The Finish Line

We, well Carter, officially wrapped up the cross country season and career tonight with the team banquet. Due to full teams for both boys and girls, we had a great turnout of some 60 members of the Royal Runner Family.

I am going to miss this next year. It's such a unique sport with individuals competing with each other while working together as a team! Everyone just wants to do their absolute best! As one mom of one of the new girl runners noted, "It's not like any other sport. The boys and girls are close. They bond and so supportive of one another. It's great!"

After a great potluck meal, the first surprise tonight was that the guys from last year's state team earned WIAA All-State Academic Honors, which means as a team they averaged a GPA over 3.5 or higher. Theirs was 3.67, I think. Of the 8 Division 3 teams earning it, they ranked 3rd. Nice to see academic achievements tied into sports!

Girl power!

Our full boys team!

Carter receiving his 4th-year varsity letter from assistant coach Duhn.

And the seniors! When the guys were freshman, there were 4 seniors. They've had to carry the leadership torch ever since and have done a fine job!

It's been an invaluable experience for Carter. We are proud as parents, too, and just pleased he found a sport he enjoyed on and off the course. Will miss it next year but might find myself cheering on the next generation, so to speak.

I mean what else am I going to take pictures of when Carter's off at college?

Sigh... another senior year "last" checked off the books.