Running for a teammate: Cross Country dedicating 2016 to Lilly Johnson

Written by Julia Fischer

Being a part of a sports team is like being a part of family, a home away from home. The CUW Cross Country team has gone through tremendous ups and downs over the last year. One of their own was diagnosed with Hodgkin's Lymphoma- cancer of the lymphatic system- at the end of the 2015-2016 track season and since the team has been working hard to make their teammate proud.

Head Coach Russ De Lap, along with the captains of the team made the decision to dedicate the 2016 cross country season to their teammate Lilly Johnson (Menominee, Mich.) as she battles her way through cancer.

"Lilly is a wonderful, super positive young athlete that shines very brightly," Coach De Lap said. "I asked her if we could dedicate the season to her and she said yes."

"I asked her if she could, at times, inspire the team through her words throughout the season," De Lap added. "We planned to get her involved from home during the season with her ideas and her communication."

Before De Lap announced the news to the team, he first asked the captains about the idea. The captains of course were all onboard, after all they would do anything for a family member.

"The captains were all for it as soon as I mentioned it to them," stated De Lap. "They thought it was a wonderful idea and that it put perspective on being grateful for the opportunities that the other athletes on the team have."

With this new found motivation the team will be pushing each other even harder throughout the season. Knowing one of their own can't be out there competing with them, only adds to the teams motivation for the 2016 season.

"The plan is for the captains to dedicate every race to Lilly, and I think that will add a real positive influence for all of them to really give their best effort for her," De Lap said.

Junior captain Cassandra Sprotte (Abbotsford, Wis.) spoke on behalf of the team about their teammate and friend. "Lilly is a person who exemplifies who we want to be and what we represent as Concordia," Sprotte said.

"She always puts forth so much effort and is willing to help those around her and just always has a big smile on her face," Sprotte said. "With a person like that going through such a difficult time, it's important to us that we not only represent Concordia but we represent the type of people we want to be which Lilly embodies."

The team plans to wear temporary tattoos on their faces for every race this season. The tattoos will represent Lilly and her journey through cancer and their dedication to make the season successful for her.

"We hope the tattoos will generate conversation with the other teams so that we can tell them about how Lilly is fighting through this difficult trial and the whole team stands with her," Sprotte explained.

Lilly is currently living at home, but that doesn't mean she isn't still a big part of the team. She still speaks with them from time to time and the Falcons have made sure they have kept Johnson a part of the family.

"The team is like a family to me," Johnson said. "I don't know what I would do without their support and their love and they are such genuine people. I was so flattered when Russ asked for my permission for the team to dedicate the season to me. It's kind of a bummer that I can't compete with the team this year but I know that there is a reason and I've come to terms with it."

Johnson is grateful for her Falcons teammates, just as they are for her. She knows the hard work they are putting in for the season and knows they want to perform their best each and every day for their inspirational teammate.

"I just want to give a big thank you to the team and all they have done for me," Johnson said. "They are such kind people with big hearts and they all deserve a season dedicated to all of them. They all work so hard everyday and I wish I could be there along with them."

The team competes on September 10th at the Ken Weidt Classic where they will be wearing their Lilly tattoos, hoping to perform well in the first race of the season for their teammate, Lilly Johnson.