(Notice I said “great,” and that’s not necessarily a “winning” race. Not that I don’t have complete confidence in you. I do. I just don’t trust the rest of the world to go the way you deserve. And sorry I sound so didactic. But I care about you guys so freaking much. Our cross country team is like no other team I’ve ever been a part of… and our amazing varsity runners are so close that I think you often forget what a blessing and rarity that is.)
There are bazillions of inspirational quotes out there, and I bet there are even more bouncing around in your head after you probably got pep talk from H + J today. And if you didn’t, even better, because I want you to remember something.
“Winning isn’t everything, but wanting to win is.”
(Luca, you and I may not see eye to eye on shoes, earrings, or the morality of prostitution, but we can definitely agree on the genius of Vince Lombardi.)
I thought of this quote because from what I hear, you guys are the underdogs. You’re relying on your talent and drive to beat teams who often have better races than you. Which is great, and it will definitely take you far. It’s enough to help you make States. But you have something they don’t have, something you might have forgotten on this long journey you’ve undertaken together.
You have the most heart and soul I’ve ever seen collectively on a team.
Hands down. The most. All of you want the same goal, the same end result, and you all want it with the same intensity.
Tomorrow’s just hours away. You’ve done all you can in training and physical preparation. You have what it takes to achieve your goal. Now you just have to be hungrier than those other runners. When it comes down to your kick, those last few meters, you just have to set that heart and soul free.
Bon voyage. :]
