FALL 2016

Coach Justin: 

Progression is always possible.

2016 Decathlon All-American Taylor Vann ('16)

Every academic year presents an opportunity for our team to grow, to engage in the process more, and ultimately to get more of what we want. I find it an interesting process to help others (and myself) get what they want. Usually, it's going faster, jumping and throwing further or higher but the key aspect for our program is to focus on the process.

It's cliche and common vocabulary to say, "focus on the process," yet it is one of the key ways our Track & Field program has had success even in the face of the impossible.

I remember the look on the 2011-2012 team when I sat in Walker classroom and said that our goals were to qualify in every on the sprint and hurdle event in 1-2 years for ECACs and 3-4 years for NCAAs. There was no talk about All-American status and National Titles and the team still rolled their eyes and doubted any of it was possible.

And, somehow they found a way to qualify for all relays, 100, 110H, 200, 400, 800, and Decathlon for ECACs and 400m and Decathlon for NCAAs.

It didn't fulfill our ultimate goal but it is apparent that when you strive above what seems possible and you commit to fulfilling those goals, then you are capable of moving way further than you thought.

We are very proud of all the athletes who have contributed to where we are at now.

To the teams pre-2008 who participated in the club and put themselves out there and competed, you set the tone and precedent.

To the teams 2008-2011 who rounded out as many events as possible, who did off-events to score points and break records, you all up the ante and provided the next level of possibilities and norms which allowed the next crop to grow.

LJ and TJ School Record Holder Annelise Depman ('19)

To the teams of 2012-2016 who bought into training year round, continued to make it a track and FIELD team (check the Vassar Athletics Website), and bought into the mission/vision of our team, you put our team on the regional and national stage.

With a very well-rounded team, we are poised once again to make an impact in our conference, region, and I do believe there are several possibilities to compete at a national level once again. And, it's all because of the precedent set by every single VCTF member in the history of the program. Each person on our roster contributes to our entire success through their charisma, power, and example.

Funny Team waiting for the bus

And, the most important thing is that the lessons learned during the four years as a team member carry over after Vassar. It means the world to me to hear how the things us coaches said, or the expectations we set, or how your failures made you stronger have impacted your lives and set you up to manage, benefit, and thrive in this crazy world...that is what this is really all about. That is, the process of learning and in turn, being successful in everything that you put your mind to and finding fulfillment in the being engaged in your passions, work, and relationships. 

-Justin