February 2011 Archives

written by Matt Eshleman

The travel meet that we just had to Michigan was amazing. It was cool, fun, and exciting. The thing about this meet is that not only was it a prelims-final meet. It was a fantastic experience. I think that I learned a lot from this meet. I learned that Ray is really good at getting lost, apparently there is such a thing as a C final, and when you travel Ray makes sure you take a nap during the day.

            I think the trip started off well, we were all so happy to be at the airport at 6:15 AM.  Although getting off the plane and immediately having a short little practice isn't that much fun, we did go to eat a giant lunch afterwards. Then that night everyone who did the mile rocked and we partied with some Italian food. The night couldn't have been any better. Then, Ray got lost looking for a Super Market; yes the van had a GPS. But the next day was tons of fun. Even though we were all tired we made the best out of the meet that we could. We went to eat at Jimmy Johns which is one of the best sub shops ever. That is until you eat there three times in two days. It started to taste a bit gross. 

           Sunday went pretty much the same as Sat. However, we had a mad rush to the airport which got a bit crazy but we luckily made the flight. The look on all of the security guards faces was priceless. They had no idea why we were in such a rush and so many of us. We eventually made it back to VA around 12:45 in the morning. This kind of stunk because we had school the next day. Although there was a bright side to returning, I could finally stop hearing all the girls call Ian, Whittle Ian. ' Cause let me tell you, when you hear eight girls call one guy that constantly for three days it starts to get a bit annoying. Although everyone on the trip was tons of fun though. 

Written by Coach Ray

Emily, thanks again for helping us find that parking spot in the Daily Garage; those red and green lights sure were useful, weren't they?  Oh, BTW, way to get the meet off to blazing start!

• Emily Meilus                        1000 free            10:27.17   split

                                                  1650 free            17:17.77

                                                   200 back              2:08.35

Why, Mesh, why did you have to play around in the elevator doors in the Daily Garage, make us miss the first shuttle bus, stand in the cold for 15 minutes, and almost cause us to miss our flight?  Why?

•  Matt Eshleman          100 breast              1:08.90   prelims

                                                                        1:08.06   finals                            A            time

                                         200 breast              2:27.81   prelims

                                                                       2:23.48   finals                           AA            time

                                         100 fly                    :57.98

                                         200 fly                    2:10.75

                                         200 I.M.                 2:07.90   prelims

                                                                        2:07.25   finals

                                         400 I.M.                 4:30.55   prelims

                                                                       4:30.46   finals

In a popular Grimm's fairytale, Hansel and Gretel are taken deep into the forest in the hope they will not find their way out.  However, clever Hansel has left a trail of breadcrumbs to show their return path.

On a popular FISH travel trip, Amy and Michelle were taken deep into the state of Michigan to the Michigan Open.  However, clever Michelle has left a trail of her possessions to show their return path.

•  Michelle Owens              500 free              5:26.51   split

    1000 free            11:00.87   split

    1650 free            18:14.85

    200 back              2:23.79

Best Times Report created by Coach Ray.

Dear FISH Parents,

Before Coach David talks about the actual swimming, I would like to take this opportunity and thank all FISH parents who supported our first Super FISH Bowl.  FISH parents volunteered their time by setting up the meet, officiating, timing, marshaling, running computers and timing systems, helping out in hospitality and concessions, and helping breaking down the meet at the end.  FISH parents donated food and money for concessions and hospitality so that everyone could refuel during the meet. 

A big thank you goes to a few very special FISH parents - Al Meilus, Cara Meilus, Chris McCreary and Julie Williams - who worked many hours before the meet actually started and who worked all sessions of the meet. 

We appreciate all your efforts and a successful meet like this one, would not have been possible without the support of our parents.

Sincerely,

Monika Paris and the entire FISH Staff

Written by Coach David

And what about the swimming.......

I think everyone knows what the top highlight of the first ever Super FISH Bowl was.  David Pursley ran away with the 50 Breast (leaving that other coach in his wake), demonstrating raw untainted power in his pullouts and phenomenal turn........