Goodbye, Hedge

So, as far as I know, tonight was the last time that I will ever see Bill Hedgecock.

Tonight was the Varsity Sports Awards at the Marriott. It's main;y for seniors but I still had a great time. There were a lot of awards given out and that was nice and all, but what the track/cross country team was really there for was to see Hedge one last time before he moves down to Georgia for good. It was one of the saddest events in my life. Everyone was crying. Everyone. I can't even imagine not being able to see him again. I'm sure that the Warrior tradition of excellence on cross country and track will continue, but only using what Hedge has taught us in the past. He really effected so many people and...I don't even know what to say. I miss him so much :(

Really though, I hope you read my letter from Saturday. I could write a novel about this man but I think you get the point. Wantagh will never be the same without Hedge. Here's a little thing he said as he was leaving;

"That's the bad thing about moving to Georgia; if I die there, no one will come to my funeral. If I died in Wantagh and the weather was nice, I might get a pretty decent turnout" - Hedge

Hopefully that day won't come for a very long time, but when it does, we'll find a way to get to you, Hedge. We will never, ever forget about you and what you've done for us, the team, and the school and we can only hope that you won't forget about us. We truly are the luckiest runners on Earth to have been graced with you as our coach. We'll all miss you more than words can express. Please, don't forget to write or e-mail every so often and check-up on your runners. We love you so much and hope you have a good life with your family in Georgia.

I can't believe it, but I'm tearing up again.

Word of the Day: Pecksniffian - Hypocritically and fervently affecting kindness or high moral principles