Robbie Bids Farewell

When I sat down to write this I did not really know where to start. It just seems like it was January 16th of 2010 and as a team it was time to say goodbye to that group of seniors. So to be sitting here typing my own senior salute makes me wonder where the time has gone. Each year the last home meet of the season has always been a great time but at the same time a bit sad to see a group of seniors go. What makes this meet so great is just the team as a whole. As a group we go through so much both in and out of the pool. From training and meets to the time we just spend together as a team. It is these bonds that are formed that make this team such a great group to be a part of.

Looking back becoming a member of this team was probably the best choice that I could have possible done coming into college. It has given me so many opportunities and has also helped me grow in so many different ways. I will treasure the memories we have made as a team from my beginning years with the team and our experiences at our training trip to Key West, Florida and biking around with a bike with a flat tire (I still remember Tim trying to ride it and popping the tube out of the tire) to the hike at the Kendall farm over Christmas break. Still the greatest bonding I think we do as a team is how we eat as a team every night. It is one of the great traditions of our team and I feel it helps foster the close bonds that develop between us. I have also been blessed to be able to pursue different activities outside the pool from student senate, interning for the Minnesota State House or going to London a week before finals and missing study week. However, of all my experiences at SMU being part of a team has been one of my greatest joys and the bonding within the team is one of the team’s greatest strengths. So before I move on to acknowledging everyone individually I would like to just say thank you to everyone that came before us. Without the traditions you started many of the things we do as a team may not exists today. From apple fork to dinners to just the gatherings we have as a team all of them play a part in who we are. The contributions of everyone throughout the team’s history have helped define it into such a great team today.

When looking at who to thank and what person/group to start with. I want to start by saying if I forget someone I apologize but hopefully I won’t.   So looking back to January 16th and that first group of seniors: Tom, John, Angela, Jen and Courtney; I don’t think I could have asked for a better group of seniors when I was a freshmen. Both the support and the rightful kick in the rear end I got from all of you at times I think plays a big part in why I’m still here today. So thank you for all you did that first year and introducing me to this great team. The group that graduated my second year I feel in many ways just helped build from what those seniors the year before started. John I would have to say it was a joy swimming with you and also even though I got to know you a bit when I was a freshmen this is when I really got to know you. I’m thankful and I will try not to talk about politics at all with you during the meet today (I probably will fail but hey I’m putting it on paper that I’m going to try:P) Kristina: I want to say thank you for everything you did to help organize events and surprisingly almost every memory I can think from my early time her at SMU involves Angela. I’m thankful for the influence you both had on my time here. Andrew I have to say it always was a blast to talk with you even if it was only for a little bit of time between our swimming practice and your diving practice. To the group that graduated last year I would say it was a joy to swim with all of you. Jim my lane buddy for almost two years (sorry I deserted you when I went to St Paul) I have to say it was always an adventure to swim together. Sam even though you joined the team as a Senior I found you brought a lot to the team and helped bring new energy to the guys team. Linda and Nicki another pair that I don’t think I could talk about one without talking about the other. I have to say your energy both in and out of the pool helped to make this such a great team to be a part of. So when looking back at all these teammates that have already graduated I have to say thank you.

To my current teammates many of you I know very well and some I’m just starting to get to know. At the same time each of you have helped to make my senior year enjoyable so far. Garen and Scott: It has been a pleasure swimming in the same lane or next to you for this year. You both have come so far and it’s been a joy to watch as you push yourselves to become better. Zach: Keep working and with time good things do happen. Shea: Your sense of humor and good attitude always makes practice more fun. Sarah: Just keep pushing yourself. PJ: Keep doing what you’re doing and pushing forward; in the long run you’re going to be a very successful person in whatever you choose to do both in and out of the pool. Beth: Starting after almost a month of practice had already begun is a difficult task that you deserve a ton of credit for; I hope you keep improving and take enjoyment from how you are doing. Ashling and Anne: You both always seem to be in a great mood and add spirit to our team. Sivan: I have enjoyed seeing you grow since coming here; you always work hard and it is one of the things that will take you far in life. Kristin: Your attitude and how your towels change at meets always lighten up the mood. Anna: You are a wonderful person and watching you swim is always fun.

To my fellow seniors, I would like to say as a group it has been a blast. I am happy we are all part of the same group and how we are all tied together. Mark: It has been a great privilege to swim with you and just get to know you. I wish you the best of luck after graduation and in whatever you choose to do. Abby L: You always have a way great way of cheering us up as a team. I’m sure after graduation you will make a great teacher. Abby K: I have to say the treats you bring to practice from time to time are amazing. Tina: I knew you from student senate and it was fun to watch you start to swim this year; it has been nice to have you as part of the swim team and I hope you keep improving and enjoy the rest of the season. Kaitlyn: I have to say of all the seniors I’m most thankful you transferred to SMU as a sophomore; I know at times I annoy the heck out of you but swimming T30 and other sets would not have been the same over the last few years.

The true heart and soul of our team is the coaches. JJ: all I have to say is you’re an interesting character. The way you coach the divers is always interesting but you always seem to have a good group. I hope you continue to have good divers for years to come. Coach over the last four years you have been one of the greatest influences on me. I don’t think a day pasted, when, I was on campus, that at some point and time I didn’t stop by the office. You always would take the time to listen even when most of what I would say had nothing to do with swimming. I appreciate you for being supportive of the many different things I have done that have taken time away from the pool. I know I have said this before but you were one of the main reasons I came to SMU from the first time I sat down in your office and I really mean it.   So a huge thank you for everything you have done and all you continue to do.

To my roommates and Tom I have to say thank you for putting up with my early morning wake up for swim practice, my rants, and also for the times I passed out from exhaustion. Your support over the last four years has been much needed even if Tony and Nelson want to break my alarm clock some mornings.

To my parents I don’t know where I would be today without both of you. The support you have given me throughout life has always been amazing. I appreciate your support as I explored different sports. I am grateful that you suggested swimming when I was in the 8th grade and I was able to find a sport and live long activity that I enjoy. I can never repay you for all the time you spent driving me to practice before I could drive and the hours of time spent at meets. I could sit here all day and type and still feel I don’t completely thank you in an appropriate way.   So know when I say thank you it truly comes from the heart. And I don’t want to forget my little brother, Eric, I will say this I know I never made many of your ski races (that may be a good thing considering you always would fall when I went) but thank you for attending all of my swim meets.

To close, I just want say something to the next generation of swimmers coming or thinking of coming to SMU. This is a great team and even if we are small it’s a great group of people to be a part of. I also hope you will keep the many traditions on this team alive and growing. I wish you the best of luck and hope you have as great an experience as I had.