PARTING THOUGHTS FROM GEORGE...
By: George Bole – Coach Emeritus
What a great meet! Bob, Patty and Fred surpassed themselves with the present affair. It seems like (and indeed, in my own case, was) a festive occasion. Everyone seemed to be happy – swimming was as important as winning!
For me, I was – still am – overwhelmed by the “welcome back” I received, and so warm and well meant – it'll be tough when I reach 100!!!
People who came afar included: Mr. Bob Lutz and his charming wife from Seattle; Linda Bingler from outside Seattle ; Beverly Tucker from Canada ; June Krauser from Ft. Lauderdale ; and so many other ex-St. Pete swimmers.
Woody McDaniel pointed his “Chariot of Fire” and fired the opening shot and away went the “1650” swimmers hoping to make or break records. The standards to me, anyhow, were really high. Here and there technique could have been better, but efforts were not spared. Ninety three swimmers set off on the askance and it seemed that they would not finish in time, but Fred and Company knew their jobs and thus Friday was finished with.
On Saturday, these warriors were ready again, and with little ado, off went the starting pistol and another day of fine aquatic performances was on. Fred and Patty seemed to have gauged every thing to a fine art and treat followed treat, displaying the arts of front and back crawl, breast, fly and the combined IM's. Standards at all levels were good and finishes brought oohs and aahs around North Shore .
Thus until Sunday afternoon was the 35 th Annual Short Course Championship pursued. All through this great land-marked occasion was the spirit of good competition and sportsmanship. A great and momentous occasion indeed! It would not be fair of me to single out single performances. Just let it be said that this season is going to be filled with some stupendous swimmers.
Incidentally, all day long and every day it was my privilege to receive welcomes from swimmers known and otherwise. It would be futile for me to try and record thanks to all, but let's say that if I go to Heaven, at least I'll have an idea of what it is like!
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