Chase Dalton

Aw, man! I'm so proud of my cousin Chase. He's a pretty amazing kid. Not only can he transcribe songs and play anything on the piano by ear, vault anything, climb anything, and make anyone feel special, but he also got a full-ride scholarship to BYU for track. Yet he's so humble! My family's come to most of his track meets to watch him in some of his decathlon events this year, but he always acts like it's no big deal and he's not doing so well. Then we find out, weeks later, that he won. But of course, he never makes a big deal of it. 

Last week, he participated in the Junior (20 or younger) National Championships of the IAAF. The best athletes from all over the nation try to qualify, and then win, so that they can move on to the International Championship meet in Poland. As a true freshman (he never red-shirted), he WON the National Championships! He was competing against kids who'd had coaches and handlers working with them on decathlon since they were 10 or younger, and here, a guy who started at 17 waltzes in and wins. Wow. I'm so proud of him! I love my family! 

Yes, girls, I CAN introduce you. 

(Picture from the Championships)

And here's the best part. When he gets back from Poland, he's getting right to work on his mission papers. He never even had to think about what he'd be giving up now if he leaves for 2 years. He definitely knows what's most important.