An Unaltered Letter My XC/T&F Teammate Wrote to Me While Competing for the University of Georgia (circa 2016)

 Martin,
       I remember when you came in freshman year I had a hard time figuring you out. I was like man, this guy loves working out, eating, & watching Netflix. But you are obviously so much more than that and I have loved getting to know you. You are a cool guy Martinez. One thing that I like about you is you don't really care what other people think. That is a good characteristic to have because you can be yourself. And the most attractive characteristic anyone can ever have is being confident in yourself.
       One thing I do want to encourage you to do is to really try to hangout with your bros. I promise the most important memories that will come out of your experience in college is those little hangouts. Whether that is just eating dinner or even just sitting around after practice. I know there are days when anyone just needs to be alone especially if not an extrovert, which is absolutely fine. But I want to challenge you to think about that and make an effort a couple times a week to make those memories. Not just on those weeks we travel.
       I know this cross season did not go the way you wanted. And it was not that it was a bad season. Your goals were higher because of your stellar freshman year. I promise however you are close to being back on top soon. You just need to keep working. Trust the process, trust coach, & trust yourself. By the end of it you are going to be one hell of a runner. I'm sure of that & can't wait to watch/cheer you on. Txt or call me whenever or about whatever. I got your back.

 You the man,

       Morgan Malanoski