Roy Griak's Impressions over his lifetime

The following reflections were revealed at the memorial service for Roy:

1.  Cross Country is the best time of the year.

2.  Golf Courses should be used for Cross Country competition, NOT golf.

3.  Track and Field is special.

4.  Don't miss the wonders that surround you.

5.  Be enthusiastic, that's the key.

6.  Don't expect life to be fair.

7.  You are never tired.

8.  There is more than one way to skin a cat.

9.  Criticize only in private.

10.  Be neat.

11.  Be on time.

12.  Don't miss class.

13.  Smile a lot.

14.  Don't be afraid to lose.

15.  Look people in the eye.

16.  Have a firm handshake.

17.  Say "thank you" a lot.

18.  Take out the garbage without being told.

19.  Never forget your mother.

20.  Be the first to say, "Hello."

21.  Never give up on anyone.

22.  Respect your elders, teachers, police.

23.  Slow dance.

24.  Be nice to people because you'll meet them later in life.

25.  Lay down on the floor and listen to good music, preferably Shirley Horn.

26.  Listen to your athlete.

27.  Education 1st; Running 2nd.

28.  Athletics should be an educational experience.

29.  Appreciate your officials.

30.  Every hour of sleep before midnight is worth double the hours after midnight.

31.  Beautiful sunsets always remind me of my mother.

32.  You're either a pumpkin or a jug head.

33.  When I came back from the South Pacific, I wasn't coming back to the United States but to paradise.

34.  Go for a walk alone once a week.

35.  Strive for excellence, not perfection.

36.  Chase your dreams and give it all you've got.

37.  There are very few Bruce Mortensons, Steve Hoags, Don Timms, Colin Andersons, Tom Stuarts, Ed Twomeys, and no Garry Bjorklunds.

38.  Never, ever look back, especially in the 4 X 100 Relay.

39.  Run and finish beyond the finish line.

40.  Always think positively about yourself.

41.  I appreciate my army buddies more with every passing day, especially my fox hole buddy.

42.  Always put down the toilet seat.

43.  Deep appreciation for all my athletics from St. Louis Park; I'll never forget what they did for me.

44.  Buddy Edelen came from a fat little kid in St. Louis Park to a world record holder.

45.  Teacher first, coach second.

46.  Always replace the cap on your toothpaste.

47.  Never be the first to let go of a hug, especially if you like them.