Not So Lost Anymore, My Friends!

By Jason Marsteller

HONOLULU, Hawaii, June 4. WITH a full day of driving at the NCSA All-American meet under my belt, I'm happy to say that I at least fully understand about a 30-mile stretch of highway HI-1 in Hawaii! Our van actually arrived first to afternoon practice, compared to being about 30 minutes late in the morning. From a navigational standpoint, I'm truly happy with the second half of the day.

After we all came back for a quick bite to eat for lunch, it was back to the pool again. Erin and I were able to take a bit of time to ourselves, which allowed her to keep taking some really cool pictures of the flora and fauna around the pool. She's enjoying getting to check out some of the truly great natural beauty Hawaii provides.

We also found out exactly why the University of Hawaii has rainbows as a strong part of their athletic tradition with both the Warriors and Wahine. Erin caught the most amazing rainbow on camera. Funny thing is, when we spoke to the Hawaiian lifeguards about it – it interested them about as much as a dust devil turns this Arizonan's head – not much at all. They pretty much said that unless it is a double-rainbow, it really isn't that special. Talk about spoiled!

Here's a few more quick thoughts on the second part of the day:

* We're still compiling all of the swimmer introductions for some Swimming World Radio East-West team intro packages to run later this week. We've asked each swimmer to name five things about themselves: Name, Club, Club Coach, Best Stroke and Something Interesting About Themselves. That last question has caused some eyebrow-raising responses. I'm starting to think some of the swimmers might not be telling the whole truth *wink wink* Either way, it should be an entertaining set of radio pieces. Keep an eye out.

* While waiting for practice to finish up, I chatted with Veterans Memorial Aquatic Center Facility Director Glenn Pang about the pool. Click here to listen to the Swimming World Radio piece with this great guy.

* The East team, who I have been most connected with (go figure, an Arizona guy gets assigned to drive around members of the East team!), took a bit of an unscheduled team bonding excursion to Waikiki Beach. This was a fun trip, even though some of the water-logged swimmers decided to look at the picturesque backdrop of the beach from the comfort of a restaurant instead of getting wet. Although, who can blame someone for not wanting anything to do with water after a draining two-hour practice?

* I had the privilege to sit down and have a meal with Jamey Myers – the resident coach from Southern Crescent Aquatics out of Georgia. He's the consummate Southern Gentleman, if I may say so myself. Several times, he went out of his way to make sure the swimmers were taken care of. Also, he stopped along the beach to take a picture of a couple together when they were swapping out who would be in front of a rather impressive tree. For all those swimmers as Southern Crescent Aquatics, you are lucky to have such a great guy coaching you!

Well, my devoted readers, sleep is chanting my name. Will catch you later!

* Interesting quote of the day: "I wonder just how long this trip to the pool should really take when one doesn't get lost."

* Also, in honor of our involvement with the NCSA All-American meet, we are running special prices all week long on all watches in the Swim Shop. Click here to check out the specials!

2007 NCSA All-American Meet

2007 NCSA All-American Meet

2007 NCSA All-American Meet

2007 NCSA All-American Meet

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