EVANSTON — “We don’t realize how big and successful our program has become until we come together for an end of season awards dinner,” Red Devil cross-country head coach Ryan Berger began.

The coach went on to acknowledge how many people have a hand in staging a successful season and to extend his appreciation.

The boys’ team, as previously reported in the Herald, won the 2018 cross-country state championship, a first in school history. The girls’ team had a stellar season, as well, finishing second at the conference meet and third at state.

Word spread fast of the performance at state and  a hero’s welcome home was orchestrated to greet the team at the east end of town as their bus arrived from Sheridan on the evening of the the state meet. Evanston’s finest and the Evanston Volunteer Fire Department were on hand to have the kids board the fire truck and cruise through town in a victory parade, as the bus arrived shortly after 11 p.m. The parade proceeded down Bear River Drive, took a left at the overpass and continued on up sixth street to Yellow Creek Road, all the way to the UCSD No. 1 bus barn on Overthrust Road, where vehicles had be parked prior to the team’s departure. Vehicles full of parents and other fans took part in the parade and then exited their cars and trucks to again cheer on the team and congratulate them once again, as they had done on the east end of town when they arrived. Before stepping down from the fire truck, the team led the crowd in a rousing rendition of the Evanston High School fight song.

Meanwhile, back at the awards banquet.

Berger thanked school superintendents Ryan Thomas, Doug Rigby and Joe Ingalls. Next, he issued thanks to the office staff at Evanston High School and the district activities office, in particular, to Bubba O’Neill and Dauna Bruce. Gary Barker, Pat Rooney, Mr. Lester, Mr. Kohler, bus barn transportation drivers and staff, the Herald, and local radio were also on Berger’s list of thank-yous. The coach also expressed a deep debt of gratitude to the entire Evanston community.

Berger told the crowd in attendance how fortunate his teams were to have former Mountain View Lady Buff and Weber State track and field and cross-country standout Amber Henry meet with  them to offer inspiration and advice. The All-American imparted words of wisdom to the teams on how to train the mind to complement and be in harmony with the body, especially when the body was ready to give out, during grueling competitions.

The coach lauded praise on his assistant coaches. 

“They’re amazing. Coach Barton volunteered all her time and talents and we really appreciate all you give,” Berger stated.

“Coach Conrad. Not only a friend and colleague but I consider him a close brother. We have our ups and downs as in any relationship, but he keeps me in check. He handles a ton of paperwork, he’s passionate, and I know I couldn’t do this without him. I love you, man,” the head coach added.

Berger acknowledged the supportive roles of the parents of his athletes, telling those present that they should be extremely proud.

“Parents, your comments are great. Your kids are not pains, but quality young men and women with heart and character,” he said. 

“We get to see the good side and you’ve all raised fantastic kids.” 

Berger then thanked the coaches’ spouses for the sacrifices they make to allow him and his staff to do something they love. 

“It’s my favorite thing in the whole world to do,” Berger avowed.

Berger explained he caught the coaching bug while in high school when he and one of his closest friends, Red Devil head football coach Pat Fackrell, coached Junior Jazz basketball, while the two were still students at Evanston High School, noting that is where the passion for kids and the passion for coaching began.

“We desire to get our kids excited to get started, excited to compete, excited about their team and excited about doing their best,” Berger said.

“We try to train our kids to be their very best both on and off the field.”

Berger spoke of how returning lettermen have offered tremendous leadership and also gave a nod to those who have graduated, who return to help out and work to inspire the current runners.

“We try to instill a lot of character and commitment to these kids. We ask a lot,” the coach affirmed.

He talked about the formula for success and how it all came to fruition this season.

“I knew if we could follow our objectives that one day we’d reach our goals,” the coach elaborated.

“We discuss personal goals at camp. We hear from everybody. We also set our goals for the team and then we set out to achieve them, and every year that is to win a state championship, both groups.”

Berger relayed to the crowd that he and his staff’s beliefs have never wavered as they have attempted to build a program.

“Does it always work out? No, but then we step back, reassess and do it all again,” he said.

“And that’s what we are here to do today, to celebrate these awesome successes. This is the most successful group of kids that we’ve ever coached since we got started in 2010.”

Participation awards for the girls were then handed out and Berger praised his JV group, which also took second at the conference meet.

Letter-winners were then called forth.

“To letter, girls have to be a member of the state team,” Berger said.

“This is a super group of girls. I’m honored to be your coach and grateful for all the hard work you put into this program. Congratulations, Ladies! You’ve done a great job,” the coach said.

Berger explained a longstanding tradition at Evanston High School.

“If your team wins a state title, then every member of the team earns a varsity letter.”

The coach went on to say he knew, both in his heart and in his head, that his 2018 boys’ team was going to win the state title from the onset of the season.

“The night before the state meet I gathered our team together and told them, ‘This is yours to lose. I have known all along that you were capable of winning the whole thing, I just couldn’t say so.’”

His final message was meant to inspire and motivate his team to give their absolute best the next morning.

“Don’t let this be close. Leave no doubt,” Berger said of his pre-meet pep talk.

“And they didn’t. Our team score was a 39. The lowest team score wins,” he explained.

“The next closest score was a 90. They left no doubt.”

Berger stated that while the awards dinner was indeed to honor the two teams’ exceptional performances at the state meet, it was also about paying tribute to the seniors.

“It’s truly all about honoring our seniors. This is their night,” the coach said.

Berger then insisted that each Lady Red Devil and Red Devil senior address the crowd by saying a few words, and they all obliged.

The Herald will have some space to fill with feature stories, in between the close of the fall sports seasons and the winter sports getting underway at EHS, and will feature Berger’s comments for each outgoing senior and the thoughts those seniors shared at the awards dinner in a future feature story.

The Herald extends our congratulations and best wishes to the EHS XC teams.