I originally came to Whitworth to play football and wasn't sure about going out for track my freshman year. I didn't feel as if I was strong enough in my event to compete at the university level. After talking to Toby a couple of times and meeting some of the people on the team, I decided to go for it. These past couple years of track have been some of the most fun sports seasons of my life. The team is awesome and the coaches are amazing. Not only are they amazing people and fun to be around, but they know so much and help you improve to levels that you didn't know you would be able to. I've improved almost 45 feet in two years in the javelin and not once have I regretted the decision I made freshman year to join Whitworth track. Why I chose Whitworth is simple... it is AWESOME here. Of course I didn't know that before I came here, but now that I'm here, I cannot possibly imagine going anywhere else. I am from the Midwest and from a high school in which the average distance grads get away from home for college is less than a hundred miles. So getting away was a big deal for me. I wanted to learn what different parts of the country were like and I wanted to go to a place where I didn't know anyone. But in that sense, I failed... I know and interact with more people now then when I was at home, probably because Whitworth makes me feel at home. The Christian aspect of this place is so amazing, there is quite literately something going on every day that could help you grow in your faith... even if it isn't Christ. On top of that the academic classes here are top notch. Not only are most of the classes fun and stimulating, but afterwards the professors are very open to discussion, I personally have had lunch with many a professor after just bumping into them while in the HUB. And the athletics here can't be beat... quite literally. Winning the all-sports trophy was a very exciting time on campus for everyone. Especially in the knowledge that we as track and cross country teams helped in a big part to win it. Plus just like at home, you get to go to Disneyland every-once-and-a-while. For me, one of the best aspects of the cross country and track teams is the coaching. A coach can make a huge impact on whether a person's experience at a school or in a sport is positive or negative. The cross country and track and field coaches make that experience positive. They are knowledgeable, positive, and enjoyable. They want to win, but they can joke around and have a good time. Most importantly, they keep their focus on giving God the glory and doing one's best. Why Whitworth academically: Classes at Whitworth help students be successful. In my past four years here I have only taken three classes that were over 35 students. This has allowed me easy access to the professor of the course. Many times I have been invited to professors homes for study sessions. If the student makes the time the professor will be there to help. I chose Whitworth because it was a well balanced Christian school with very good academic and athletic programs. It seemed the best place to go if I wanted to continue to compete in sports. I have chosen to be apart of the track and field team because of the dedicated coaches and athletes in the program who have helped me excel to my fullest potential. I wanted to be a part of a team, and Whitworth Track and Field is a team in every meaning of the word. One of the reasons I initially chose Whitworth is that the professors make a point of being available to students and work with students to help them succeed in all areas of their lives. Being on the track team has solidified my choice in Whitworth. Any athletic program can provide what you need to excel in your sport, but Whitworth's track program has even more to offer on top of that. Our coaches work with us and hold us to high standards as individual athletes, while at the same time stressing the importance of competing as a team. One of the best aspects about the track program is that it is more of a family than a team--we push each other, encourage each other, and develop friendships with each other. My overall experience at Whitworth has been made complete not only by the classes I have taken, but also by the lessons I have learned and the relationships I have established while being on the track team. Why We Play Division III Athletics It's not about getting a scholarship, getting drafted, or making Sports Center. It's a deep need in us that comes from the heart. We need to practice, to play, to lift, to hustle, to sweat. We do it all for our teammates and for the student in our calculus class that we don't even know. We don't practice with a future major league first baseman; we practice with a future sports agent. We don't lift weights with a future Olympic wrestler; we lift with a future doctor. We don't run with a future Wimbledon champion; we run with a future CEO. It's a bigger part of us than our friends and family can understand. Sometimes we play for 2,000 fans; sometimes 25. But we still play hard. You cheer for us because you know us. You know more than just our names. Like all of you, we are students first. We don't sign autographs. But we do sign graduate school applications, MCAT exams, and student body petitions. When we miss a kick or strike out, we don't let down an entire state. We only let down our teammates, coaches, and fans. But the hurt is still the same. We train hard, lift, throw, run, kick, tackle, shoot, dribble, and lift some more, and in the morning we go to class. And in that class we are nothing more than students. It's about pride--in ourselves, in our school. It's about our love and passion for the game. And when it's over, when we walk off that court or field for the last time, our hearts crumble. Those tears are real. But deep down inside, we are very proud of ourselves. We will forever be what few can claim... college athletes. Sean Sornsin (baseball)
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