Each year, September brings about conflicting emotions for me. I find myself lamenting the end of summer adventures and yet excited for the challenges of the upcoming track and field season.
This year is no different. My summer fun included three trips west. First, I spent three weeks with my family in the Washington and Oregon area which involved some backpacking on the Washington coast, four National Parks, and a few days at the Track and Field World Championships in Eugene. I also went on a rafting trip on the Yellowstone River in Montana with some high school friends. I was even able to squeeze in a “quick” weekend trip to summit Long’s Peak in Colorado with a former assistant coach (ProTip: hiking to 14,259ft without acclimating to altitude is challenging).
The excitement for the season was sufficiently elevated for the coaching staff and the team when the indoor track surface updates were completed a few weeks ago. It looks fantastic and feels great to run on! Consider this your sign to start training for this season’s alumni meet.
The athletes are excited for the new year, too. Clases only started on Monday, but many have already begun training on their own in small groups. Our athletes set big goals at the end of last season after winning both the indoor and outdoor MIAC Championships and are already putting in the work to make them happen. I will keep you updated on their progress throughout the year. We have a great group of returners and some strong freshmen to help out.
In the meantime, we have our annual Go Johnnies Challenge fundraising event next week on September 8th. This event has been an outstanding resource for our team and the entire SJU athletic department. Each year, the alumni and friends of the SJU Cross Country/Track and Field teams have donated nearly $20,000. Previously, that money has completely funded our trips to Oregon for the cross country team and California during the track season and we hope to do the same this year. Additionally, these funds will allow us to finish our record boards to highlight the great history of our teams.
Thank you for your continued support of the Johnnie Cross Country/Track and Field teams! Help us out by donating or sharing the information and follow along this season.
Thanks!
Jeremy and the entire SJU CC/TF Staff
Here are three ways you can help the cross country/track and field teams:
Donate: Support the Cross Country/Track & Field Teams through a donation. Make sure to set Cross Country/Track & Field as the designation.
Spread the word! While Tim, Joe, and I have extensive social media networks, we can still use all the help we can get.
Click on the advocate link or scroll to the bottom
Matching gifts are a great way to encourage others to donate. Make sure to set Cross Country/Track & Field as the matching designation.
Enter dollar amount and decide if you will make the full gift regardless if the match is not completely met (check box)
Select “Other” and enter a dollar amount to give and check the “Per donor” box
Select the Match a designation box and select the designation you want to match
Fill out the rest of the form