Dear Seniors,
It's been a glorious marathon.
I would just like to say thank you for everything you have taught me. Not only have you guys helped me develop as an athlete, but you have helped me grow as a person.
I came into college not knowing my place in the world, as all college students do, but through the past two years, you have shown me how to commit to something, shown me what it takes to be the best, and I have seen the drive and determination required succeed.
It's going to be different without you, but what you have left behind has seen adversity and will do what is necessary to carry on the legacy of yours and all the other classes before it. "Tiger Ball" is something you can only experience.
I know all of you are going to go out in the world and do everything you set your mind to. Life can hit hard, but only if you let it. Grind through the professional world and grind through grad school. I expect nothing less of perfection from all of you, and knowing all of you I know the bar is set right where it should be.
You guys have such bright futures and even though your collegiate baseball career is at an end, think of all the opportunities you will have to enjoy different aspects of life. Look, no seven hour Saturday and Sunday practices, no more 6 a.m. lifting in the fall, and no more 320 and backs, centerfields, or hill sprints.
Instead, now you can join a weekly aerobics class, go with your girlfriends to pilates, and I know there are the few of you who love stretching those limbs in yoga classes. If keeping your epic dad bods is more important, indulge in some ice cold brews while fishing. (Maybe some of you could actually catch something for once.) We all know you seniors love BINGO. I heard there are some competitive leagues in Lincoln. Just remember, cough cough Matthews cough cough, don't break the cards in half if you lose.
In all seriousness though, I am going to miss you guys. I connected more with your class then either mine or the class below you guys. I am going to miss spitting hockey talk with Powell. I am going to miss watching Kucera flirting with girls fives times his size. I am going to miss Meyer's quiet jokes that sometimes I think I only hear. I am going to miss Touhey yelling at me, "You god damn hippie!" I am going to miss Mckee's scary demeanor when ever it comes to anything competitive. I am Pough's repetitive cigarettes when he is hammered. I am going to miss Jenson obvious dad bod, even though he refuses to accept it. I will also miss Jenson's better looking father and brother. I am going to miss Bryce's telling the team to cool it down because we were hurting the other team's feeling. Bryce - stop being a teacher's pet. Lastly, I will be missing Matthews egotistic belligerently blasted attitude.
I love you guys and know this is not the end, but rather the beginning of all your lives. I look forward to being a part of as many of those as possible.
Your hippie,
Duhey
