SHAINA AND LUONNA BURNS

Dear Hugo,
I can’t thank you enough for teaching Shaina to high jump. She started high jumping in 7th grade in 2009 and came to you with a personal best of 4-10 that summer. I was amazed at her progress because after working with you in just a few weeks she had cleared 5-6! That truly was a turning point for her as she came to love track and field that summer. In fact, so much that she wanted to try all of the events. Who knew that would eventually lead her to a national USATF Junior Olympic championship in heptathlon(2012) and back to back team state championships!
This letter is long overdue as I have thought many times over the past years about how much you have helped Shaina. It is just so difficult to find words to do justice. I have always been impressed with your technical knowledge and how well you can communicate it to your athletes. But as important as that is you also are such an inspiration to the athletes. Shaina told me recently that you make her feel like she wants to do well for you and she can’t wait to share her victories with you. She knows you support her and will be thrilled with her successes, and genuinely! You can’t fake that kind of enthusiasm!
I also want you to know how much I appreciate your very high code of ethics. You have shown me that you are a man of integrity in all aspects. It is a wonderful bonus that while Shaina is learning to jump she is also exposed to an exceptional role model!
I was sorry to see you move to Texas so far away from us here in Minnesota, my friend. You must know how valuable you have been to us that we would travel all the way there to see you! We are looking forward to seeing you again soon.
Yours Truly,
Luonna

NOTE: To see Shaina’s before and after video please click HERE