Editor, Times-Union: They say, “Better late than never.” I hope that’s true in this case. Sometimes we get caught up in where we are, at the expense of others. Such was the case 10 years ago this last spring.
The occasion was the annual senior athlete recognition banquet. The recipient that night of the Career Athlete Award was Jennifer “Finchy” Finch. I failed to give her the recognition she deserved.
The following is what I should have said: “This is a special night for the sport of cross country. It is highly rare that a cross country runner receives such an honor let alone it being a girl. This may be a first for Warsaw. She doesn’t like it, but I like to compare her to a young colt. You’ve probably seen one running through the pasture kicking up its heels. So frisky and full of spirit. It’s that spirit that is Finchy.
“As a sophomore with an individual sectional championship under her belt she, and the rest of the team, set their sights on something higher. The event was the Manchester Semi-state. She loves this course because it is flat and fast. That day she led the team to qualify for the State meet. Something never accomplished by a Warsaw Lady Tiger team. Her time that day was the fastest ever run at that distance by a Lady Tiger.
“The State meet proved to be more of a challenge for her. It was held at Bloomington where it is very hilly. Just what she doesn’t like, even though I tell the girls that the hills are their friends. Besides that it was hot and dusty. Both conditions posed a real problem for her. For you see she has asthma. Just running with asthma is enough of a challenge. Then you throw in the heat and the dust it made it very difficult for her. It wasn’t the finish she wanted, but she did gut it out and help the team to a 13th place finish.
“Her junior year she alone would return to Bloomington. Unfortunately for Jen the hills were still there, as was her resolve to rise to the challenge. Asthma and all. She truly deserves this award.”
I would like to apologize to Jen and her family that these words were not spoken 10 years ago. It was a pleasure and an honor to have coached her.
