Dear BEST TEAM IN THE ENTIRE WORLD AND BEST TEAM PARENTS IN THE ENTIRE WORLD!

Banquet Night - Thank you to all the parents and Coach Sam for making the banquet so wonderful. Coach Sam and all of you that helped decorated the Cafe made it feel so warm and welcoming. So pretty!

The food and cake were delicious and made the night so easy to just sit and enjoy.

Thank you, Rayna, for making the senior video. I cheated and watched it beforehand so I wouldn't cry at the banquet. (sorry) :)

If you were not able to make the banquet (which was very few), I have your items (sweatshirts, senior gifts and letters). You can come pick them up Thursday during break on the 3rd floor in Mrs. Dallman's office next to Principal Dawson. That is where I will be working. Arlene Le, I believe I have your black/white Northface jacket.

You all are such a wonderful team and hearing you cheer for everyone made me realize how you all love each other. Even though swim is over for many of you, please remember that we still are a team. That means going to basketball games to cheer for your teammates, congratulating them on their successes on winter crew team, being a shoulder to cry on when schoolwork gets tough.  Remember, to talk positive and be supportive for teammates and peers outside of school who are having a hard time. We are setting the sample of what a team should be like. 

I will be working at school every Friday. If you want to pick up a duck to give to someone who needs an affirmation, come by any time before 11:30 am. 

Things I missed - I meant to introduce the State team at the banquet, but I forgot to save my PowerPoint presentation and left that page off when I scrambled to remake it the day of the banquet. I also left off my Thank you page.

Thank yous - Annie Lee for running the computer every home meet and at Districts prelims. Curtis Orazem for being our official and announcer - not just at our meets but also helping out Garfield. Kristen Austin and Keith Williams for doing Stroke and Turn officiating. I am pretty sure we were the only team that followed the rules by having Stroke and Turns at every meet. Kirsten for also helping out at Metros. Also, the Williams for the beautiful photos you took all year. I am going to get them developed and pass out to the team at school. Finally, to all of you parents that took work off to get to the meets to either cheer or time. We could not have done it without you!!!

Please, join me in recognizing our State Team. We have our clap out tomorrow at 10 am right at the beginning of P6. Please, wear any swim and dive clothes you might have to show your support for the following swimmers tomorrow:

• Kate Beckman - 400 Free Relay (alternate)
• Anneliese Brannfors - 200 Medley Relay (backstroke alternate)
• Lilah Chang - 200 Medley Relay (alternate)
• Rayna Ejarque - 400 Free Relay (alternate)
• Claire Hillyer - 200 Free Relay (alternate)
• Juliette Holt - 200 Free Relay (alternate)
• Caroline Hooper - 200 & 400 Free Relay, 200 IM, 500 Free
• Delana Irani - 200 Medley Relay (breast), 200 Free Relay, 400 Free (alternate), 100 Breaststroke
• Maisey Jarrett - 200 Medley Relay (back), 400 Free Relay, 100 Fly
• Ruth Magnotti - 200 Medley Relay (fly), 200 & 400 Free Relay (alternate) 200 IM, 100 Fly
• Rhea Orazem - 200 Medley Relay (fly alternate)
• Stella Smith - (cannot attend State but would have made the relays)
• Norah Wall - 200 Free Relay (alternate)
• Ellie Wang - 200 Free relay, 400 Free relay, 200 Free, 500 Free
• Clare Weber - 200 Medley relay (breast alternate)
• Moira Williams - 200 Medlery Relay (Free), 200 Free relay, 400 Free relay, 50 Free
• Cymi McDonald - Team manager

I am attaching the State schedule, psych sheet and District results. You can find all this information on the Washington Interscholastic Coaches Association website. http://wisca.org/state-info.php

We would love to have the entire team there cheering the above swimmers on as they represent you and our school. Again, wear your spirit wear! Or goggles on your head.

Moving forward - I have told this story many times, but I regret not knowing what a great swimmer I was in high school and that I never saw the potential in myself. I did not recognize it until later in my first triathlon as an 18-year-old, then as a 30-year-old after having two kids. Don't be like me and recognize your great athleticism now.

Last night, I heard some of you question your speed. We are in District 2, 3A. We have the toughest competition in all of Washington and that includes 4A. We had the biggest team at Metros. You are all exceptional athletes and swimming is going to help you to conquer all kinds of obstacles in your life. Please, keep swimming on your own. Look up lap swims and do it! The reward of swimming will last you a lifetime!

The season isn't over until you say it is over. :)

Much love to all of you!

Sincerely (and on behalf of your coaching staff - Mrs. London, Coach Sam, Coach Kelly and Coach Leyla) - Coach Loy