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At age five, Blake’s parents began to realize how talented 

their son was at running. Everywhere they went Blake was 

running and filled with endless energy. He was a joyful, 

happy, and charismatic child. He always put a smile on 

someone’s face and his personality was very unique. Nothing 

got in his way and he was determined to achieve his goals 

even if the outcome ended badly. After years passed by, 

running was his passion that soon began to take over his life. 

Blake lived in a very poor family but his parents continued to 

support his decisions. He spent hours running miles and miles 

on a daily basis until he was completely out of breath. He 

would run throughout his neighborhood and through the park 

nearby. Brian, Blake’s older brother, was an important figure 

in Blake’s life. He was a role model as well as his best friend.

It was Blake’s freshman year of high school and the day was finally here, 

track tryouts. He had been preparing for this day since he was a young 

child. As he stepped out onto the track his heart was pumping, adrenaline 

was rushing, and the nerves began to kick in. However, he stayed confident 

as ever and maintained a positive attitude. Coach Goldberg called Blake and 

the other runners over to explain the drills they would be doing during the 

two hours. “Alright runners you may go ahead and begin your two mile 

warmup” said Coach Goldberg. He blew the whistle and they were off. He 

looked at his surroundings and saw about fifty other runners trying out. 

While Blake was warming up numerous thoughts began to fill his mind. 

Blake tried to keep his positive mentality as he began to realize his 

competition. He was up against some of the best track runners that were 

much older and more experienced. But Blake didn’t realize how capable he 

was of making the team. His strength, hard work, and stamina easily stood 

out from everyone else. He may have less competition experience from the 

rest of the runners but Coach Goldberg knew right away that Blake was one 

of the best runners out there. This was just the beginning for a young, 

inexperienced high school runner.

The tryout started out easy with three one hundred meter sprints. Blake 

was in the first line to go along with seven other runners. They set up, 

whistle blew, and they were off. Right away Blake went into his own 

world where nothing else mattered but himself. This repeated each time 

it was his turn. The first one hundred meter sprint he came in last place 

but it all began to change instantly. After every sprint from then on, he 

came out on top. The adrenaline kicked in and nerves were no longer an 

issue. His mind was only focused on the hard work and time he has 

spent running. He wanted to make his older brother and family proud. 

The workouts were getting more intense and tiring after the first hour 

but he was determined to not let anything affect him. After the tryouts 

were over, Coach Goldberg called Blake over to talk to him about his 

performance. Goldberg was a tall middle aged man, who had a very soft 

side to his personality. “You have something very different and special 

in you Blake” said Goldberg. “I see great milestones happening in your 

future” as he patted Blake on the back. “Thank you coach that really 

means a lot” said Blake with a grin on his face. Blake walked away filled 

with happiness and a sense of relief. The next day Blake would get a 

letter telling him whether or not he made the track team.

The next day Blake got the best news ever. He got a letter from Coach 

Goldberg saying: “Congratulations! You are the newest addition to our team. 

Good luck running this season and I hope you make the best of it. –Coach 

Goldberg”. Blake was ecstatic about the news. His brother and parents were 

so happy that all the hard work paid off.   From then on, Blake had track 

practice six days a week. Every weekend there was a competition against 

other high schools. It was very rare seeing Blake lose. He got better and 

better every week of every month. He took national titles, trophies, and high 

rankings among the top competitors. Three years later it was Blake’s senior 

year. He had been on the track team all four years of his high school career. 

Coach Goldberg became really close with Blake and also became an 

important role model.   The season was coming to an end and Blake wanted 

to join the army as soon as he turned eighteen. In May, Blake’s friends, 

family, and coach attended his graduation. Blake was sad that the year 

ended so quickly but was ready for a new start in his life. He thanked 

everyone for being so supportive and caring. “Thank you Blake for showing 

me what a real determined athlete looks like” said Goldberg. Blake smiled 

and hugged the coach. 

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