Projo GameTime Blog

Jamison Odone - a former track and cross-country runner at Ponaganset now living in Ridgefield, Conn., where he writes and illustrates children's books - felt compelled to write to the Journal after reading "Hospitality is par for the cross-country course at Ponaganset." In the story, cross-country coaches from around the state applauded the tireless efforts of Ponaganset coaches Jim Caron and Susan Shippee and their "army" of volunteers who have hosted the Rhode Island Interscholastic League's Class and State Cross Country Championships for each of the last seven years.

Odone talked about the impact that running for Caron had on his life:

"I was introduced to Jim as his nephew's best friend during my freshman year at Ponaganset. Coach Caron convinced me to join the team and the next four years zipped past quicker than one of our races. As a teenager, I was more than just a loud mouthed pain in the rear--I'm sure I can find more proof than I'd like to admit. Now, I CRINGE while reflecting upon some of the things I put Coach Caron through . . . . but he always stayed with me. That's why my cringe can quickly turn into a smile. When my family was suffering financially, he noticed that purchasing running shoes was just too much for me to ask of my mother - so he showed up the next day with a pair. Coach Caron has always given me a visual definition of sacrifice for the benefit of others. His time is spent helping people achieve their goals at such a crucial age of development. This while balancing the fact that most of these "developing people" are crass brats, just trying to figure the world out (myself at the head of the line). He never gave up on any of us and we will never give up being thankful to him."

 Tags  cross country Jamison Odone Jim Caron Ponaganset

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