Brown Stadium at ULM was filled with personal achievements on October 14. The day started with the ULM High School Invitational cross-country meet and continued with the Bennigan's Louisiana Elementary and Junior High State Cross Country Championships. As a coach, I was proud of the performance of each of the seven athletes I am currently working with on the OCS cross country team. I am not just proud of their efforts on race day, but am equally as proud of their efforts every time they train. You see, cross-country is tough and these athletes are some of the hardest working and fiercest competitors I have ever been around. They rarely will see their names in print regardless of how well they do, but for them it is all about personal victories and personal achievement. Although I must admit, I was beaming with pride during last Saturday's cross country race when my daughter Tessa was leading at the first mile and was able to stretch out her lead to win the race. But it did not end there; I was equally excited about the performance of Elizabeth Ernst, Cammie Green, Madeline Joyner, Jim Boothe, Tucker Deaton and David Halsell. Thanks team for your efforts.
Additionally it was exciting to see hundreds of runners, from kindergarten through 8th grade, getting ready to compete and race towards their own personal achievements. The stadium was filled with parents and family members cheering on their favorite athletes. Coaches Mike Gill and Dennis Groll should both be commended as the host coaches for Bennigan's meet and for what they do for the running community and its future.
If you are currently preparing for any winter marathons or just looking to test out your training progress, then mark Saturday and November 25 on your calendar. This year the Monroe Parks and Recreation Half-Marathon (13.1 miles) will take place on Saturday. This race will take its participants along some of the most beautiful, tree-lined streets in North Monroe and into the River Oaks subdivision before heading back to Forsythe Park. To find out more about this race contact the Monroe Parks and Recreation Department at 329-2456.
If you are up for an exhilarating challenge then head on over to Ruston on Saturday, November 25 and participate in the Big Dog Ultra Trail Run. This event includes distances of five, 10 and 20 miles as well as a 50 K and is run on the loop at one of the nation's top rated mountain bike courses in Lincoln Parish Park in Ruston. Each of the four races begins at 8 a.m. The entry fee for the five-, 10- and 20-miler is $30 with the fee for the 50K race being $35. For more information about this race contact Dr. Jeff Baillie at jeffb@bayou.com or 318-323-2216. For additional details or to download an entry form for these events, go to the Ouachita Valley Road Runner's club website at:www.ovrrc.bravepages.com.
During the past five years, I have offered you my thoughts, my beliefs and my emotions; my prayer is that you have been able to find some value in my words. I am grateful for the time you spent with me and hope you will continue to support the running community here. I am most grateful to Margaret, my wife and Tessa and Tucker, my children, for allowing me to share my emotions, many times about them, with you over these past few years. And, most of all I want to thank God for giving me the abilities to do the things I do and for Jesus Christ for his sacrifice that I might truly live. I am a blessed man.
I feel I have reached the end of this road as a writer and wish to spend my time traveling another road while I continue to run and participate in the Northeast Louisiana running community. Since this represents my final column, I will graciously say this one last time...............
