a Note to Sara Bei

by Doug Speck and followers---

Special Note to Sara Bei 

John Dye called it right when he came to Mt. SAC last Fall and saw Sara Bei for the first 
time as a person and runner-he referred to her as "Queen Sara."  During a magical first 
couple of years in the sports of Track and Cross-Country a top meet somehow seemed 
less that complete without the presence of the Montgomery (Santa Rosa) star up near the 
front of the race, pushing the pace, maybe not winning, but helping to create a special 
competitive situation.  The term "Queen" refers to much more than running speed, as the 
class with which this young lady carried herself added so much to our sport.  Her quick 
smile, openness in all communication, and friendly nature lent nicely to the royalty 
reference in many ways.  All who came in contact with her or read her responses to 
questions realized that she was a real person like all of the rest of us who happened to be 
able to run real fast!   There was no special magic, she had fears and fun times just like 
the rest of us, and she kind of added a little more determination to the act of all that she 
came in contact with as they sensed this "human side" to the young star, and she probably 
put on her running uniform just like the rest of us!   

The real tests of life come when all does not go your way.  This past weekend at the Foot 
Locker Western Regional Sara raced her usual aggressive style, taking the lead, then, out 
of character, faded to a non-qualifying position for the Foot Locker Nationals out of the 
top eight.  When you make more news losing than winning you know you really have 
arrived, with the response of athletes such as Felicia Guiliford and Abby Miller to Sara's 
non-qualifying performance one of real sadness.  They knew the Florida trip is made so 
much  more enjoyable with Bei's presence.  Sara is ever-gracious in victory or defeat, 
showing a ton of class Saturday in burying the frustration she had to feel and 
congratulating qualifiers, smiling for pictures, and patiently answering tough questions.  
Some days you have it, and some days you do not.  This was one of those where when 
Sara dug down, the final few percent were just not there-against a field of this quality 
that final few percentage points can make the difference between qualifying and not 
qualifying.  We will have a race in Florida next weekend and champions will be crowned.  
The class and competitive nature of Sara Bei will be missed there.  Again, the best 
lessons in life are learned when one is knocked down a bit, with few athletes going all 
four years of a high school career in magical, perfect style.  Bei hit her bump in the road 
this last weekend, and as frustrating as it was, we all know she will be back!  That's why 
they give you your senior year!!

Below is typical of some e-mail that I personally received after Saturday's race at the 
Foot Locker West.  The excerpt below is typical of the stature in which Sara Bei is held 
by many around the state and nation---

"Hey Mr. Speck, could you email Sara Bei and tell her that Saddleback high school's 
cross country team wishes her luck in the future, and to not let her dreams down?  We've 
always thought of her as someone to look up to, and we're all hoping she's ok, and not 
injured or sick, after regionals.  Tell her that, although she's probably never heard of us, 
we (the boys and girls teams) were always in awe of her at Mt. SAC.  And also, tell her 
we wish her a good track season
Thanks a lot, Mr. Speck.

Saddleback Roadrunners"