July 23, 2004

Latasha Colander

Crystal Cox

Shalane Flanagan

Laura Gerraughty

Monique Hennagan

Allen Johnson

Marion Jones

Tisha Waller

Congratulations on fulfilling lifelong dreams of qualifying to compete in the Summer Olympic Games. All of you represent our Carolina Track and Field Family and we are proud to say you are or were a student-athlete here in Chapel Hill. Your conduct on and off the track is just as great as your times, distances and heights that put you in the spotlight.

Coach John Wooden often uses the following quote that is appropriate for this occasion -- "Don't try to be better than somebody else, but never cease trying to be the best you can be." I thank all of you for being a very important part of my life as a coach and teacher for more than 35 years at the high school and collegiate levels.

Tisha Waller is our "senior" athlete on this Olympic team, having entered Carolina in 1988. Laura Gerraughty is the baby team member since she just came to UNC in 2001. Add Latasha Colander, Marion Jones, Allen Johnson- Crystal Cox, Monique Hennegan, Shalane Flannagan - and our athletes from other countries who will be going to the Games - Vikas Gowda (India), Nadine Faustin (Haiti), Dominick Demerrite (Bahamas) - and we have 11 former or current Tar Heels competing in 14 events at the Olympic games - WOW!

These dedicated and skilled athletes represent a broad range of events including the 100, 200, 400 and 500 meters, the 100 and 110 meter hurdles, shot put, high jump, discus, long jump and relays. That is certainly a talented and diverse group of young people.

Thank you all for representing the Tar Heels and the University of North Carolina with class and distinction.

Best wishes for a safe and successful trip to Athens.

Dennis Craddock

Head Coach

University of North Carolina

Track and Field/Cross Country