RECENT GREAT RUNNERS AND CAPTAINS

JOHN BAGLIER (1978-1996)
Captain 1996, Cross Country 1994-1996.

John's absence affects us all. In our midst was a great person, great leader, great friend. Everyone who knew him respected him. Everything about "Bags" was real, for he always had good intentions. Soon after meeting John, I recognized him to be the personification of "Goodness." As an honest, sincere, selfless, caring, and concerned individual with an open mind and an open heart, he was always willing to go the extra mile for his friends. Bags was a close friend who always supported and respected my decisions even as he urged me forward to better ones. When I first heard that John was missing, a shadow crossed my heart. For a few days I denied reality: I refused to acknowledge that something bad had happened to someone so good. Dealing with his loss has been difficult, despite the comfort of family and friends. One close friend has helped me more than anyone else by reminding me how Bags would want me to feel-Bags would want the best for everyone. Even though he is not here with us to see, he is always here with us to remember. I know now that Bags will always be with me in my heart. Whenever I need him, I have his memory to talk to and confide in... John Baglier is loved. by Shiv Rao

JARED WILLIAMSON
Captain 1995, Cross Country 1992-1995

Who can forget the black T-Shirt that Jared wore at least once a week that read "Eat right. Exercise." and then "Die Anyway." in cheerful colorful writing. In a way, he was also one of the most positive people on the team. He never gave up, and he always believed that everyone including himself should go harder. Now, he goes to Carnegie-Mellon University. He introduced most of the team to Faith No More and is an ROTC cadet on the University of Pittsburgh Ranger Challenge Team. This is not the same as an Army Ranger. Jared is also the founder and life-term president of WOA.

ADAM KUKIC
Captain 1995, Cross Country 1992-1995

Kukic was not the best runner ever at Shady Side, nor was he the most dedicated I've seen, but on race-day, he always gave everything he had - even if that meant running like a chicken with a broken wing. He was also a great team motivator; when Jared was too calm or quiet, he was always excited and active about cross country. His persona seems a likely inspiration for the antics of the "Triumvirate." Like Jared, Kukic has also stayed close to home, at Allegheny College in Meadville. And he still reutrns for the Alumni Meets.

It would be greatly appreciated if someone who knows these people better would help me out with this page.