be a hard worker. I wouldn’t be where I am at without him pushing me everyday at practice. Rob always provided healthy competition, even though he would say I wasn’t competition for him at all. It was a pleasure to run with someone who had so much talent. Josiah, I have always admired your running form. You take track seriously and I can tell by the look in your eyes that you want it. I have never heard you complain about anything but people that have talent and don’t use it. You always work hard and have that desire that will lead you to whatever you want to accomplish not only on the track, but the rest of your life also. Kim, you have always been there when I needed you and helped me through the days when my lung was defective and I just wanted to give up on everything. I couldn’t ask for anything more. Roommates, each one of you have made this year very enjoyable. Matt, I have missed having you around this semester. It was always a good time. Kearns, I saw my professors just as often as I saw you, but you still gave me someone to talk sports with. Josh, you have made me laugh most of the year, with you and at you. Needless to say things would be pretty dull around here without you. I needed someone to rattle Kyle, you have contributed to the fun just as much as everyone else, even though it was a “secret” that you lived here. In school, I was able to write 10- to 15-page papers in a day. This has been the most difficult piece I have had to write in a long time and is not nearly as long. I may still run in the future, but this is my ending at Saint Mary’s. My school records are there to be broken — sprinters, take as many as you would like.