Thanks to Parents & Swimmers

Jun 15, 2009

Thanks to all of the BEAR parents and swimmers who participated in our Home Meet June 13-14, 2009 at the Contra Costa College pool. Every family worked hard and long from start to finish. Entire team families showed up especially from the Sarah Chavez kin, living proof of a strong family team of aunts, uncles and friends.

Check In and Awards were fabulous. Ziad Mosalam and his family served together in this meet before packing their bags and traveling to Egypt for the summer. There were several compliments about Check In and Awards because it ran smoothly due to terrific teamwork in greeting 500+ swimmers.

Conny Gohlke announced in an entertaining and witty way. On request, she learn team abbreviations while breathing sound waves through the microphone. She called out unusual names in unusual ways, giving birthday greetings, and had fun like a professional radio announcer.

The food was great. Judy Chang and our Hospitality crew were gracious. Laura Gomez and Sandra Zaparolli worked appetites on the crowds with their goodies and treats.

Talk about diversity vending. What did you think about the brush painting vendors who got into the meet by a stroke of good timing? Gary Firestone, Board President, recognized their artistic talent and unique designs. They are actually public school teachers, blending their talents through brush painting.

The coaching staff: Frank Natalizio, Michelle Li, Rick Arnason and Carol Nip, connected to their swimmers. They huddled. They shuffled. They believed in each swimmer. They worked their magic. Frank’s eagle eyes watched the swimmers. Michelle laughed a lot, pleased with the Junior Team and Gold Group. Rick’s reappearance turned heads. Carol juggled, and was pulled in most every direction.

Good ol’ Pat Malaga rose to the occasion by creating an exceptional sound system in only two days, saving the team hundred of dollars. Julio Enciso, Senior, provided tasteful audio, and positive feedback about Sound Advice multiplied.

"Where there’s smoke, there’s fire!" It was no little surprise to find smoke when Jensine Ng sang the National Anthem, igniting fire and flames to each note and high pitch. Unique, creative, funny.

Several people were taken aback by the way our Marshals were initially dressed. Dutifully, they wore “marshal” signs of orange pieces of paper secured to their backs by safety pins or packaging tape. Arnulfo Gomez saved their day by donating vests to replace their paper signs. Way to go!

Yet Arnulfo gave more than vests. He donated all the wine given as thank you gifts to the officials. Arnulfo appreciated the USA Swim officials, volunteers just like all our team parents, who helped to run the meet. These are the unsung heroes in USA Swimming who volunteer personal time on weekends to officiate meets so our kids can compete. Grateful.

Gary Firestone and Patrick Malaga, USA Stroke & Turn Swim Officials on our team, served well. Gary was Chief Judge, presiding over all final decisions in Stroke & Turn. Pat tripled his roles as Official, Sound Man and Team Parent. We appreciate your labors to officiate in the hot sun so our kids can compete. Thank you.

Lara Chaney worked hard during the meet even though she had the flu. She was there for Mikaela. Sarah Chavez also had a threatening cold. Gracias.

Last but not least, an old friend of the team, Mehdi Saghafi, came through with flying colors. Mehdi sanctioned the meet, lined up the officials, and instructed the Meet Director in-training, Pat Malaga. We are indebted to Mehdi for his workmanship in high level details. He’s the man.

Weather reports warned that it would be a rainy weekend. Yet the sunshine kissed us and balmy skies gave way to perfect weather. Things are looking up. We have much to be thankful for!