05. Attention isn’t a varsity perk

It’s easy to know what’s happening with your fastest runners. They’re scoring points, chasing records, and giving you plenty to talk about.

The new kid trying to finish a run has something happening, too. So does the junior who keeps showing up and hasn’t made varsity.

Their progress matters. Their experience matters. They shouldn’t have to get fast before we get curious about them.

I want the same care in understanding the walk-on as the state qualifier. Where an athlete starts should never decide how interested we are in helping them grow.