Lara’s Blog

Excerpt from El Paso Times 4/29/2009:
“EL PASO–Eight of El Paso’s finest from the world of sports–eight who have distinguished themselves far and above–were honored Wednesday night, becoming the newest members of the El Paso Athletic Hall of Fame.
Each man and woman has a story of success, a journey of triumph and each expressed gratitude for the recognition of that story in a banquet at UTEP’s Tomas Rivera Room on Wednesday…
The eight ran the gamut in stages of their careers–from Huddleston, who has officiated more than 6,000 games to Forti, who passed away last year at age 91 to Jackson, who is just a senior at the University of Arizona.”
“It’s just the beginning for me,” Jackson said at the conclusion of the ceremonies.
Indeed it is.
Jackson, the Chapin High School graduate, set an American record in the 50 meter freestyle at the Olympic Trials last summer.  She is a two-time NCAA individual champion and finished third in the Olympic Trials 50 meter freestyle finals.  Earlier this month she was honored with the Ruby Award, given to the top female senior athlete at Arizona.
“It’s quite an honor to be here with such elite company.” she said.  “I want to thank my mom and dad.  They did all the behind the scenes dirty work; anything I needed.”
And it was a magical evening for our family and friends.  I was thrilled to have Keith’s parents, Rosie and Dick Jackson fly out to El Paso for the big event.  And Keith’s Aunt Toni and Uncle Bob Jackson drove to El Paso from the Tyler area.  At our front row tables, we also had Lara’s high school coach, Jeremiah Rush present.  And Lara’s Ft Bliss Barracudas Swim Team coach and his wife, Wright and Arlene Stanton III in attendance.  Keith had insisted that we invite Mark Tomlin and his wife and daughter, Julie & Kelsey to the banquet.  I was very happy to comply with this request.  Mark is the reason Lara got her foot in the door at Arizona. 
Lara had the honor of sitting up at the head table.  And I could think of nobody better to sit with her than her very first swim coach and second mom, Melissa Lomeli.   They seemed to be having a great time up there.  We sat through six acceptance speeches when I motioned to Melissa if Lara would go next.  She motioned “no”, Lara would have the honor of going last.  I was very touched by that.  Then it was Lara’s turn.  I had my video camera ready as she was introduced by MC, Raul Martinez from KVIA.  Lara got to the podium, smiling and looking very relaxed.  She glanced occasionally at her notes that she had quickly jotted down prior to the dinner.   She was sure to thank Flip Lyle, who nominated her to the Hall of Fame and with whom I spoke last October when he called to tell me the news.  Then she thanked her three main coaches from El Paso, giving some extra recognition to what an outstanding job Wright did with her training that made it possible for her to rise to an elite level.   And then I wondered what she would say about Keith, missing him at this great occasion.  Remembering how her dad was her biggest fan.  Thinking back to the memorial service, she gave her heartfelt tribute to Keith.  On this particular occasion, she thanked both of us, her mom and dad, and recognized the strong values that we wanted to instill in our children.  This was not the time for a tribute.  Because Keith was there with us in spirit, and we felt his presence.

No comments »