Brighton Boys Cross Country
Character
Camaraderie
Competition
Commitment
Brighton XC Alumni
Graduation Class
: 2005
Seasons with Brighton XC: 2003 & 2004
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Favorite memory of Brighton XC:
The camaraderie that I found from having run thousands of miles with people. For example, in high school I probably ran something close to 3000 miles with Dave Suchanek. In Jan of 2016, I found myself in Los Angeles, sent him a message on Facebook to tell him that I was in town, we met up and had drinks. If you were just observing our conversation and interaction, you'd have never known that it had been ten years since we'd seen each other.
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Most memorable Brighton XC or running quote:
"If you can find meaning in kind of running it takes to remain on this team, chances are you can find meaning in that other absurd pastime: life."
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What is/was your greatest athletic accomplishment?
I won Regionals and the KVC in the 400m dash my senior year.
Graduation Class: 1997
Seasons with Brighton XC: 1994-96
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Favorite memory of Brighton XC:
Winning the 1995 team state championship as an underdog and the bar on the back of Ritz's van.
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Most memorable Brighton XC or running quote:
"Good enough ever is." - Coach Falan
"Get mooooving" - Ritz abut 20 times per practice​
What is/was your greatest athletic accomplishment?
Winning the team state championship in 1995. I had more individual success as a senior, but it pales in comparison to winning as a team.
Graduation Class:
1982
Seasons with Brighton XC: 1980 & 1981
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Favorite memory of Brighton XC:
Ritsema. Going to meets and knowing the other teams respected you. Team camaraderie. Running ‘the bar’ at the end of the season.
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Most memorable Brighton XC or running quote:
The many Ritesema-isms. Him trying to get the best out of you.
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What is/was your greatest athletic accomplishment?
The one that has always meant the most to me was All State XC honors in 1981.
Graduation Class:
1977
Seasons with Brighton XC: 1974 - 1976​
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Favorite memory of Brighton XC:
Training at Bishop Lake
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Most memorable Brighton XC or running quote:
"You know you've run as fast as you can when your heart explodes right after you cross the finish line." -Ritsema
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What is/was your greatest athletic accomplishment?
1976 Class A State Cross Country Champion
