As a Division 3 lacrosse program, we are only allowed a certain number of practices during the fall. For about four weeks, we are able to practice about three times per week. Although it seems like not a lot, these practices are loaded with drills and tons of running. Running is one thing that we sure do a lot of in the fall. After having the whole summer to prepare for our fall season, our coach expects us to be in top-notch shape, ready to run and work hard. Doing all of these different run tests and sprints during practice can clearly be a pain at times, but in the end it is worth it. We had a different kind of run test two Sunday’s ago but this time it was not on Biddle Field with just our team, it was here on campus with the Dickinson Community.
Run For Steph is a 5K that takes place every fall here at Dickinson. Steph was a Dickinson student who tragically passed away after getting hit by a drunk driver just over ten years ago. Since then, there has been a 5K set up in her honor and to raise awareness and money for a great cause. With that being said, teams, clubs, sororities, and countless other Dickinsonians come out on a Sunday morning to take part in Run For Steph.
So, on that Sunday morning all fifty members of the mens lacrosse team showed up in full force to run the 5K. This was not a test that was going to be timed and monitored by our coaches but instead, this was a test of our team’s character. Some guys could have showed up with a bad attitude, maybe still a little shaken up from the night before, and just pout the whole time while they were there. Although that is not what Dickinson lacrosse is. Our whole team showed up ready to represent and ready to run.
Now, the actual 5K was no joke. While you could run it at your own, leisurely pace, my teammates and I made it a little race of our own. Last one to finish the race was going to be in for a rough treat after they crossed the finish line. Everyone went all out for it and had finished the race except for two. Next thing we knew, our two remaining teammates were neck and neck coming down the last stretch- neither of them wanted to be last.
It turned out our last two teammates finished in a dead tie so in good spirit, there was no punishment for the loser. Our entire team stayed around until the last of the other runners finished the race. All in, this was just an hour out of our Sunday morning. Instead of wasting away a Sunday morning by sleeping or just complaining about how hungover you are, our team was able to make it a very productive morning. Run For Steph 2015 was a success… such a success we even got a team picture!
