Nationals Thoughts (Take 2) - The Parents
Posted by Ethan Barron on Wednesday, June 16th, 2010
We asked each other, “Do you think he’s as excited as he was last year at this time?” We thought there had to be something special about the first time an athlete goes to nationals that could not be replicated a second or third time around. As we watched him compete for the third and final time, we received our answer. The intensity he put forth in each of the 10 events, and the pride displayed on his face when he stood on the podium told us that this time was as special as the first.
As parents, the stress level of watching him compete and wanting him to achieve All American status was as intense as the last two times…perhaps more so because we wanted him to end his athletic career on a high note. He is now moving on to the next chapter in his life, while we are left with the dilemma of what to do on weekends. We will miss the competition, teammates, coaches and parents, but forever cherish the great times we’ve had over the years. We will remember how fortunate we were to have been part of an outstanding track program, headed by a brilliant man who could write a book on “How to Successfully Mentor Student Athletes.”
Larry and Rhonda Engelking
Filed in National Championships |