Nearly five months ago I became sports editor and not once have I regretted it 8212; and for that, I sincerely thank the Yellowjacket seniors.
I have always been a sports fanatic, but not entirely fanatical about UR athletics 8212; until this year. As editor, I motivated myself to go to the games so I would be educated on the teams and sports I had to write about. Little did I know that I would become addicted to UR athletics and probably become the Yellowjackets& biggest fan.
With each game that I go to and with every athlete I observe, the more I am inspired by the passion each have for the sport he or she loves.
I join the parents and the fans at each competition and sit in awe of the impact the Yellowjackets have on me. It is often the little things that are done and the words unspoken that drives me to want to learn more about the athletes themselves 8212; on and off the field. Most importantly, I have come to truly appreciate the time and dedication they each have 8212; characteristics that truly embody UR athletic spirit.
The senior Yellowjackets deserve a large part of that credit. Their obvious leadership is not only the glue to their respective squads, but is the biggest inspiration for the younger Yellowjackets, for the fans and for me. With each victory and each loss, I see the expressions on their faces and I feel the frustration and the hope that they each feel.
I will miss the words of encouragement and motivation that are spoken before and after each competition by the veteran leaders 8212; the words that are not often thanked but often make a difference.
On behalf of the fans, I thank the seniors for your athletic spirit, dedication and pure love for the sport. It has been a true pleasure to shine a spotlight on them and to recognize their achievements. Good luck and never stop playing.
