*Pssst* Hey, you. Yeah, you buddy, did ya hear? Word on the street is… IT’S NATIONALS WEEK!!! Everything thus far has led to this. This will be the last race of the season for the team and I couldn’t be more excited. We’ll be making the trip out to Virginia for the first time since 2019 in what promises to be one of the most memorable weekends you’ll have in your college running career. Buckle up because we’re gonna cover some storylines to be on the lookout for:
1. The Long Road Trip to and from Virginia
Folks, Virginia is a long way away from Champaign-Urbana. Making the trek out to the East Coast is no small feat and it couldn’t be accomplished without the talented and handsome Thomas Tran, our Travel Coordinator extraordinaire. He has handpicked each van for maximum team-bonding as well as shenanigans. Make sure to shake that man’s hand and thank him the next time that you see him. It takes months of work and organization to get dozens of rowdy runners half-way across the country and there is no better person for the job than Thomas.
2. Women’s Team On A Tear
This has been one of the most successful seasons I have seen from the women’s team in the past 4 years. They have yet to walk away from a meet without hardware and will be looking to take that momentum into this weekend. They have proven themselves against all ranges of competition, defeating everyone from DIII schools throughout Illinois to other NIRCA clubs from around the Midwest. The women will be spearheaded by dynamic newcomer Diane Makovic, ever speedy Brisa McGrath, tough as nails Claire Casiello, Commander-in-Chief Maddy Feehan, standout freshman Evelyn Rowan, always consistent Alyson Ficca, and the spirited and energetic Bridget Brokaw. Make sure to keep an eye out for these and all of our women to cap off the stellar season they’ve built so far.
3. Junior Varsity No Longer
Cade Baker has been on an absolute heater in 2022, accomplishing everything from winning the Dads Weekend 5k to successfully popping the question. However, arguably his greatest accomplishment this year has been finally earning that promotion he’s wanted so desperately. Ladies and gentlemen, Cade has been selected for the Championship Squad. Congrats to Cade for beating the JV allegations and I hope this makes up for NIRCA taking away your Regional coordinating duties.
4. Nationals Raps
The tradition that the people have been waiting all year for. IXC tradition dictates that the poetically minded amongst us use their time in the vans to compose the most clever, scintillating, and heinous bars they possibly can. They will be performed the night before the race at our final team meeting in the hotel. No parents allowed for this one, we’re letting the kids play. Over the next few days, decide which of your teammates deserve a good roasting. Once your targets are chosen, put those insults to rhyme and let them have it in front of the entire squad Friday night. Seniors, this is your last best chance to leave your mark on the team. Freshman, now is the time to start building a legacy as a club legend. Coach Spencer had to get his start somewhere, ya know.
This weekend is going to be one for the history books y’all. For many of us it will be the last time that we toe the line as members of IXC, while for others it’ll be the first nationals in a young college career. No matter how long you’ve been with the club, this is the time to leave it all on the course. You’ve been putting in great work all season and now is your opportunity to show that off. This trip isn’t just about racing though. Be sure to use the long hours in the cars and hotels to grow your relationships with your teammates. I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again, IXC is nothing without the people who comprise it. Running fast times is great and all, but everyone knows that running is better when you have others at your side. You all are a wonderful group of runners that I’m lucky to call my friends and I can’t wait to close out the season together.
Love,
Tristan <3