Along with championship racing, the annual Athlete and Coach Representative elections are held annually at the SC Senior Championships. Elected by their peers, these representatives serve on the CSI Board of Directors and other CSI committees for two years. This year Lexi Koukos, of CDOG, and John Spadafina, of NCY, were elected and will begin their terms on May 19, 2010. Congratulations Lexi and John!

Letter from Jeff Gray, Referee

This past weekend Connecticut Swimming hosted the 2010 Connecticut Senior Open Championships.  Before we get too far away from the weekend, and caught up in other matters, I wanted to take a moment to express my gratitude to everyone in Connecticut Swimming who participated in the weekend's events.  

The members of the Senior Committee did an outstanding job once again.  My thanks to Henk Jansen, the Senior Committee Chair, Jason Cochran, the Meet Director, and all of the Senior Committee volunteers for the time and effort that they put into the weekend. I truly appreciate all that they did to make the weekend the success that it was.

Once again our parent volunteers were outstanding throughout the weekend as well. Available, helpful, cheerful, always pleasant and armed with good humor.  This group is particularly broad, and includes dedicated meet officials, competent computer experts, hospitality specialists, and countless administrative loyalists, all of whom gave so generously of their time and talents, in support of our kids throughout the state of Connecticut who have chosen the sport of swimming as an area of focused dedication.  Many of the volunteers in these categories were present throughout the entire weekend, and I appreciate all that they did to make the meet run so smoothly.  Thank you to all for your support and time this past weekend and throughout the year.  It was a pleasure to work with you.

The coaches are a group that I am particularly fond of.  I admire their tireless dedication and commitment to our athletes.  I have always appreciated their comradery on the deck, more than they may know.  It’s one personality after another with this group.  I'm very proud and honored to work with all of those who staff our coaching ranks, and I truly enjoy our time together on the deck.  I even enjoy the minor dust ups that we occasionally have, all of which are resolved with grace and good humor.  You're all terrific, and it's been an honor getting to know all of you throughout the years.

Last but not least, I could not be more proud of our athletes.  From the 13 and 14 year olds who were appearing at Senior Opens for the very first time, all the way up to our veteran swimmers, and everyone in between, our kids displayed good sportsmanship, outstanding character and well developed athletic skills.   I've had the pleasure of getting acquainted with many of our high school, college, and post college swimmers over the years, as well as many of our young coaches who were former athletes in Connecticut Swimming not too long ago.  I've known and had the pleasure of watching many of them compete since they were junior high school kids, swimming in Age Groups.  It's been fun watching them all grow up and advance, as swimmers and more importantly as young adults. They are shining examples of our mission, and their development is the very reason that so many of our coaches and volunteers dedicate their time and talents to Connecticut Swimming.  It's truly my honor to know and serve all of our athletes.  

As the General Chair for Connecticut Swimming, I was proud of everyone this past weekend, and proud of the event we put on. One of the best things about Connecticut Swimming is the people who make up our organization, and the colorful personalities that they bring to our work together.  For those of us who are involved in Connecticut Swimming in our different capacities, this past weekend is what it's all about: the all around development of kids as young adults, the refinement of their swimming talents, and fast swimming. Connecticut Swimming is comprised of terrific kids, and outstanding volunteers who give generously of their time.  It's my pleasure to serve and be associated with all of you.  

Great job, everyone.  

JLG

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Jeffrey L. Gray
General Chair
Connecticut Swimming