Hello Islander Fans!
Thank you for checking back in with your favorite runners. Since my last blog, we have ran two meets and put in two weeks worth of training. Currently we are on our way to San Antonio to run in the University of Incarnate Word Invitational. It's a rainy Texas roadtrip. This weather makes for the perfect setting to write a blog. So with coffee in hand, music blaring through my headphones (mostly Taylor Swift), let's recap about the Islander Splash.
As I mentioned in my previous blog, this year's Islander Splash was special for two reasons: Five Seniors were running their last Splash, and because we were hosting the Splash on a new course. However, there is one more reason why this year's Splash was so special for the Women's team that trumps all the other reasons.
One year ago our "Lone Sophomore" Brandie Garcia was diagnosed with cancer, forcing her to put her dreams as a collegiate athlete on hold for the school year. Now, our "Lone Junior" is cancer-free and is back in training and running fearlessly than ever. The Islander Splash commemorated Brandie's first race since her diagnosis. To recognize Brandie's triumph, the Lady Islanders honored her by wearing peach colored ribbon in our hair to symbolize our unity as teammates. Furthermore, we wanted to recognize the significance and importance of Brandie's presence on the team. Honestly, my words do not give Brandie's story justice; nor do they convey her strength and determination to start where she left off. Together we cheered for Brandie as she entered the stadium, striding her way down the final 100-meters, towards the finish line. Moments after Brandie crossed the finish line, we huddled over her and fell to our knees to console a worn Brandie. In this moment we were all sisters. Witnessing these actions was inspiring and motivating, to say the least. In that moment I knew I shared a memory with my sisters that would be unforgettable.
The design of this new course is extremely spectator-friendly meaning spectators don't have to do a lot of running back and forth to cheer for people. I was able to notice this throughout the race. Thank you to my family, teachers, coaches, and friends for coming out to the Splash to support all of us. It really made a world's difference to see and hear y'all cheer while we are running.
Go Islanders!
-Rossi
