JOs in Nebraska a Success in Many Ways

There is nothing like a road trip to bring a team together in my opinion.  And to travel 9+ hours to the "heartland of America" will bring the most disconnected of teams together.  Not that we were a disfunctional unit, but we had our issues.  For instance, there were still some Striders who needed an introduction to other members of the team.  Needless to say, we left Omaha one unified group with a positive outlook on the future of the Chicago Striders.

I would be remissed if I did not acknowledge the many people who helped make the Jr. Olympic Nat'l trip a worthy cause.  I got to know and appreciate one of our "TrackMoms," Ms. Beverly on our journey.  Her tireless efforts to involve her children in worthwhile activities is a credit to the many parents who make sacrifices above and beyond for their children and I really appreciate her for believing the Chicago Striders is a worthwhile endevour for her daughter. Also, Coach Phil Wallace, whose concentration on making each athlete believe in his or herself is a constant reminder why I do what I do-----I thank you Brother Phil.  And of course, my true brother in the struggle to make the Striders what they are today---Coach Patrick Simon.  We've worked together since 2002 trying to make Chicago a more viable track and field entity, but alas, Coach Simon has gotten another calling and will no longer be with us on a permanent basis.  So, this trip to JOs was really special, because this could be our last with him as a member of our nuclear family.  Best of Luck Coach Simon and Thank You---Thank You All! Once a Strider Always a Strider

As for my thoughts on how the team did in Omaha...We did just fine!  Yes, we wanted to do better.  After all, we took more Striders to Nationals than we ever have in the history of the club. However, out of the 19 athletes that qualified, only three had been to a meet of that magnitude before.  I mean we are talking about USATF's National Jr. Olympics.  The same JO's that can make the claim that 89% of the members of the 2008 Olympic Team came through the same type of meet before their Olympic dreams came true.  So, I am proud of what we were able to accomplish.  

I am especially happy for and proud of Kawanna Brooks, who at this point must be recognized as a serious asset for a major track and field program in college next year.  Finishing 3rd with one more year to go in the young women's Heptathlon is a major achievement and puts her up there with one of the best athletes in Illinois hands down.  

Although Kawanna was the only Strider to leave Nebraska with a medal, the experience and the comraderie will last a lifetime for all of us.  I am so hyped about our potential, I making plans for JO's next year in Greensboro, NC.  I suppose I need to pay the bills from this latest trip first.  See the donation button on your way out...Please!!!

STRIDE ON!

----Coach Collins

Don't forget!!!  Chicago Striders host their 1st Invitation August 8th @ 3PM @ Jackson Park. MARK YOUR CALENDARS AND SUPPORT TRACK & FIELD