In 2018-19, the Mountain East Conference began its "Dear Sport" initiative where student-athletes in the conference were encouraged to write a letter to their sport. The initiative provides the opportunity for student-athletes to express in their own words the impact that sports has played in shaping them throughout their lives.
Click here to view all letters posted throughout the year.
Below is a letter from Darius Berry, a track and field athlete from Wheeling Jesuit.
Dear Track and Field,
I have dreaded writing this letter ever since I was asked to because this letter means that my time with you as an athlete is coming to an end and I have to mentally prepare myself for the waterfall of tears that are going to come after my last race. I don’t even know where to or how to start talking about the impact you have had on my life.
Eight years ago I stepped on the track for the first time and instantly fell in love with you but I never would have guessed that our journey would have gone how it did. You have been my best friend, my greatest enemy and my motivation. You’ve caused me so much stress over the last eight years but you have also been my favorite stress reliever. You have introduced me to some of the greatest people I have ever met and will cherish forever. Thanks to you I have traveled all over the country and gone places I would have never even considered going on my own. You taught me one of the most important lessons I believe I have ever learned which is “only you control how hard you work." Throughout every injury, bad day, and setback you taught me that I can’t dwell on the bad if I wanted to get better, you showed me that if I stay positive and believe in myself I can overcome anything. You have shown me how strong I am both mentally and physically, there were many times I wanted to just call it a day and quit because I was frustrated with my performances, my academics, or just life in general but I didn’t. You taught me there sometimes things are just out of your control and you just have to fight through it. I have learned that if I truly want something bad enough I will fight through every obstacle to get it.
Thanks to you I had the opportunity to join the Cardinal family at WJU, this place and these people have changed my life in ways I would have never imagined. They have opened their homes to me when I wasn't able to make it home for holidays, they've thrown me amazing birthday parties and even asked me to be in their weddings. The memories I have with these people are ones that I will forever hold dear to my heart. There is a lot I’m going to miss about you! I’m going to miss all the team trips, the meet day hype up dance videos, the crazy hotel pillow fights (sorry Ricky), always going to Wendy’s after the meets, celebrating new PRs and seasons best that my teammates and I get, and of course driving to and from meets with coach Moore and spilling all kinds of tea. While my body may not miss you my heart forever will!
To conclude I just want to thank you for everything you have given me these last eight years, every accolade, trophy, memory, record, and life lesson. I appreciate everything you have done for me and I thank you for helping mold me into the man I am today. No matter how many highs and lows we experienced together it was always worth it and I can’t wait to have the opportunity to share you with others.
One Love,
Darius Berry
Wheeling Jesuit University