Elvis Tarango made the trip to Austin to run in the state track meet on Saturday, May 14. While warming up for the 100 meters, Tarango re-injured a hamstring that ultimately prevented him from competing in the two events he had qualified for, the 100 and the 200 meters. The hamstring injury had occurred two weeks earlier and after seeing “Doc” Truman Spoon for a laser treatment, two ultrasound treatments, two massage therapists visits, and several trips to the whirlpool it was determined that it would be in his best interest to not run in either event. His condition only worsened with the six hour weather delay that was brought on by lightning strikes in the area.
We would like to thank all of the people for their interest and concern in Elvis’ condition. There have been numerous calls and text messages asking about his condition. The decision that was made not to run was not taken lightly and the primary consideration was the long-term effect that any additional injury might have had on his future athletic career. Tarango, a junior at Valentine High School, expects to participate in power lifting as well as tennis and track his senior year. He made it to the regional competition in all three sports this year. His plans are to return healthier next year and make a run at reaching the state competition in all three sports.
Editors note: This message, dedicated to Elvis Tarango of Valentine, was authored by his coach Lonnie Flippin.
This is how a good coach inspires his athletes
If you think you’re beaten, you are.
If you think you dare not, you don’t
If you like to win but think you can’t
It’s almost a cinch you won’t
If you think you’ll lose, you’ve lost
For out in the world we find
Success begins with a person’s will
Winning is a state of mind
If you think you’re outclassed, you are
You’ve got to think high to rise
You’ve got to be sure of yourself before
You can ever win the prize
Life’s battles don’t always go
To the strongest or the fastest man
But sooner or later the man who wins
Is the man who thinks he can!
Elvis Tarango is that kind of young man
I’ve never seen anyone who believes more in that “I can”
We’ve all observed Elvis for the past several years
He’s grown into a young man who seldom shows fear
He accepts his challenges with a smile on his face
He’s become a winner with humility and grace
He’s a goal setter and he achieves them too
He’s proven what perseverance and hard work can do
Now he heads to Austin to represent us
It’s only he and I so we won’t need a bus
He understands his purpose, what he’s worked hard to do
And he plans to win gold for the Valentine Pirates and you
He hopes to inspire, his goal is to achieve
He wants nothing more than to make you believe
Believe in yourself, believe that you can
Be a hard worker and make long-term plans
Prepare for the future, to your own self be true
And maybe one day we’ll hold a special pep rally just for you
