Going The Distance ... Derek Nelson

Derek Nelson is one of the most impressive young people I know. He has truly been a blessing to a team that four years ago needed some folks just like him.

His start in running wasn't what one would call an "explosion." His talent wasn't clearly on display, but what was obvious was his willingness to be coached, ability to listen and desire to work hard and do his best.

That equation has resulted in what has become a truly glorious career of running over the last three years, and this season is shaping up to be a grand culmination on that theme. He's been a "rags to riches" story of sorts, reminiscent of those 19th Century stories penned by Horatio Alger who wrote of young boys who rose to great heights of success through "luck, pluck and virtue." I'm not sure how much luck Derek has received, but I do know how hard he has worked and how deep is his character.

Derek is the consumate worker. Both in the classroom and on the roads, no one could ever accuse Derek of slacking or taking short cuts. The guy gets the reality that nothing good ever comes easily. He has literally "lost his lunch" a time or two in the effort to achieve even more.

But even bigger than Derek's work ethic is the class and dignity in which he wraps that drive. He is not given to putting others down who fail to reach his level of commitment. He's kind and sensitive; honest and forthright. He understands and practices teamwork in an old fashioned way, making the guys around him better by his self-depracating and humble spirit. His character is as deep as the pacific and our team is TRULY better because Derek dons the uniform.

From very humble beginnings, to one of the cornerstones of our current varsity squad, Derek has littered his career with successes and valuable lessons learned in the valleys of adversity. The result is a glittering example of a young man that makes us all quite proud to say, "I run with Derek Nelson."