Diary

Colleen
Brady

Past Entries

November 17, 2003

In the weeks before nationals, the Emory cross country women begin their annual tradition of "inspiration gifts". Each person on the team signs up for a day to inspire the rest. On that day she presents us all with a unique team-centered gift.

This year, our gifts have ranged from tie-dyed socks, to a team CD. While the inspiration gifts might seem like a strange, childish tradition to outsiders, we cherish them. Each gift shows individual love and dedication toward the team.

The quality of our gifts this year shows me how strong of a team that we have. The creativity and time involved with each token outdoes the gifts I received both freshman and sophomore years. We have made better inspiration gifts, not because we have more time or more artistic talent, but because we care more about our team than we have in years past.

Of course, the most solid proof of our team unity comes from race performances, especially that of this Saturday. Despite injuries and sickness, our first four athletes showed amazing team spirit. They encouraged each other along all the way to the finish line--where they crossed within a few seconds of one another. Coaches and spectators have phoned Coach Curtin in order to applaud this team attitude.

However, not all of us have the ability to be one of the team's superstars. That does not stop us from contributing to the team unity. At the regional meet, the non-runners among us painted our faces, cheered loudly, and made encouraging posters for those competing. Besides that, the inspiration gifts give us another opportunity to boost our team unity and spirit in a visible way.

My inspiration day comes this Wednesday. I have spent a lot of time already, time I could have used to study, on preparing a gift. I only hope that what I make shows the rest of the team how much they mean to me.

Colleen Brady is a junior from Jonesville, Mich. She would love to answer e-mail questions from Emory recruits and fans.