Last week was Goldendale's Cross Country Home Meet. Its the only one Sam and I are ever able to get to, because all the away ones are pretty dang far away.
But before I talk about the meet, there is some drama to share.
A few weeks into the season, the cross country coach called me. She told me that to give the team the best chance at making it to State, she wanted to have the 8th graders run up on the HS team...mostly because this one 8th grade boy is amazing and she was banking on his speed helping the team get to State. Now, normally this wouldn't be a big deal, but it was this time, because Timothy was the only 7th grader on the MS team....and you need at least 5 people to make a team. So because she wanted the 8th graders to run up with the HS team, there is now no MS team and Timothy can't participate in the races.
So he can come to practices, and he can go to the races, but he can't participate in them anymore. He got race in two. That's it. I was pretty annoyed, since Timothy had waited so patiently to enter 7th grade and be able to join cross country, but I felt like I couldn't say no to her request. And it's not like I didn't understand what she was saying, it just sucks that Timothy is getting the short end of the stick. Timothy was equally upset, but ultimately got over it and continued to do his best at practices and go to the meets to cheer his teammates on. Because he's a good human and a badass like that.
Here are photos from one of the races he was able to participate in, taken by my friend.
Fast forward to a week before State Qualifiers (the meet where you find out if your teem qualifies for State.), Anthony lets his coach know that he won't be able to make it to the State Qualifiers meet because he is going to go to Minnesota for a family member's funeral. I left the decision up to Anthony, as it should be, and that's what he decided.
He, Timothy, and I are immediately booted from the cross country team message thread and the boys are told to turn in their uniforms and they are done.
WHAT IN THE ACTUAL FUCK.
I have SO much to say about the unkind, unprofessional, pettiness of this coach, but I will hold my tongue. An email back-and-forth did no good, it was just filled with a lot of bitching on her part, and condescendingly calling me a "Mama Bear." I have taken issues with this coach ever since Anthony first started, But I always kept my mouth shut. I have my own opinions and dislikes of how she treats, talks to, and talks of the kids. But again, I'll hold my tongue and cross my fingers that her threat to retire will actually come true, lol.
All I know is Timothy was pretty upset to be booted from the team, being unable to say goodbye to his team mates, essentially being punished himself because Anthony said he wasn't making State Qualifiers. And Anthony was like a whole new person. This weight just lifted off his shoulders. This burden of having to be around a person that makes you miserable because of their actions and words, just gone. If that's not saying something about the coaches' character....
Both the girl's and boy's team qualified for State. And both teams did amazingly well at State. Without Anthony. So her over the top anger and bitching was completely out of this world and misplaced.
Anyway, I'm glad Anthony is in better spirits, and I'm hoping Timothy will have a better season next year, without this coach. We will see.
The home meet was fun to watch. I really love watching Anthony and Timothy talk to and interact with their peers. They are so kind, supportive, and silly. They make others feel supported and good about themselves. I love that, and am proud of them for that.
Of course, I was sad knowing Timothy couldn't participate. His time will come. But I greatly enjoyed watching Anthony and cheering him on for his last home meet!
With love, Mama Hauck
