Season Summary

This school year was a particularly hard one due to ongoing unproductive negotiations over our contract. It drained me in a way I didn't expect, and I did not have the time or energy to write the blog this outdoor season.

I do want to take a moment to acknowledge the growth of this season. We had so many newbees join us and re-energize the team in a way I didn't think possible. The veterans showed them the ropes, and then they flew! I was so excited to see how this young group performed at our home NSC meet (yes, hosting that and the boys the following week also contributed to my fatigue, but it was fun, too!). We capped the season with a memorable trip to State; Kennilyn was our sole qualifier, making it in the 100 by overcoming seemingly impossible odds! She made it on time from the third of four heats. Her new PR of 12.81 was an impressive feat that day!  We loaded up plenty of supporters (Auriel, Janiyah, Brionne, Niyanna, & Taliyah) onto the bus and headed to Charleston. Kenn got to compete during the day, and the young ones got the chance to experience EIU's track under the lights. It was a magical evening, filled with line dancing?!, great races, and laughs. We watched the finals in awe of the intense competition and in hope of what we could do in future seasons. 

Overall it was a season to remember, and it definitely invited the next generation to step up to greatness!