Back in 1976 I had a friend who coached the swim team in these parts. It was a team that wanted to attract more kids for the summer program. I interviewed Mitch Brooks on air at WNEX and more team members began to sign on. Most of the time all you need to do is get the word out and people will respond.
Watching and getting to know the swimmers several thoughts went through my mind. I saw the dedication the swimmers had. Getting up early in the morning, sometimes practice twice a day. It required total commitment. The practice would last hours and the workouts were tough. The parents played a big part in all of this, too. They made sure that the athletes were there on time and provided the manpower and (often) the financial support for the team.
A word about the swimmers themselves. There is a openness and acceptance of others with most of these team members. It is one of the few sports where you will find older kids encouraging younger swimmers to do their best. The younger swimmers look up to the older ones and the older swimmers know that they were once young swimmers themselves.
I have seen swim families go out of their way to help others on the team. It is a community. There is hardly a place in Georgia that you won't find a swim friend. I just wanted you all to know that I appreciate how hard you all work. What you have done with your time and your lives will always be with you. You will call on this strength many times, and will never forget what it has taught you. By choosing to try to excel, you have made yourselves much more than champions.
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