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Happy New Year!!

The New Year is indeed a special time. Athletes tend to set goals based on a season, but the majority of people set goals based on the year. 2006 will be a very special year for a lot of Hockomock League athletes.   But for a minute, let's look forward only to June '06.

There will be a crop of seniors graduating - and that makes their high school goals a bit more short-term. They have until June to make their hopefully indelible mark on the Hock. There are a lot of tremendous seniors finishing out their high school careers. So lets hope they are able to ratchet up their commitment to their goals.

Matt Taylor recently commented on Peak Running about tradition. Tradition is based upon values (and training regimens) that carry over throughout the year – and throughout the history of a program.

For North Attleboro (and many other successful programs) the history is one of dedication. Dedication requires a commitment that isn't always easy to maintain. There is a quote from the book “Purple Runner”that sums up my feelings on the subject.” Until I am able to find the exact quote, I'll just paraphrase the content. It talks about the universal desire to excel, but that most people are unwilling to undergo the sacrifices necessary to make it happen.  

Let's talk about wishes and reality. There is a tremendous difference. Wishes are what someone hopes will happen. Reality is what someone is able to make happen!

Here is my set of wishes for 2006.

TO :

Allie Cuozzo – That you have a healthy indoor season and the desire to make T&F your #1 sport.

Abbie Wessman – That you have a kickin' two-mile (I can't say kick-ass because it would be inappropriate)

Holly Heinricker – That you have a fire extinguisher to cool off your spikes.

Courtney Lincoln – That you have a 20' tape measure for the long jump

Shanika Pitts – That you have a free pass to the college of your choice because we can't stand another year of you making us look bad.

Jenna Banks – That you have anything you want. You've worked hard enough to deserve it.

Caitlin Lawrence – That you get the appreciation you deserve (even though you don't think you deserve it!)

Hillary Crook – That you watch the shot put disappear into the sunset – never to be found.

Adrienne Goldberg – That you get out fast, run tall and never look back!

And to the rest of the senior class, hopes that you will both meet and exceed your expectations. If you squeeze hard enough, there is always more juice in the lemon!

Here is the reality.   Only the athlete is able to make a wish come true. The coach can create a framework for success.   Parents can provide support, encouragement and some of the tangible aids (proper nutrition, a positive framework and training equipment). But the athlete provides one element that no one else can – the will to win!!

So here is my last New Years wish. I hope that every athlete finds the motivation to achieve their wishes! No one else can provide it.

Good luck to everyone in 2006. May you find the strength to make your wishes come true.