Last month I had the privilege of representing Austin and Pacelli High School at the Minnesota State Cross Country Meet at St. Olaf College. I am a senior at Pacelli and have participated in the CC team for the last four years. I am writing to express my appreciation to the many people who have offered their support to me during my high school running career and especially as I prepared for the state meet.

I cannot begin to name the teachers and students from my Pacelli family who supported me in this goal, as well as my teammates from the Austin High wrestling squad, including Coach Kinney, business associates of my parents, many other friends and neighbors.

Most especially, I want to thank my Pacelli CC team and Coach Parlin who believed in me from the very beginning and motivated me in so many ways. Thanks also to Pacelli alumni Andy Boisjolie who helped me start my senior year off right by running with me at the summer campout and to Ryan Bickler, an outstanding runner, who ran with me during those last few days of practice.

Running with so many other talented runners at the state meet was a chance of a lifetime and I couldn’t have done it without the support of all of these people —and probably more that I might have missed.

Thanks again,

Colin J. Sheehan