By Olivia Knoop
Olivia Knoop was a four-year varsity athlete in cross country and track at Ranney who will attend Quinnipiac this fall. The Panthers captain shares heartfelt words to her teammates and coaches.
When I was in sixth grade, I joined the spring track team at Ranney. Seven years later, I am missing the season I have always looked forward to. Not being able to finish my final season with my coaches, who not only helped me grow as an athlete but as a person, is crushing. But rather than wallow in my sorrow I’d like to reflect on what this program has given me.
Each spring I look forward to the outdoor track season. This year I was especially looking forward to it because of my amazing coaches. Since my sophomore year Coach Hodson has been by my side helping me improve as a runner. We have definitely grown up a bit together.
We’ve gone through so much together, from her wedding to the college process to prom dates, she is always there with a smile and the best advice. And then there is Coach Crocker, who came into my life my junior year and it has never been the same. He is truly my best friend in the whole world. There are not enough nice things to say about Crocker. He has helped me improve beyond my wildest dreams and always puts a smile on my face.
To my fellow seniors, thank you; you have made this year a blast. Most of my friends on the team graduated last year so I was nervous cross country and track would not be as fun. These boys definitely proved me wrong. From Holmdel to the Bubble you guys always make me laugh and you make every practice interesting. Thank you for respecting me as captain; I know I can be bossy and you all took it in stride. Thank you for all the jokes and laughs. I hope we can all look back on what we have accomplished this year and feel proud.
Ranney School senior Olivia Knoop with track coach Ronald Crocker.
To my underclassmen, enjoy however long you have left in high school. Give 100 percent in every practice no matter how hard it feels. One day you will look back and remember those Tuesday workouts and be glad you gave it your all. Listen to the coaches, they do know what they’re doing and, I hate to break it to you, they know more than you. Enjoy every moment and every meet because one day it will be over.
Although I didn’t get to finish my season, I am grateful for the little moments. I won’t remember what I missed, but the seasons that I was lucky enough to have. I love my team and my coaches and I’m so glad I got three and a half years of fun with them.
Ranney Track and Field Senior Salute
Ranney track and field head coach Tara Hodson salutes her seniors.
Olivia Knoop has been a four-year member of the varsity cross country, indoor track and outdoor track team, making her a 12-season varsity athlete during her time at Ranney. Olivia was captain for the cross country and track seasons and has been an amazing leader for her teammates. Olivia is easily one of the most improved athletes at Ranney and we have no doubt that she will be a lifelong runner even as her high school career comes to a close. Olivia will be missed as she heads to Quinnipiac in the fall!
Michael Cunningham has been an active member of both our indoor and outdoor track programs and has seen great improvements during his time here. He has a fantastic work ethic, and makes sure to stay fit even outside of practice, consistently following a lifting routine on his own. Mike, will be missed as he becomes a student at Stevens Institute of Technology next year!
Ranney School’s four cross country seniors from the fall were, from left, Olivia Knoop, Carter Dibsie, Shreyan Nageswaran and Matt Wrigley. Not pictured is Alex Senderov who would have joined the team for his first season this spring
Shreyan Nageswaran has been a member of both our cross country, indoor and outdoor track programs and knows how to have fun while doing so! Shreyan’s enthusiastic waves, creative handshakes and fashionable headbands will be missed as he heads off to Ohio State next year.
Matt Wrigley has been an active member of the cross country, indoor and outdoor track teams throughout high school. He improved throughout his time here, evolving from a sprinter into a distance runner (though he prefers the shorter distances). Matt, will be missed as he heads to Wake Forest next year.
Alex Senderov was part of the team for just one season, but he has certainly left his mark, participating in almost every virtual practice. We wish we could have seen Alex race! The team will miss him next year as he heads to Cornell.
The article originally appeared in the June 18-24, 2020 print edition of The Two River Times.
