Giving Thanks

Giving thanks –

After having a fall like we have had in our athletic department, I have spent some time reflecting on just how incredible it has been and what it has meant to so many. We have five NCAA fall sports teams and they all made it to the NCAA Tournament. Our cycling program was 6^th at Track Nationals and 4^th at Mountain Bike Nationals.

So, while thinking about it, I realized there are many reasons to give thanks this time of year.

I am thankful for  . . .

• The river rock buildings that make up our beautiful campus
• The cloudless skies that showcase the treasured environment that surrounds Lees-McRae, Banner Elk and the Appalachian Mountains
• The Australian cheer that has survived more than a decade and used to rally teams with a simple oy-oy-oy and Bobcat, Bobcat, Bobcat!!!
• Cold winter nights to remind me it is time for basketball season to begin
• The clanging of weights, loud music and grunts coming from the weight room as student-athletes try to get stronger, faster and healthier
• Balls bouncing, whistles whistling signifying teaching in a gym filled with basketball players
• Being able to see the breath of an athlete practicing in the chilled airs
• Professors who care — Professors who come to games, support our endeavors and look after our young people
• Our maintenance and housekeeping staff who do all they can to make our surroundings look brand new every day
• Coaches — Young and experienced, they are making a difference in a young person’s life and for the better!
• Parents who trust coaches to do their job and take every method to make sure the journey of college is marked by making right decisions
• College sports — Where does the lesson of life get taught any better? Sacrifices, handling adversity, overcoming issues, challenging to reach potential, reward for hard work and achievement.
• Lees-McRazies — A student-led cheer group who will soon be able to impact a game because of their cheers, school spirit and pride.
• Dedicated staff. How can one enjoy 60+ hour work weeks? They know they are making an impact and for all the right reasons.
• Van rides, huddles, time outs, half times and any chance a person gets to be in a close knit group with those they are working with to be the best
• Green grass — Signifies health, time to play, and a chance to showcase our facilities
• Yellow fuzz — it lets me know our tennis team is practicing away in our indoor tennis court
• The view from lane 1 of the swimming pool with Hanging Rock in the distance and the water temperature is 82 degrees
• Friends and family — Those who support the efforts and understand the issues of working in higher education while recognizing the importance of sports.
• RA’s and RD’s who make sure all are safe and everyone understands consequences of actions, helping further the education of making right, healthy decisions.
• An admissions staff eager to bring the next generation of Lees-McRae students to campus and invigorate our campus with actions and activities
• Outdoor programming — Because where else can you sleep next to a running river and hike up a mountain in a span of 5 minutes?
• A college that cares, an administration that supports, a faculty/staff that challenges, a community that shares
• My job, because I know how important it is to be held accountable and hold others to the same high standard, and if we are going to have any amount of success, whether it be in or out of the classroom, I need to be appreciative of the chance I have been given and thankful for all those around me who have made this fall and many more to come such a great one.

Thank you and have a Happy Thanksgiving,

Craig