Last year, when UMW Athletics began it's journey with Wesley, I was so intrigued by the work Tyler Carey was doing for Wesley that I had to do a story on it for the school newspaper. I had the pleasure of interviewing him and Philip Pierce to get a more in depth look at what the whole story was about, and it was an amazing experience. Understanding what Wesley has gone through and continues to go through was extremely eye opening and learning what UMW athletics has done for him, such as the photo campaigns and the 'Win 4 Wesley' game, reassured my pride in being an Eagle. Ever since, I have taken every Win for Wesley event at our school very seriously and I try to spread the message of this man's fight.

Although the cross country team does not have a home meet to dedicate to Wesley, we find other ways to honor him while we compete-- when we competed at the Paul Short Invitational, our men's team took home a victory and dedicated it to Wesley. Also, some members of our team have the Win 4 Wesley wristband and wear them for every race. I glance at it every now and then, even during those races, to remind myself that whatever battle I may be going through is nothing compared to what Wesley is going through, and that I cannot take what I do for granted, ever.

-Written by Chris Markham and Caroline Cerand   Cross Country