Good to be in Austin with Lara and the Arizona Team once again.  Although this time we are with the team, not “on” the team.  However the parents and swimmers have made us feel welcome and it is nice to be among friends.  The team has not forgotten us, they have shown their love and support to us in several ways.  The most moving to me was getting one of the parent Arizona t-shirts with a tribute to Keith with his quote from the NCAA’s banquet last season.  You see, their theme this year is that the team is a very special entity and that no where else again will the kids experience such a special situation.  In essence, “Together this team is so much more than the sum of its parts”.  Cherish this experience forever.  And that quote is printed on the front of the shirt with Keith’s name.  I was overcome with emotion when I saw that shirt.  Knowing that Keith’s support as a swim dad was appreciated and not forgotten.  Keith lives on in this team.
As for prelims this morning.  Coach forgot to sign Lara up for the 100 fly, so she was in the first heat, lane 8.  Came in with a time of 55.82, good enough for the “B” final tonight.  And in the 50 free, Lara had a goggle malfunction after her starting dive and still managed to come in with a 22 for second seed tonight.  The goal is to swim a 21 again.  Now remember from the last posting that the high tech suits will be gone in international swimming as of January 2010, but college swimming has already stopped the high tech suits due to the season running into 2010.  So this morning, Lara was back in a Nike suit with the acceptable material.  So she’s looking good for having just returned from her world tour, switching from 25 short course meters to 25 short course yards, and for getting over a sinus and ear infection.  Her mom’s here to take care of her.  I am making sure she gets good food and lots of fluids.  Take note Coach Stanton.  I’m trying to be the best swim parent I can be.  If I do my job, then Lara can do her best.  Go Cats!  Go Lara!

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