Turkey Trot

November 22, 2014

Portage Park

Chicago, IL

While the Cross Country Banquet is the official end of our season, our last post of the season does not happen until the Turkey Trot.  Several years ago it became tradition for some of the Bronco runners to run for fun at the Turkey Trot in Chicago.  This year there was some confusion regarding the "waiting list" status and so we had several no shows (aka Jacob, Jack & Gus, in addition to the most of the rest of the team!), but for those who did attend, a good time was had by all.

The stakes were high:  1st and 2nd place in each age group won a turkey...

 And third place won a pie.

 

Rain or shine (and in this case, drizzle), the faithful few came out to either run or cheer.  Eric, are you still mad about not being able to run???

 Our cheerleaders

Taking the race quite seriously, our 2 athletes warmed up for approximately 60 seconds.

 Discussing strategy??

 Last minute instructions.  And then...

"On your mark, get set...GOBBLE!!!"

(Really, that's what they said.)

First step of the strategy is to get out from all of the children that are crowding up the course!

 

First goal was accomplished, so now he can relax and smile (but he can't relax too much because his second goal is to finish in 1st or 2nd place to win that turkey for his family!).

No such goals for this runner. (She's not a fan of the Thanksgiving turkey or Pumpkin Pie.)

 Coming in with a strong finish, but was it good enough to win the bird?

Even with no goal to "win" she finishes in her usual way  by passing a few people at the finish.

Goal accomplished!  He can show up for the family Thanksgiving meal now.

 A turkey winner wannabe.

A brief skirmish broke out as they debated who should really have the turkey.

The 2014 Turkey Trot winners. 

(aka The Turkey Trot Hall of Fame???)

***

Let's have a better representation of Walther at next year's event, OK???

***

So now ends the final post of the 

2014 Cross Country Season.  

Happy Thanksgiving, everyone!

XC Banquet

Thursday, November 13, 2014

Sigh.  It's always a bittersweet night.  Nobody really wants to admit that the season is over, but it is.  However, the running Broncos can hold their heads high as they have shown the school that they were the strongest sport during the fall season with both girls and boys qualifying for Sectionals and a girl going to State.  But it's funny how none of that seemed that important tonight.  Because I think we all know it's really about the relationships that are built during the season.  The laughter, tears, and inside jokes abound, and will continue on throughout the remainder of the school year.

Thanks again to Mr. Goffron for all of his efforts and for honoring the athletes in the way that he did.

It's been a great year!

 Enjoying the food and fellowship.

Time for awards and acknowledgement and a few good laughs!

Let's see how many of the awards I can remember (my recollection is not exhaustive by any means...just one per person!)

Most medals

Rookie of the year (girls)

Rookie of the Year (Boys)

Most improved (Boys)

 

Nicest!

For toughing it out!

Most improved(Boys)

Party Animal!!!

[I could not remember the name of Kobe's awards, so I asked Mr. G.  But of course I did not write down the answer at that time and promptly forgot it.  It had something to do with a mid-season signing, referring to Kobe's late arrival to the team.  But I'll just rename it to, "Tu eres fantastico!"  (because Kobe and I have enjoyed a few conversations in Spanish.)]

"He's with the trainer!"

We need you!!!

Most annoying sound

"He's (also) with the trainer!"

Most improved (Girls)

I finally know how to breathe while I run!

Mr. Consistent

Lead Bronco

Then we took a quick break for dessert before moving on to some fun awards and the honoring of our seniors.

Fake godfather awards

Our Seniors:

The golden bucket award

 Golden clipboards for our two team managers.

Emotions ran high tonight!

The golden cookie sheet award

Our Departing Seniors:

Our Departing Seniors plus a photo bomber

Coming down to Ale's size

Our Departing Seniors with Coach Goffron

The "Originals."  (Those who have been with Mr. Goffron since back in the day at the Lower School Academy)  And believe it or not, "back in the day" Ale was as tall as Eric and Jaylin and taller than David!

Plus Coach:

Great memories!!!!

Let's keep making them.