Saturday, November 17, 2012

Turkey Trot

Portage Park

Chicago, IL

9:30 a.m.

Only a few brave souls made it out to the annual Turkey Trot, but it proved to be profitable, no doubt, as well as a good time for all participants.

The prizes are ready and waiting.

First and second places:  Thanksgiving Turkey!

3rd and 4th places:  Pumpkin Pie

Final team prayer of the season

Heading toward the starting line.

Hmmm...what was that award?  "No shirt, no problem!"

We're ready!

The starting line

 Off they go!

       

 Almost 1/2 way through the course:

                            Sean:  "Wow!  I'm keeping up with G-$!"                          
                            G-$:    "Wow!  I really have to get past this shirtless guy!"

"I can't believe this little kid is in front of me!"

"No pain.  No pain.  No pain."

                                  G-$:  "I really want to pass this guy."
                                  Jerry:  "I didn't expect to see Mr. G up here with me!"

"I really want that pie."

"I did it!"(But did she pass that kid???)

"I finished a race without any pain!"

Proudly displaying his well-earned turkey.  Better than shopping at Ultra!!!

Yes!  He won his pie. (Watch out for the creeper in the background.)

More happy finishers.

Final stretches.

And a group shot with their prizes and medals.

Goodbye for now!!  See you next year.

November 14, 2012

Cross Country Banquet

Edwardo's

Oak Park, IL

We had a great night of celebration and enjoying the year in review.  The runners were all honored for their personal achievements and we also had a good time recognizing "other" achievements as well!  It was fun, yet emotional, as it officially marked the end of our Cross Country season for the 2012-2013 year.

(Apologies for the picture quality.  I've become an 'expert' of sorts for the outdoor action pictures, but suddenly realized that I didn't know how to adjust my camera for the darker, indoor still shots!  I still have a lot to learn.)

Ale made a DVD with both still shots and video from the meets.  All the seniors received one in their gift bags, but if anyone is interested in getting one for themselves, let Ale know and we'll be sure to make you one.

We started the night with food and fun: hanging out with our XC friends and enjoying salad, pizza, drinks, and cookies.  Thanks to Edwardo's for a great meal.

Then it was time to recognize the runners...

First, the Girls:  Freshmen first...

Team Mom and ever present cheerleader.

Our Rookie of the Year

Next, our singular sophomore...

Earned the 110% award (and I believe a label of being "stubborn"!!!!)

Then, our only junior on the team...
 

And finally our seniors...
 

AKA "Ojos Gigantes" and our Elite Bronco

                                  

Each of the girls were presented with a rose (hopefully without any saliva on it!).










Next to be recognized:  
The Boys
Freshmen first...
 

Our male Rookie of the Year

Jerard-We missed you tonight!!!!  :-(

But don't worry, you were included in the comments also.

Then our sophomores...

And yet another pick-up line for Mr. Goffron.

 And our juniors...

Last, but not least, our seniors...

"No, I'm not a freshman!"

(Sean, I can't get a good pic of you if you're going to chew gum!)

Our other Elite Bronco.

 We finished the evening with some fun 'awards' and special recognition for the seniors.

     


     

And some special gifts for the seniors!

Assistant Coach Ana was also honored and thanked for her help.

Some tearful moments as Seniors shared some final thoughts.

And finally it was time to honor our Coach!!!

...with a special card...

...and a special shirt.

"You know you're G-$ if..."

THANKS, Coach Goffron, for a great Cross Country season.  We learned a lot, grew a lot, and experienced your sacrificial love for the team.

Looking forward to next year!!!!

  (One more post to come...the Turkey Trot on Saturday)