I am a Thunderbird runner. I am the latest in a long line of champions. I am part of a family of winners that  goes back five generations. I will do my absolute best to maintain the tradition and honor of being a  member of Yucaipa High School’s most successful athletic program.  

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I will be inclusive. I embrace my teammates and I understand that it all isn’t about me. I will equally  support the slowest T-Bird and the quickest. I understand that we are all in this together and the best way I  can make my team better is to support all of my teammates.  

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I will look for the big picture. At times coaches will ask me to push beyond my comfort zone. I understand  that they are helping me become a more successful athlete and person. At times I may be asked to  sacrifice for the good of the team. I understand personal sacrifices often pay back the largest rewards.  

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I will be a rock for my teammates. My teammates will gain strength and courage from the example I set. I  know that being a positive example will not only make me a better T-Bird, but it will help others along that  path.  

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I will be a positive communicator. I will not hesitate sharing my positive feelings with my teammates and  my coaches. Silence is not a virtue that leads to being a successful person or athlete. However, negative  communication is the single fastest way to separate yourself from your teammates and your coaches.  

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I will encourage my teammates and myself. Lives change rapidly in an environment of love and  encouragement. I will do my best to recognize positive traits in my teammates and myself. If I call attention  to a negative attribute in others or myself, I have moved the team backwards.  

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I have faith. Without faith in my god, my family and my teammates, I have nothing. Faith will keep me  moving forward when times are tough. Faith will sustain me when I can’t take another breath. I will be  faithful to my teammates and to myself.  

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I am all in. For this extremely brief time in my life, I am 100% committed to my team. I feel fortunate to be  able to contribute to the legacy of this amazing team. I will be a Thunderbird runner for the rest of my life.  

-Mark Watkins