Eric Bids Farewell

Wow! Who would have thought four years would go by this fast? When I stepped into the throwing circle four years ago, I would have never thought I would be where I am at today--not only with track but my life in general. Since I was the baseball player in high school, I spent a lot of time making fun of the kids in track. It is ironic that I not only picked up track here at St. Mary’s, I coach track, and considering track as one of the most important activities in my life. My track career was not filled with the big awards or even winning meets. It was about achieving my biggest dreams of all which was to compete at the collegant level. The first two people I have to thank for allowing me to achieve that goal are Jamie and Skemp. They brought me in and encouraged me to trying throwing. I took this as challenge for myself to be able to learn more about throwing and even try to be competitive. In that challenge, I have seen my ups and downs, everything from just learning the sport to rotator cuff surgery to ankle and foot problems. Even with all these ups and downs, I kept going and still continued to develop my skills in track. Now I am able to pass the skills on to others through my coaching. Along this journey, I have met a lot of people who I would now like to thank. I first want to thank someone who was not alive during my college career, but I know was watching my from above--my dad. He gave me the ability to handle anything and showed me what dedication means. I know he would be proud of me. I want to thank my mom, two sisters, and brother-and-law for all of their support and coming to my track meets. I know that they couldn’t come to all of my meets, but I know that they were always there in spirit cheering my on. Oh, and Mom, now you can stop worrying about me injuring myself. I also want to thank Maggie for all the support the past two years, and for helping me when I was injured. You were a lifesaver. Kirk and Ward, I want to thank you for being great role models and supports of my track career. It has been wonderful to see want you have done with the program and I wish you good luck in the future. Now, I want to turn to my event coach, Jackie. What can I say? It has been a great three years. I have learned so much from you and you have turned me in to a thrower. Even though you did call me an idiot thrower, told me I don’t throw far, and that I look like a dead parasite. Just to name few of things. I had so much fun just learning from you and growing so much in my understanding about throwing. I will be able to share what you have given me with others. My teammates are probably the best group of people I know. I want to first thank Amanda and Ashley for putting up with me the most. It has been great to have you two as teammates and be able to learn from two of the best athletes. Amanda, you showed me how to stay balanced in both academics and athletics. Ashley, you showed me how to stay focused on a goal and do anything to achieve it, even staying in school for another year. Derek and Kevin, I want to thank you for just being here since I spent the first three years as the only guy throwers. It is nice to know that the guys throwing program has some great things to come. Kim, it was great getting to know you and giving you so much crap. Remember, it was all done in fun and don’t let Kevin and Derek give you such a hard time next year. Thanks to everyone else that has given me support the past four years. I know that there is tons of people that I have had contact with and have help me to grow into the person I am today. One message I want to leave with you with is something that I learned in wrestling in high school and still carry with me today — NGU: Never Give Up and OTSS: Only the Strong Survive. Thanks everyone, for everything. God Bless.