We took our oath when we were 10
We did not know what we were getting into back then
Each year our hearts grew fonder
A bond was cooking, getting stronger and stronger
Our love and passion for DKT became very clear
Infamous legacy has led us here
Surviving the long hot days as one
Probably hungover, but that never dulled our fun
The dugout screaming, motivating us all
Oh how we showed that the mighty would soon fall
Run, jump, throw, sprint, cheer,
DKT in first is what we hustle to hear
No matter how it ends, we always look like we finished first
Chemistry so strong you wouldn’t believe it’s unrehearsed
Records broken
Countless pep talks spoken
Thankful for the blood, sweat and tears
The memories made over the past 18 years
Each one of you has become part of my core
I wish I could rewind and be fresh on the scene once more.
I wrote this poem during my plane ride back home to Detroit from NATs in New York in 2023. I started writing because of a feeling stronger than the typical post-event depression. During the past couple of years, the positive energy of our chapter, Detroit “Kopernik Tandourjian,” has grown exponentially. It was something I hadn’t experienced until recently, and it is intoxicating. Sitting on the plane following NATs, I realized that my time contributing to and soaking up that energy was fleeting. I started writing as an attempt to memorialize the way that my fellow DKT members have made me feel. It seems most appropriate to share my writing now, as my time as a competitor is officially over.

I am so thankful to those who were a part of my time in the DKT (you know who are). I feel so lucky to have concluded my AYF Olympics career in my hometown. Win or lose, being a member of the Detroit chapter is a blessing, because when we get together, it is the most unique team feeling — sometimes indescribable.
I will cherish these memories forever and look forward to watching and supporting the chapter as it continues to thrive.
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