Guess who’s team won the State Championship for Boys Swimming??
Here’s a hint:
(Picture of Alex, Coach Beth and… THE TROPHY!)
It came down to the last event… yes, the LAST event. It was the 400 free relay and Greater Atlanta Christian School (Alex’s school) was tied for first place with Wesleyan – a long time rival. It was INTENSE! Alex wasn’t on that relay which was good because I probably would have had a heart attack. After two delays (2 snow delays) and a prolonged taper, Alex swam his 100 fly event. He was in the 1st heat, which His teammates kicked some booty…. serious booty! Not only did they win - they made the All American cut (big deal in the swim world!) and they cut 6 seconds off their best time.
Alex has had two goals since his first year of swimming – qualify for state in an individual event (check!) and make finals at state. The top 18 make finals for each event. 18 kids out of 59 schools. is the slowest and he swam a 54.20. That is 6 seconds off from the beginning of the year… a long 6 seconds. Guess what that meant… HE MADE FINALS!!! He finished 15th!!!
I have so much video of the boys celebrating their win. Jumping into the pool with the trophy (and clothes on!), drinking from the trophy, their coach doing a back flip off the block – it was totally awesome. Keith and I were grinning from ear to ear – “permagrin” is what we like to call it!
I’ve bragged so much about Alex lately and it is well, well deserved! Granted, he’s still a teenager sleeping on a bed without sheets because he’s too lazy to do his laundry, holes up in his room for hours on end, he stays up late and sleeps late and forgets to call/text on occasion. All of that being said, he amazes me. I’ve never looked up to an 18 year old. I wish I had 1/2 the determination, drive and positive attitude he does.
As we approach the end of his senior year, I look forward to more bragging moments. Only 23 more Sunday Dinners… wow… 23… that’s the first time I’ve counted since last year when it was 70 something. Time flies when you’re having fun!
What next? Well, Alex was accepted into Clemson but that is bottom of his list. Right now, he’s waiting for a decision from UVA (comes in April) but he’s really leaning towards Auburn. He went to “E-Day” last Friday which was basically an Engineering department show and tell. Keith said he was in awe. He also dropped his questionnaire off with the swim coach and is waiting to hear back. Turns out, his 100 fly time is in Auburn’s list of top times so he may swim after all. While we can’t yell out a big “War Eagle"!” quite yet, we most likely will be in April! :-)
Hope everyone is having a happy Monday!
Becky
12 comments:
Woo hoo for Alex!! What an incredible, hard earned way to end his high school swimming career! And woo hoo to you and Keith, too -- great kids rarely accomplish great feats without great parents supporting them!
Becky- That is incredible! Wouldn't it be cool if he could swim at Auburn? I know what you mean about being so proud and wishing you had 1/2 the determination. I would be so proud too! Only 23 more Sunday dinners? Where did the time go???
You know we are Bama fans, but since Ashley went to vet school at Auburn we are pulling for a decision to head towards Alabama to attend Auburn!
The Tigers would be blessed to have Alex swim for them. What a amazing young man. I know you guys are proud!
War Eagle Alex!
SOOO EXCITING!!
You guys have every right to brag - he's an amazing kid - wow, I didn't do 1/2 that in high school - OR college!!!
That's really really awesome and it shows what great parents you guys are too - you're so involved and it makes a huge difference!
I bet Andrew admires his big brother!
I have a friend whose daughter is wanting to commit to Auburn. She's just waiting on financial to come in. I gave her Alex's name and information to look up on Facebook. Her last name is Putty, so tell Alex if he gets a friend request from some random chick named Putty, I sent it his way. For the life of me I can't call her first name right now. Oh wait, maybe it's Lauren?
That is so awesome! He sounds like one great kid! Snow delays? Really?
Wow!! Great job Alex!!! I know you are so very proud as you should be.
Can't wait to hear about his college decision. Such an exciting time!!!
I can hear the excitement in your voice! My oldest son only swam with the YMCA swim team one season, but I LOVED the meets. I know you guys are so proud of Alex and, yes, it is well deserved!
My nephew at Auburn is Jordan Bellar. He is on face book and has the nicest group of Christian friends. I know he would be happy to show Alex around.
Hi Becky,
I was thinking about you guys today and realized that you guys are living such a wonderful time in your lives... On one side, being part of your older son incredible achievements and fruits of his hard work and on the other side, seeing how your little Andrew is learning from such a great example! Just amazing!
It's just cool to imagine how and where our little ones lives will lead them to, but it's even cooler how Andrew is already giving you hints of how important his family is! You guys are just a sweet family!
Congratulations to Alex! He sounds like such a neat kid!
Yay!! Congratulations to Alex!!!
You can tell what a wonderful kid (well, almost man!) he is. What an amazing example to Andrew too!
Also, congrats to you two for doing such a great job!!
Been wondering if Alex had chosen a college. Clemson and Auburn are wonderful schools (of course, not in Nashville near us), so he will do great no matter what he decides.
Engineering? What kind?
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