7/20/99  So Long, Chris!

"I can't remember not being in water!   My father was a standout collegiate football and basketball player, but like most talented athletes of the 30's and 40's, he excelled in everything.   At 6'4" he was an unlikely candidate for diving, but he was great!   My favorite story is that when he was stationed in Florida during WWII (I was 3 months), for extra money he was Johnny Weismuller's diving stunt man in some Tarzan movies; you know, off the cliff or the tree limb!   And again, for pay, he did tower diving into a barrel!   If you've ever been to Coney Island (someone organize that again!) remember the very highest tower above the clock?   He dove from there when I was a kid!

"So I was in the water constantly through high school.   With marriage and four children, I continued to swim, but until my two youngest started with the Marlins, I didn't know anything about Masters Swimming.   When I discovered it...what excitement!   Finally, in 1992 I decided to become competitive again.   I can't even remember which year I asked to organize the Marlins' program and hired (remember these two?) Tom Wildhart and Rob Walker.   What great guys to start a program with!!   I still remember Tom's set where we had to go underwater at the flags, swim in, do a flip turn, and swim back out to the flags all underwater!!!   I get breathless thinking about it and hope none of our current coaches are reading this!   We've continued with fine, dedicated coaches who have made our team a second home to many of us.

"So, what's in Florida?   Well, I've been going to the west coast all my life and being an H2O lover, it offers year-round outside swimming plus kayaking, sailing, and rowing!!   And the sun shines brightly almost every day!

"Naturally the people I've met are the best bunch around; they're swimmers!   They've already appointed me social organizer and photographer for the Sarasota workout group of SwimFlorida!   I love it!!

"I'm hoping to see many of you in my home and please check the United States Masters Swimming site for the Dixie Zone meet schedule.   Last year a couple of Columbus swimmers came for the Valentine's Day Meet in Clearwater.   We only swam one of the days and played the rest of their visit.

"I'll miss you all, but you're not entirely rid of me; I'm keeping the little house in Kentucky (where my daughter lives) and will be coming back and forth.   And I expect to see all of you still swimming!!!!   So, thanks for all the memories and friendships and let's continue long distance!  

"Swimming times are always `Good Times'!   There is not another sport/social activity that comes close!   We have such varied backgrounds and ages, yet we all connect through the medium of water.   I just read your card and it made me weepy, but you all know I absolutely expect visits!   I come from a family tradition of an open door to all friends, anytime!   Contact me by e-mail.   I love you all..