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Me signing with my coaches. Past, present, and future.

Well here we are, the final story in a long, hectic journey through journalism. I never thought I would actually make it to write a senior goodbye. If it weren’t for my love of graphic design, getting to tell other people’s stories, and a handful of friends in that class, I would never have made it this far. But let’s not focus on journalism here, this is about the fun times and the people who have helped me get through this chaotic rollercoaster called high school.

First, I have to thank my mom and dad, my supporters from day one. Thank you guys so much for all that you have done through the past 18 ½ years. From always finding a way to get to practically every sporting event of mine to helping me at 2 a.m. try and finish my homework I should have started two weeks prior. I don’t know how you guys do it, but you never fail to be there for any one of us kids, and that is more than we could have asked for. You guys have taught me so much, and I feel like you have really prepared me for like in college and beyond. However, if something comes up, I know you guys will always be there to help me get the knowledge I need to become a better person. I love you guys more than you two know, and going off to college and leaving you guys is going to be the hardest thing I’ll ever have to do.

Same to my siblings Ashley, Colby, and Kacey. I may have picked on you guys quite a bit and missed a lot of your events, but I always tried my hardest to be there for as much as possible. Ashley, you’ve been there for me always with a smile since the day I was born. You’ve made my day better so many time because the second I walk through the door, you always get so excited and always say hi with a huge smile. Colby, where do I begin with you? You are the perfect little brother a guy could ask for. Whenever I was too lazy or sore to do something, you’d come sprinting out of some other room with open arms ready to help. You always have inspired me with how much heart and dedication you put into everything. And finally Kacey, my mini-me, from getting told we look identical to we act identical, you have always been a sport nut like me. You definitely are not the biggest kid, but what you lack in size, you make up for in effort. You never cease to wow me with how much fire you’ve got in your eyes when you are on a field, court, or track. All three of you make me proud and honored to call you guys my siblings.

To all the grandparents, uncles, aunts, and cousins: thank you all for all the support and love. All the constant Facebook comments and the awkward conversations with shy me. You guys all found every way to show your support to the best of your abilities, and it means so much to me.

On to the coaches and teachers paragraph. So many people have contributed and supported me along the way and have impacted me on so many levels. Coach McGuire, you became a second father/grandpa to me. You may have pushed my body to the limit and then some, but that made me tough and turned me into the athlete and competitor I am today. Everything I did in my sports was to impress you and show you what you can do as a coach. Not only can you make great athletes, but you make great people out of kids who go through your program. Then I have John Lehmer, the one who taught me the sport I fell in love with instantly. You were there since fifth grade and came back and watched me in some of my proudest moments. No matter how disappointed or how excited I could be, you always had something to say to make things even better. You made the sport come alive and made me want to pursue it into college. Dale Hall, you were there for me all through high school tennis and we didn’t always see eye to eye, but you are a great coach of anything and everything. You were new to tennis and you jumped right in and became so knowledgeable and dedicated. You showed me that if you want to try something new never do it half way always go 110% of the way. Mr. Greene, Mr. Madison, Mr. Berry, Señor Johnson, and everyone else who’s been involved with my sports and would talk to me about my past results made my day every time. You would took time out of your day and congratulated me on a personal best or ask what the plan was for the next meet. It meant so much through the years.

Finally, we have the part about the best friends people could ask for. Let’s start with Hunter Barnette. Man, you have been such a positive influence on my life. From taking me out duck hunting for the first time to being there to talk to on rough days. My favorite memory of all high school was because of you. When I beat the kid in Omaha this year, and you and the rest of the team rushed the court. You lifted me up on your arm and were so happy for me. Zeik, we have been there for each other in the darkest of times and the best of times. Nothing helped more than just sitting with you and talking all my problems away. I always tried to be the best role model I could be and help you with any conflict you had. To all the D-Crew out there, whether it be cross country or track, you guys make me out to be some legend or great runner. Without you guys there to push me while running, I would not have been near the runner I am today. You guys can achieve so much, and I hope I get to see you guys grow through the years.
To all the people I missed, you have made me the person I am today, and I’m so happy that you are in my life. I guess this is where I’ll end it. It’s been real, North Platte High.