| Hello from Berkeley-
Happy New Year, even though it's hard to believe we're already
in February!! The Golden Bears have been busy thus far in 2005
with training trips, ever challenging Pac-10 duel meets, a new
semester of classes, Parent's Weekend activities and Stanford,
Pac-10 Championships and NCAA's on the horizon. . . . . .
The swimmers left for Kona, Hawaii on January 6 and spent 9 days
on the "Big Island." We had an enjoyable time and got
some terrific work in as well. I've attached a great note written
by Gina Merlone highlighting our trip and duel meet performances
thus far. Gina has had her own column in the Daily Californian
and put together a great piece here for your enjoyment . . . .
. thanks Gina! It's been go, go, go since the new semester began
on 1/18/05. We were in Arizona the weekend of 1/21 where we split
duel meets w/ the University of Arizona and Arizona State. We
had great support from the Calders, Jim Babicz, the Morelli's,
the Silver's, Sandy Medina, and the Chandler's. We hadn't raced
since early December and we were a bit rusty at U of A, but responding
nicely the next day at ASU. I was very impressed with many of
the new faces, as well as some veterans that provided leadership
to make the trip to Arizona a valuable learning experience.
The final weekend of January saw the LA schools travel north
and many parents arrive in Berkeley to watch some great racing/diving,
see their daughters and take part in various team activities.
After Friday's defeat of the Trojans we had a nice "Family/Team
Dinner" at Memorial Stadium. Josh Flushman helped us pull
together a great meal, New Athletic Director Sandy Barbour stopped
by to share some words and each athlete introduced themselves,
their guests and answered one of three questions about their CAL
experience. Following Saturdays victory over the Bruins we had
a potluck/tailgate in the Haas Club Room. LOTS of great food and
a nice way to celebrate a festive weekend. Thank you to all of
you that brought items and were able to join us. . . . .
Our final dual meet is Saturday 2/12 at Spieker Pool beginning
at noon against the Stanford Cardinal. I don't have to remind
anyone how exciting last year's meet was as we put an end to Stanford's
28 year string of wins. We're all hoping to add #2 to Cal’s
string and keep it going for another 28 years!!. . . . . . If
you can make it to Berkeley to see and support us on the 12th,
I'm sure you won't be disappointed. Following the meet, we're
having a reception in Haas Pavilion. Many of you have received
invitations and if you haven't and will be able to join us, please
contact Aaron George at ageorge@berkeley.edu. His number is 510-643-2746.
We have eight seniors that will be making their final duel meet
appearance as Golden Bears and we want to send them out in style
with a victory!! It's also time to send in your "good luck
page" for our Pac-10 Championship book. For the past five
years now, (this will be our 6th book), I've put together good
luck notes, sayings, pictures, drawings, whatever you want to
send in a book for each athlete. The team gets these books the
night before Conference and I hope it reminds them that lots of
people love them, support them and our proud of them. It's a real
feel good item :-). Anyway, if you'd like to contribute to the
2005 book, I need your one page contribution by 5:00PM on Wednesday
2/16. Remember these should be no bigger then 8 1/2 X 11 and it's
best to send it in black and white- it copies more clear. Also,
don't write anything to close to the edges of the paper as these
items sometimes get cut off. Either mail it to the address in
the signature or send it via email to: mckeever@berkeley.edu .
Additionally, mark your calendar now-- the CAL Aquatics Banquet
will be held on Sunday, April 24, 2005. Specifics to follow at
a later date.
Okay, I think that's it . . . . . thanks for all the terrific
support and GO BEARS!!
Teri
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