Dear Freshman Jason,

You are about to begin one of the most difficult, yet most rewarding journeys in your life. You are about to grow as an athlete and a man of God in ways you have never imagined. You are about to walk on to the CCU cross country/ track team and push yourself beyond your limits. You are about to be a part of a team and family that will push you and pour into you as you grow as a student athlete. I encourage you to lean into all that the Lord has for you in the next four years. 

As you are about to head off on your first team camp, you are feeling overwhelmed and a little out of place. You look at the other freshmen and the upperclassmen and you compare your PRs to theirs, and you feel way out of your league. Fight that feeling because you belong on that team. Do not get discouraged when you begin to struggle with the increased mileage or the seemingly underwhelming results. This is a process and you just need to keep putting in the work. And whether you can see it right now or not, the team needs you almost as much as you need them. 

I know you are also struggling to adjust to life in college; studying for classes, running and going to workouts, and spending time with friends, all while trying to adjust to life away from your family. Lean into your coaches and your teammates when you are struggling. They want to help you grow and succeed, not only as a runner but also as a follower of Christ. Through the struggles and the major life decisions that you are going to face in the next few years, let them in. Let them be a part of it. You are going to make mistakes and struggle in your time on the team but invite them in to walk through it with you and help make you stronger. Coach Poag, Mandee Middleton, Vince Keller, and so many others are there for you as you go through these difficult stages. 

You are going to have many opportunities to step up as a leader on this team. Do not shy away from those moments. Set an example with the way you work and the way you love your teammates. Be there for them when they need an encouraging word or someone to talk to. Never miss a chance to seek wisdom from Coach Poag or your teammates. Also never miss a chance to glean from Caden's positivity. 

There will be many unexpected blessings that come during your time at CCU. You will see teammates come and go, and you will build friendships that will last a lifetime. You will get another chance to run with your little brother Josh, and you will have the blessing of watching him grow as a runner, leader, and a man of God while you are both a part of the program. You will watch him run at the national cross country meet and you will be filled with pride as you see him accomplish his goals. Enjoy those moments. Enjoy the moments when your family travel far and wide to watch you race and show their support. You are also going to find your future wife at CCU, and she will be a constant support in running and in life. Enjoy every moment and every word of encouragement she gives on this journey. 

Savor each moment you get to lace up the racing shoes and toe the line with your teammates. Those are great moments and they are not guaranteed. Trust your training and race with all you have, because you never know when your season is going to be cut short by injury or unprecedented circumstances. Give everything you have in those moments and honor your teammates with your effort. Lean into every opportunity you get to spend time with your teammates and coaches and do not take any runs for granted. 

Your college running career is about to start, and it is going to be a wild ride. Lean in and love your teammates and coaches well. Continue to work hard and dedicate yourself to your team. Your life will change in your time at CCU, and you will come out of it having grown as a runner and as a man of God.  

Best Regards,
Senior Jason