DC Swimming Banquet

The swimming season went by so fast!! All the boys receive participation certificates. James Lees, Ryan, and Gabe Quintana.

Something made them all laugh. It was a fun team and Ryan really enjoyed this year.

The team captains this year were Will Byrd, who is behind the podium, Adrian Schissler who is speaking, and Jordan Fluery. They give out Captain's Award and Ryan got the Iron Fist. Apparently there were a couple of practices where he got really close to the lane lines and punched the swimmer who was in the next lane. More than once.

Profe got a little emotional explaining to the new swimmers and parents about the Blake Palmer Memorial Award. This award symbolizes team unity and goes to someone who is a friend and supports everyone on the team.

This year's recipient is Jordan Fluery. I was impressed that he came to B Leagues to cheer the boys on. It was a bit of a drive (it wasn't held in Castle Rock) and lasted for a about 3 hours. I thought that was so nice of him! It made me think of Blake and how he would probably do the same thing, even though Blake wasn't a team captain.

Jordan wanted to take the microphone after he was presented the award.He was a little emotional at first too. He was a freshman when Blake was a senior and wanted to share some memories. He remembered Blake giving him rides to meets. The swim team is small and they don't always have the budget for a bus and so the older boys that can drive take the younger ones. His last memory of Blake was a bunch of boys were going to the fair, but they didn't have money for rides, so they went to the fountain across the street at Plum Creek. They put soap in the fountain so it was full of bubbles. Blake took off his shirt and stood on the top rock and beat his chest like Tarzan! I can so see Blake doing that and everyone laughed.

Swimming bros!

Another name added to the plaque. Profe expressed to me how hard it's going to be in future years to put into words how meaningful this award is. This is the last year the boys will know Blake, the seniors were freshman when Blake was a senior. Ryan will be there for two more years, and then there won't even be a family connection. Profe did a good job presenting the award and I  have no doubt he will be able to do a good job in the years going forward.

Ryan and his awards! He lettered! I was so proud of him! He worked hard this season to improve his times and was really dedicated. He was only a couple of seconds off making A Leagues for the 50 free.

Adrian and Ryan have become good friends this year, and Ryan is going to miss him a lot.

These boys have fun together and love their coach.

A more serious picture.

I'm thankful for this coach! He means so much to our family. The end of another great swimming season!