Senior Student-Athlete Speech

Good afternoon, senior student athletes. I am privileged to be in front of you today to commemorate all of our accomplishments and congratulate you on your years of dedication to your respective sports.

For those of you who do not know me, my name is Greg Podgorski and I have been a member of the Men’s Basketball team at Brockport for the past four years. You wouldn’t really describe my athletic experiences here as typical, as I have been unable to play on the team since my sophomore year due to a heart condition.

As I have remained a member of the team, I learned a lot about myself and saw how not only lessons in athletics, but lessons in life, hold a completely new meaning. I, too, once dreaded 6:00 a.m. conditioning, three hour practices, and mandatory off-season workouts. However, after being unable to participate in these activities and watching from the sidelines, I learned what commitment meant and saw that, as a teammate, you were never alone in your struggles and you always had others to help you through your problems.

I’m sure that most of you at one point or another in your athletic careers have been sidelined. As you go through the rest of your life and whatever career path you are pursuing, I ask that you remember that point in your life. Remember how disappointing it was watching your teammates lose a close game that you know you could have helped them win, or struggle through a tough practice where you wished you were struggling with them. Translate those memories into motivation to never take anything for granted and give your best in everything you do.

All of you have left your hearts on the court, field, track, ice and in the pool. While you and your teams may not have accomplished the goals you set out for, since you left every ounce of yourselves on that playing surface, that is the true measure of victory, and you should have nothing to regret. Take the dedication and work ethic you have developed over your athletic careers, and transmit this energy to your careers and the rest of your lives. When you wake up every morning, be grateful for everything you have, the opportunities that you have been awarded, and strive for perfection!

As we move forward with our lives, remember the people that have helped you to be where you are today. And never forget the teammates that you have had so many positive memories with.

Congratulations Brockport Senior Student-Athletes of 2008!