Swim Meet

Team UMDL - 2006

2006 was our first showing at the Matthew Weaver Memorial Swim Meet. We did not do so well in any traditional sense. Maybe it was because half of us don't swim. Maybe it was because we missed so many of our events. We figured the fact that none of us drowned and we were all still breathing and had pulses at the end of the day meant success. Plus we had more fun than anyone else - and we provided entertainment value for the serious swimmers. Our motto... Put that Pride Aside!

In all seriousness, Matt Weaver was simply fabulous and we were proud to participate in this swim meet in his honor. I was fortunate to have him in my classes during my first year of teaching at UMD. He was an excellent student: intelligent, diligent, and enthusiastic. He would often ask questions that were way beyond the material taught in the course. He would stop by my office to tell me about some great tree he saw on a weekend trip with his friends or on a walk near his parent's house. His enthusiasm was infectious and I always felt a bit cheerier after interacting with him. He also had a fun-loving, somewhat mischevious side. It is in this spirit that we 'compete' in the swim meet to raise money for a scholarship in his name.

David Myers carbo loading for the competition - didn't anybody tell him you are not supposed to eat for at least an hour before swimming

The 2006 Team - at least most of us. Maggie Sullivan wanted no photo documentation of her association with the rest of us. From left to right: Jack, Brian, Maile, David, Cindy.

Our team captain, Jack, is shocked to find out that he will not be allowed to use his flippers.

"So, I think our strategy should be to jump in the water and swim when our events start. What do you think?"

David's wife Cindy added a touch of class and grace to our team with her 1950's vintage suit.

Jack, looking like a pro at the start of the Men's 200m Freestyle. Everything was going so well and his time looked competitive until the judges noticed that he only swam 3 of his 4 laps!

Team LARC - 2007

Although we think the meet organizers changed our team name to make sure nobody thought we we represented UMD, we were back in 2007 faster, stronger, and younger than ever. Promises to actually train in the pool that were made after the 2006 meet were blatantly broken. Recruiting ringers seemed to be a much better option.

The strategy worked and we are pleased to report that we were victorious! Victory is measured by the fact that 1) we did not come in in last place (third from the last, thank you very much), 2) we increased the number of points we earned by an order of magnitude, and 3) most importantly, we helped raise money to endow the scholarship in Matt's honor.

A fine looking crew! In the way back is Bobby J. Back row left to right: Brian, Maile, Jack, Megan, Clark, and Josh. Our front row ringers are Cecilia and Marie Therese.

Josh, Tracee, Bobby (back row), Jack, Maile, Megan, and Clark survived to the end

Bobby and Josh psyching the other teams out with their relaxed confidence in their superior competitive skills and fashion trend-setting abilities.

O.k., so despite our ultra-cool demeanor, our water entries could use a bit of work.

Tracee contributed to our success this year by keeping track of the schedule and making sure we started our events on time.

We rocked the Inner Tube Freestyle Relay