The Travis Lichfield Award 2015

Travis Lichfield AKA: LICH (read more about him here)

With my parents and our good friend, Trevor Larson - He ran Cross Country with my brother and I

Congrats to Jacob Gill

Congrats to Katie Andrus

Richland Bomber Cross Country team / Awards Night

I gave each recipient a photo and a pair of black socks

My mom and the Gill family ... Congratulations!

With Katie Andrus

I was invited to present the Travis Lichfield award last night at the Richland Bomber Cross Country Banquet. It was an incredible opportunity and a night I won't soon forget.

I said a prayer that I wouldn't cry.
I said a prayer that my message would lift and inspire!

I believe Travis was there with all of us!

Special thanks to Trevor Larson for sharing a few thoughts and memories.

I ended my comments with this write-up from my fellow teammate - Christine Hess (class of '88)

It's been 27 years since I was a Bomber alongside Travis Lichfield, but I can still clearly see him running in my mind's eye. Not running, exactly, but floating. I see him rounding a curve on the track surrounded by heads bobbing and arms crossing their bodies. Towards the front of the pack was Travis. Long, skinny legs, black socks and impossibly long stride. Arms in a relaxed swing by his sides. You see, Travis had perfect form. He was one of the lucky few who was born to run. He ran efficiently and, well, beautifully. I recognized it even as a 16-year old. When we distance runners ran strides at the end of practice, I would try to emulate Travis's stride, try to capture some of that magic. When I went on to compete in college, and I was pushing myself against a much tougher crowd, I'd get tired and realize my form was suffering. In my head, I'd think to myself "Run like Travis." But his perfect form is not to say his success came without effort. He had the heart to back it up. He worked hard. We never got to see what Travis would have accomplished as a senior or as a collegiate runner. But it makes me smile to know that there are other runners carrying his torch. I was so happy to hear that fellow athletes who embody the same spirit are given an award in his name each year. As one who ran with him, I hope they understand the honor it is to stand in his company and that they continue to carry that spirit forward in everything they do.

I didn't cry. Well, not until I got home! And then, I let the tears fall - It was a good cry. One full of gratitude, memories and love!

Thanks Richland Bomber Cross Country for letting me be part of your special night! And for giving this award out for the past 26 years.

Running.

Glance back -

Pictured above is my letterman jacket from high school. I graduated in 1991 so my high school days have been over for some time!

I was surprised today to find a tweet from my cousin who posted up a picture of himself in a Bomber sweatshirt and the words: Bomber Wednesday.

I was a Richland Bomber and ran for the school as a member of the cross country and track teams. His little Bomber tweet helped me glance back for a moment and remember some really great memories.

In fact, it inspired me to pull out my jacket. I put it on and was immediately transported to years long gone and races long over. (Happy to say it still fits!)

One of my favorite John Denver songs is ... "This Old Guitar"

It goes:
This old guitar taught me to sing a love song
It showed me how to laugh and how to cry
It introduced me to some friends of mine
And brightened up some days
It helped me make it through some lonely nights
Oh, what a friend to have on a cold and lonely night

And so on ... I feel the same sentiments towards this old letterman jacket of mine as it serves as a reminder of days in my life that were filled with a lot of growing and becoming.

Thanks for the tweet, Ty.

It is indeed a Bomber kind of day!

Run on -