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LASTING MEMORY

-Messenger photo by Britt Kudla Bailey Kenyon of Manson NW Webster compete in the 400 meter dash on Thursday in Manson

MANSON — Brad Kruse was left with many ever-lasting memories during his three-plus decade run with the Manson Northwest Webster track program.

One of those that will never be erased was the fight and determination of Emily Markert.

Markert was a distance runner for Kruse and the Cougars before developing a lung disease prior to the start of her senior year. She fought through two transplants and multiple complications before passing away in 2014.

Thursday night’s co-ed track meet hosted by MNW is held yearly in honor of Markert. Kruse recalled the final weeks of that 1999-2000 season when Markert asked to take one final lap.

“She fought hard to recover and would help with track practices,” he said. “With two weeks left in the season, she was given permission to jog. Her lungs would not allow a distance race so she asked me if I would enter her in a 200 to ‘jog’ at the Storm Lake meet just to get that feeling of competition again.

“It’s a great memory for me. Her teammates lined the inside of the track to cheer her on.”

Kruse posted a video of Markert running on Facebook the day before the meet.

“We remember her fight by joining in track and field competition each spring at the MNW Emily Markert Relays,” he added. “Sometimes a coach can learn so much from one of their athletes.

“Emily was one of those for me.”

The fifth annual Emily’s Fight: Emily Markert’s 5K was held this past August. There is also a book published by her mother, Liz Markert, entitled “Life Lessons: The Emily Markert Story” that is available online.

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