SIBLEY – In front of his coaches, teammates and father, Lakeside cross country and track athlete Eric Greene signed on the dotted line, officially becoming a McNeese State Cowboy.
Lakeside senior Eric Greene signs a cross country scholarship with McNeese State University Thursday afternoon while coach Dan Grantham, Greene’s father and teammates look on. Blake Branch/Press-Herald
After the ceremony, a relieved Green expressed gratitude for those who helped make the day possible.
“It’s been five or six years of ups and downs,” Greene said. “It really feels like it’s all been worth it now.”
Greene’s list of accomplishments is a long one.
Greene placed third in the state in cross country and runner up in the 3200 as a sophomore. He was the state runner-up in cross country and the 3200 as a junior and finished as the individual state champion for cross country this season, his senior year. Additionally, Greene is a three-time all-state selection in track and cross country and one of only four runners in Lakeside history to run the two-mile race under 10 minutes.
“Practices are tough here,” Greene said. “You never know if a season will turn out good or kind of pitiful. I’ve had to overcome a lot, including losing my mom my sophomore year. It’s been a fight, but it’s been a good fight.”
The future Cowboy also thanked his closest teammate, Cody Robinson.
“He’s always been there for me,” Greene said. “We’re like two peas in a pod.”
There are still a few races to run before Greene’s Lakeside career comes to a close, but he is already thinking about what he hopes to gain from becoming a Cowboy.
“I’m looking forward to getting faster,” Greene said. “As well as getting my education, that comes first. It’s going to be interesting there. Most of those guys are top in the state. I’ll also get to reunite with my old teammate, Enrique Soto.”
Lastly, Greene wanted to thank Grantham.
“He is our leader,” Greene said. “The fact he does this without pay and puts us first, it says a lot about him. He’s done a lot for us.”