Valentine’s Elvis Tarango scratches running events at State

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

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