Sure, they're thankful because they have been blessed with talent, and a work ethic second to none.
And they're thankful they have finally made their college selections this past week – Krais to UCLA and Price to Tennessee.
They're thankful they have teammates and coaches who have supported them during their decision-making process - to the point in one case of doing research on schools way above and beyond what you'd expect.
But what was eminently apparent during conversations with these remarkable young women on the day they announced one of the most important decisions of their lives was – they are both blessed and thankful for parents who gave them the room to make the choices that are best for them.
Price says she was somewhat stressed out during the whole visit process with the demands of travel, school, and competing in cross country (she has run her last race ever, by the way). This past Sunday, with the first day of indoor practice just around the corner, Price sat down with her parents and weighed the pros and cons of each school on her short list. What she appreciates most is that they helped to guide her (not direct her) to the school that she believes is right for her.
Krais was feeling just as much pressure with her decision. She says a couple of days before she finally decided, her stress was quite noticeable to her parents. "Both were saying it's my decision, but that they could tell where I wanted to go and where I would be happy."
For Price – who is already among the nation's elite in the 800 – the choice was clear. The Clark family - coach J.J., his wife Jeryl (5-time Olympian), and his sisters, Joetta and Hazel (four-time and two-time Olympians, respectively), are U.S. royalty when it comes to the two-lapper. "The coach and I connect. The team and I connect. As I thought about it, USC was too far away. Michigan was too cold. But Tennessee was just right," Price observed.
Krais says that when she took her visit to UCLA, everything just felt right. But she displayed the patience of a long hurdler setting up her barriers one at a time, and resisted making a snap decision. "I just needed time to make sure nothing else occurred to me," she said. Krais says she is definitely in tune with the coaches, the team and says that the campus is a "place where I'd want to live." And similarly to Price, Krais will be joining U.S. track royalty with head coach Jeanette Bolden and jumps coach Mike Powell, as well as the most successful heptathlon coach in the sport, Bob Kersee. And as a long hurdler, it should also be observed that UCLA has developed fellow-PA alum and future teammate Nicole Leach (West Catholic 2005) into a world class athlete.
Krais' defining moment came when a future teammate and she texted each other earlier this month. "I asked her if she had any regrets about her choice of UCLA. She said her only regret was that she could only stay there for four years."
Price's advice to seniors making that tough decision is to do what is best of them. "Don't just do what your parents or coaches want. It's you who will be there. You have to be the one who is happy. My parents just told me how they felt, but they didn't try to push me." Price will major in communications and journalism.
And she loves the color orange. "I just ordered some shirts," Price said.
Krais' advice to seniors is to "go with your gut instinct." Krais notes that the combination of academics and athletics is perfect for her. She's leaning toward psychology as a major.
And she loves the beach. "It's only five miles away."
Both have big goals for their final indoor and outdoor track campaigns. But those are best left to observe and enjoy as they unfold over the coming months. Today – November 22, 2007 – is a day to be thankful. For our talents. For our choices. And for the people around us who support us in those choices.