We have a lot to be grateful for today. Here are some things I am grateful for, but not necessarily in order of importance:

• I am grateful for the good cross country weather we had tonight and that I can feel my fingers.

• I am grateful that our girls got to be the big fish in a small pond to see that they are good, because I know that can be hard to see when constantly facing incredible teams.

• I am grateful that the girls got to hold up a championship trophy and have a chance to enjoy that kind of moment.

• I am grateful for the effort that all of the girls put in. Many ran tough and some followed through with instructions to pull on the reins, but still finished strong and with pride.

• I am grateful that Ava Crews was able to both not burn a lot of matches, and still enjoy being the Barry County Champion as she prepares for this weekend’s state meet.

• I am grateful that eight of our girls got to stand up in front at the awards ceremony as All-Barry County and All-Barry County Honorable Mentions. I am grateful they got to have that moment.

• I am grateful that seniors Emmie MacDonald and Maddie Nagel got to run in their final cross country meet as seniors after not being able to start a single race all season, and that they got to have that experience together.

• I am grateful for how our team is so close and that their bonds are so deep.

• I am grateful for all of our seniors, and I am particularly grateful for our four-year seniors who significantly helped shape the culture of this team during their time here.

• I am grateful to be part of this team of wonderful young ladies.

This concludes our team’s season of racing and it’s been a good ride. Congratulations on a strong finish ladies. I am proud of you. …always.