April 22
By Megan Carlson
Head Girls Track Coach
On the last day of the State Meet in 2019, I cried. Our team had gone through several challenges throughout the season and the girls were one point away from winning a state title.
It hurt being so close to something so great and not being able to bring it home.
Now, there were plenty of things to be thankful for. The girls broke four school records, were state runner-ups in three different events, and we had the best team finish ever in school history.
Still, we were heartbroken and having a hard time. Janice Albrecht, my rock through a lot of the season, said to me that this was going to make the program better in the long run.
That was a comforting thought, as the team was only losing three seniors and one that competed at the state meet. Keep looking forward and now we would be hungry and ready for more.
2020 and the season has barely started and I have cried again. This time though, it hurts more. The girls are not going to have a chance to even compete or work to earn that State Title.
The girls are not going to get to go on bus rides together, have team meals, or challenge each other in practice.
It is over.
The loss of this season has put 2019 into even more perspective and I know that it will change me as a person and coach forever.
I am more thankful and aware of all of the great things I have in my life; My family, job, coaching, and the relationships I have built with so many people.
I have been able to coach so many amazing students in 10 years and I know this senior class will always be special to me as they move on. I am blessed to continue my career at Montezuma to hopefully form many more lasting relationships and memories.
This senior class has worked hard throughout high school, excelling in every activity they touch at Montezuma. This class has brought home state and/or conference trophies in softball, basketball, volleyball, cross-country, and track, as well as amazing honors in speech, FFA, and many other activities inside and outside of the school building.
The accomplishments are great, but I know it is hard not being able to enjoy the last part of their senior year.
I love how relationships change from the freshman to senior year and how kids grow and change. I love watching kids develop as leaders and help direct the program the way they want to see it. This group was poised to take that next step. They were hungry, ready and deserving.
I will never know what this season was going to bring, but even from just the first few practices, I could tell that it was going to be great!
That is something I am going to have to accept and know that the team had the pieces to be amazing, but the 2020 Bravettes are not going to have the opportunity to work for something that would be truly special.
However, this senior class is amazing. They have a tremendous work ethic and an honesty to them that makes them one-of-a-kind. They are selfless and willing to do whatever is asked of them.
I will miss watching them compete in Bravette track uniforms, but I know that they have so much more to give to the world. This group will grow and respond from this situation and I appreciate all that they have done for Montezuma.
The situation cannot be changed, but I know what we had and no one can take that away from the girls.
I don’t want to fast-forward and forget this season. I want to feel it, get reminders on my phone about meets, bus times, and other events related to the season, and it hurts even more seeing it pop up on my phone when it is 70 degrees and sunny.
This team deserves so much more that I cannot just forget it all, there will be mourning and, in time, hope.
Younger students need to realize that you don’t want to push things off to next year. Take the challenge now! You don’t know what the future will bring.
Time is one thing we have control of and I have been blessed to have time with this amazing team and so many other athletes and coaches through my years at Montezuma.
This is not the end. I will cherish the time I get with my family now, but I will be ready to see the girls again.
Opportunities will be there and the girls will be ready with a new perspective and fire that cannot be matched.
Seniors, athletes and parents, thank you for everything you have done for the program. Your daughters have left a special mark in my heart.
Underclassmen, don’t squander this time, get better and grow, the reigns are in your hands.
The coaches are here for all of you and excited for the next chance we can be together.
Thank you to coaches Albrecht and Allyson Fillmore for being listening ears and sources of support during this time. I am so lucky to have both of you!
Don’t forget, Breakfast at Albrecht’s place, date TBD, but it is going to happen! I am proud to be your coach! GO BRAVETTES!
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