Back in Black

At the start of practice I relayed a message from the Milk Man (Coach Leeman). He asked me to tell the guys that he said hello and that he missing everyone. I also gave the news that he and Kim are expecting a baby. This received a roaring applause.

The Wednesday Long Run marked the official highly anticipated return of JC Madey after a full year off. I say official because it has been know for almost all of the summer that he was coming back, and he was at most of the summer group runs as well as part of camp, but this was his first practice. He missed the first week due to family vacation, but better late than not at all. JC was one of the top in his class, making the State Team as an alternate his sophomore year before being sidelined. He is called the Bulldog and is a mental toughness expert.

Another new addition to the team today was Jordan Bender. Yes, for the fourth straight year we have a Bender on the squad. DeSmet Cross Country Great Blake Bender convinced his brother to come out for the team. Other guys can tell you how excited I was when I saw him in the locker room, because words would not do it justice.

On to practice, it was a hotter day and we went west on Ladue. A lot of guys were doing a 141 but got cut off by construction and had to make it up on the track. I enjoyed running with Madey; we had a nice talk about some big business plans. Everyone finished up with a 4x2 on the track. Coach reminded us of the importance of time management, hydration, and sleep now that school has started.

Over the last two days, we have passed out Milk Table information cards. They're more or less business cards for the blog. If you would like one, let me know, I have plenty.

Best Dressed: Coach Russo. He turned heads in his brand-spanking new Spirit Shirt. Which by the way is down-right awesome. White with a diagonal maroon stripe and the DeSmet crest on the front, and a Spartan head and the number 46 on the back. Why 46 you ask? Because that is the number of championships we have. He matched it nicely with some throw-back maroon Kairos shorts. Do you want to look as cool as Coach? Well you can! Get the exact same shirt for only $10 from Stugo.

Title: For his return Madey wore all back.