Cross Country through the eyes of a parent
Yes, My wife and I are those crazy parents who run all over the course and cheer for every member of the team. We work to know each runners name, where they generally finish in accordance to the rest of the team, what outside factors tend to impact their performance and offer some encouragement while they fight to the finish. Why do we do that?
Because we just love the sport so much? We do love the sport, but no that's not it. Is it because we want to show someone else up? No, definitely not. Because we're trying to prove something? No, we have nothing to prove. Is it because we're a little crazy? Well, that one might be true.
It's we because we love these kids so much and take so much pride in seeing them progress. Because we delight in their accomplishments. Because we are so happy for our amazing daughter to have such a great team to be a part of. And we know what kind of character this sport can build long after the running days are done.
We celebrate the successes they achieve and we mourn for their heartbreaks, because we love and respect each one.
Seeing the senior who has battled through so many injuries and disappointments finally seeing her hard work payoff in so many ways. The girl who came from oblivion to standout, then had to watch the first few races of her senior year due to an injury, now back and improving weekly. The girl who was so strong last year and fought through struggles this year coming in strong again and getting back to what she's capable of. The girl who is so hard on herself when she doesn't do as well as believes she should have and works so hard to not disappoint herself or her team. The girl who never shows any concern and always has the same calm demeanor, but shows up when needed nonetheless. The girl who has worked to make a name for herself and gets so frustrated and works so hard to get back to where she wants to be. The freshman who surprised everyone including herself with how well she's doing. The girl who just wants to get out their and bond with her team over a good run. The girl who has battled through exhaustion and frustration wanting so bad to just get back out there and is there to support the team each week even when she can't run. The girl who has dealt with various health issues that may keep her from ever getting back out their on the course but is there with her team anyway. Our daughter who just fell in love the sport and wants so bad to see things come together but just can't seem to catch a break and is so focused on putting in the extramiles, eating the right diet and learning all she can to earn her way. And that's not even mentioning the boys or middle school teams that we love, respect and cheer for as well.
We may not be real close with all of the team members, but we would do anything we could for any of them. Because love and generosity will define our family and these teams have earned their spot in our hearts. That's why we are those crazy parents.
- Michael Fountain ( Parent of the Minerva XC team )
