Amanda Bids Farewell

I have several small posters with breathtaking photos of things like rainbows, sunsets, and roses and words like Motivation, Effort, Potential, Destiny. There’s one in particular with the encouraging words: “Defeat – For every winner, there are dozens of losers. Odds are you’re one of them.” It was only fitting that the creators chose a track meet for the photo. This is to the people who have been my real inspiration when the odds are against me … . Court: You deserve the first thanks. If you hadn’t convinced me that throwing involved minimal running, I would have never found this passion. I remember riding the bus to my first meet and you made me set a goal: 25 feet. I didn’t know if I could do even that, but you always pushed me to dream big. Thank you for this and so much more. Family: Mom and Dad – I have inherited tenacity, patience, and commitment from you. Mom, you have set a standard of humility and intelligence that I seek to match. Dad, you are a model to me of balanced good-humor and ambition. You have each instilled in me the drive and confidence that have allowed me to be a successful thrower and will serve me well in the future. I am proud to be your daughter. I love you. Joe – I maintain that your relay records are only worth 1/4, so I have one up on you. If you just get over that puking habit, you have the talent and character to do more great things. Until then, you have no grounds to tell stories about “Amazing Amanda” at the book fair. Matt and Kyle – I don’t know any twins who are more opposite, but both of you bring something unique to my life. Kyle, you have an unflappable and fun-loving approach to all aspects of life. Matt, you have an enthusiastic personality and a mind that can recall the most trivial sports facts. With these traits, both of you will do wonderful at whatever you choose. Coaches: G, Ike, Yocum – I was fortunate to have your unparalleled coaching my first two years, and I fell in love with throwing because of you. You taught me the basics, and you also taught me the mentality. I will always “respect all, fear none,” and will be a lifelong student of the sport. For that, I will always be grateful. Jaime – You knew I would best understand concepts through food metaphors (“mom’s cooking.”) The time and effort you invested freshman year was always appreciated, as was the continued support after … even if I had to share that support with the Packers. Jackie – When I competed against you, it was obvious how much you loved to throw. What I didn’t know was how that love would benefit me. It’s because you care so much about throwing that you have added coaching to your busy schedule, and I hope that decision has been as rewarding for you as it has been for me. Kirk and Ward – You have been the easiest coaches to talk to, which is a relief when we have our 497-mile car trips. I was fortunate enough to have your conversation without having to be a runner. Thank you for all of the hard work you put into making our track program great. Throwers: Lue and Beth – You have been amazing teammates and friends. I respected you as amazing throwers when I was in high school, and I owe much of my success to your examples. Beth, practice isn’t the same without your fun personality. Lue, I hope your free agency lands you where you want to be … so long as it’s not officiating shot put. Sonnek – Thanks for always being my fellow thrower who couldn’t throw far. Best of luck coaching in the future. Gary, Derek, Kim, and Kevin – A saying I always believed in was “play hard and practice harder.” Continue to do that, and you’ll surprise yourselves. It’s in you. Nik: For every squirrel, twist ice cream, foot through the wall, blizzard, door frame, chicken!, and other moments you always remember to bring up, there’s a gum wrapper, birthday surprise, and Notre Dame moment that I will always remember. You’ve been there for everything. You’ve sat through hours of track meets to watch seconds of throwing, even though you — who can recognize bowlers, billiard players, and curlers — consider track boring. The one thing that my pride has always prevented me from telling you is how much I look up to you, especially for your competitive spirit … you too. Professors: Thank you for always being supportive and realizing that I have a life beyond the “Exit” sign of the science building. You deserved every “6” I gave you for being “interested in students as individuals.” For anybody I forgot or couldn’t fit, I’m sorry. So many people have had a hand in my career. Track isn’t about winning or beating those dozens of people … at least I hope not with my record being 12-129 … it’s about the sport I love and the people who bring meaning to it.