The Verdict.....

What a whirlwind 24 hours...from Friday morning to Saturday morning. We left here Friday morning with the intention of swimming faster that night in Madison than we have all year. We left the natatorium Fri. night not only faster, but also smarter. From Colin's strong steady performance on the boards Friday afternoon, to the "Ice Cream Championship of the World" at Ella's Friday night...the trip was certainly unforgettable. Steven learned about oxygen, Jim learned NOT to turn left in a pool with lane lines, Billy snores, and and Bob makes loooong 10 minutes speeches.

This was the first trip to State for this crew...but the last only for Jim Jens. An unlikely participant only one season ago, Jim certainly made the most of his opportunity. He swam faster than even I thought he could, then proceeded to leave his senses for a brief moment. Grambow, Wong, and Lillie all were faster than ever before on our 400 Free Relay, with Steven Lillie claiming the title as the teams fastest swimmer for this season.

Our alternates did their job as well, Ladd, Daniels, Gilles, and Davis all had the chance to "FEEL" the State Meet up close and personal. Next year boys....next year!

As the bubbles settle on the 2010 Boys Swim/Dive season, I look back with pride and satisfaction on a job well done. There is always a price to pay for success...but there are riches to gain as well. Your coaching staff is proud of your accomplishments this season gentlemen. You should be too! Some of you are moving on to a new swim season, some to other sports, and some are just taking a deep breath and relaxing....all are good. Pick up your homework a bit, remember the term "student-athlete". Tapers are over so go shovel the driveway for your parents and the special tour of "potter duty".

Personally, I am going to become a "Dad" again. My son Sam swims in his first State Meet next weekend....in Madison...and I'll be there cheering him on. (yes, more pool time for me...but it's a good thing) Tony is beginning practice for the USM MS play and I will be Maddies sidekick again. And oh yeah...my wife gets her husband back.

So....thanks for the memories....and remember...if God will bring you to it, He will bring you through it.