The Last NCAA Post for 2013

Alrighty everyone,  the national championships are over, as are the senior's swimming career.  This last post is coming from a swammer.  I'm still not sure what to do with all this free time... Anyways, Day Four.

On the last day, we had Ange & Jenny's 100 free, Biscuit's 1650, and the 400 free relay.  Ange set a new school record and made it back top 8 in the 100 free while the 400 free relay also made it back in the big heat.  In the mean time, Biscuit had a lot of time to kill....

If it look sketchy, that is because it is...  Biscuit is sleeping behind the scoreboard.  But, hey when we found biscuit here, we also found this...

That, ladies and gents, is the national championship trophy.  We figured this would be as close as we would get to it, so why not take a picture???

So, when it was finally time for the 1650, 

Kats was elected as counter... &

the parents bought us Subway so that we could get a full nap in!

YUM!  Too bad biscuit FORGOT to order her sandwich.. 

What a sad person.  Good thing is, the parents knew they needed seven, so they got one for her anyways.

SO, we take our naps in preparation for the final session of the meet.  We arrived at the finals session, and  the music playing during warm up was dance music... So, we had some fun and decided to have a dance party.  Fortunately, the limbo song came on!  Teebs grabbed one of the lane signs and started a limbo line. 

The team from Cortland decided to join in with us, so that was pretty cool!

At finals, we had Ange's  100 free, which she got 8th,

What a great smile :)

So, it was finally time for the relay to put on their suits for the last time.

Teebs was bad, so we had to put her back in her cage....

She looks far too happy.

Anyways, the 400 free relay set a new school record & also placed sixth in the nation!!! 

This placing also ensured that the GCC Women's Swim Team got 9th overall in the team standings!

How cool is that???

After my last race ever, 

I decided that it was about time that I could eat a candy bar!  WOOO! 

Jenny, couldn't believe it was over...

hehehee....  Gorgeous!

So, naturally, we had to take a ton of pictures...

And move over towards the cheesecake factory!!!!!  Too bad, it was literally too dark for us young people to see the menu...

and being the phone dependent generation we are, we all had our iPhones out to use the flashlight app.

The food was DELICIOUS.  Jenny & I split some Moroccan Chicken and some Baja Chicken tacos.. We were macking on that.  It seemed that everyone else was big on the breakfast items.  Kats got a MASSIVE omelette, however she says that it wasn't nearly as good as our main woman Sherry...

that is Jenny & I's food!  Nommmmm

And obviously, you cannot go to the Cheesecake Factory without getting cheesecake, so we all got a massive slice.  As little Biscuit went to the bathroom, we made friends with our waiter, Chad.  We decided that it was definitely time for it to be Biscuit's birthday.  So, we told Chad it was her birthday, and that she was a little shy, so he should be as obnoxious as possible about it  And don't worry, they were...

She was so upset/angry at us, but don't worry we got it on video...

Hope you all enjoy this as much as we did.... they even sung to Lil' Biscuit!!! I am pretty sure that all of the parents & coach were laughing hysterically with us!

I still can't believe they sang to lil biscuit.  She was such a good sport.

After dinner, we went outside to take more pictures by the fountain...

the seniors wanted a senior pict :)  and now for a team picture!

And, when it was time to leave Texas, we had to take one more sunshine picture...

Everyone looks so pretty... hahahahhaha Kats & Biscuit have some quality faces...  For breakfast, we stopped at Cracker Barrel, YUM!  Teebs played the table game and actually got to one pin all by herself.... we obviously needed to document this tremendous feat....

And just like that, we boarded our flight back to cold Pennsylvania....

Alright, time for the sappy part...

On behalf of the NCAA seniors, I'd like to say how much of an honor it's been competing on such a wonderful program for all four years.  We have come so far as both people and athletes.  I can still remember the first NCAA meet we attended together..

This was our freshman year at Minnesota... I still remember getting 13th in the nation and being ecstatic!  Freshman year feels so long ago...

Sophomore year at Tennessee is when we really decided that we could compete on a national scale.  We each did what we had to do and improved to 11th place overall.

Then, onward to 10th in the nation, at Indianapolis.  We had the largest cheering crowd, and we all did so well.  I can still remember being so happy we got to bring Kate Wilt and Lu on the 400 medley relay.  Even though, I false started the relay while there.  We learn so much about one another on these trips.

I couldn't be more thrilled that we moved up one place every year.  Not everyone can say that they improved every year throughout their college career.  And for that, we have to thank Coach.  Thank you Fritz for being there for each of us and investing so much time into the program.  We have learned so much from you and we thank you for all your hard work and time.

This year proved to be no different than the rest.  Everyone really stepped up to finally break into the top ten.  Biscuit pulled off a 1:52 in the 800 free relay, while Teebs swam an outstanding split of 52.4 in the 400 free relay.  Biscuit really came out of her shell and learned to embrace the saying, "it's only awkward if you make it awkard."  

Lu became the backstroker we always knew she could be, and really allowed our medley relays to be competitive on the national level. She also is one of the most positive people I know.  Throughout all of the hard practices, I could always look to her for positive encouragement and to say something completely  hilarious to get my mind off the pain & to remind me that swimming is all about having fun.  If it's not fun, it wouldn't be worth doing.  So for that Lu, I thank you.  Swimming with you the past nine years has been the best, and I couldn't have asked for a better teammate and friend.

Then, there's my lovely roommate Kaley, or Kats.  You have been the positive light of my college career and I don't know what I would do without you.  I knew we would be best friends from the moment we met on your recruiting trip all those years ago.  You work so hard, and to see how far you have come in your swimming (from a 113 in the 100 breast to a 106 and 236 in the 2 breast to a 227..) because of your hard work is truly inspiring.  You have always been such a support system to me through thick and thin and I don't think I could do it without you.  I will certainly miss being your roommate and sharing megabed with you.  You're destined for greatness and I know you will be back at the NCAA's next year and will make a great captain.  Thank you Kats for being my best friend and brightening everyone's day every day.

Teebs, you have also really came out to step up and fill in some pretty big shoes.  I know the beginning of the year was hard, but after Kenyon and throughout NCAA practice, I saw a new side of you.  You worked your hardest to be the best you could be.  Pushing yourself to a higher level every day.  You definitely have showed that you are ready to lead that 800, 400, and 200 free relays to the NCAA championships next year.  I have complete faith that your hard work and good attitude will show the new girls coming in, just how it's done and what it takes to be the best.

And finally, to my compatriots and best friends, Ange and Jenny.  It has truly been the biggest blessing that we got to compete together and practice together all four years.  Ange, you are the smartest and most well rounded person I know.  You work so hard and earn the awards you are given and I am sure you will get that teaching job and become the best math teacher in the world.  I really have appreciated practicing with you throughout high school and college.

And J, I can still remember seeing your white van with the PSU swimming sticker on it in front of MAP on move in day.  From then on, you became one of my best friends.   You work outstandingly hard and have such a hunger for new and exciting things.  With that hunger, you will find that the world has a ton to offer and I'm confident that your job will be as exciting as you are.  I can't wait to visit you in the future!

As for the rest of the team, it has been an honor to compete with you all.  You really bring the best out in each athlete and promote good work ethics and attitudes.  You all are the best friends I could ask for, and I know we will be friends for life.  Be sure never to lose that good work ethic combined with the love for the sport.  

Sorry for the sap,

For the last time,  Wolverine Love,

Reese

PS I attempted to eat that orange this morning... It was NASTY.  I guess bigger isn't always better... I think I will stick to the Florida oranges.  Sorry Brownie...

  

Day Two: Finals Edition & Day Three

Finals: Day Two

So, the GCC Lady Wolverines went off for the second day of finals.  To kick start the session, we lead off with Jenny, Teebs, Ange, & I in the 200 free relay.  Everyone was preparing for their races differently....

I look pretty good with my turtle face,

Ange was cheesin' it up and showing us her big smile :)

While Jenny and Biscuit were just layin' out.

Kats was a little hungry... so she found the closest thing she could find...

Yum, high in fiber I can imagine.

We ended up getting 6th place and achieved getting a spot on the podium!  I won slowest relay exchange ever, with a whopping .38.  Seems to be a trend here....
Then, we had Ange's consolation final swim in the 200 free with a new school record of 1:51.00!  WOO!  I finished 12th in the 100 fly and the 400 medley relay also finished 12th.  

We look pretty snazzy up on the podium!!!

After finals concluded, we meandered over to our personal favorite restaurant, PF Changs.  Kats had never been here, and obviously we couldn't let the trend die....

Adorable.  But, it's still weird without our expert lettuce wrap sauce mixer, Jenna...  We were having a serious issue with trying to remember how it was supposed to be made.  The menus here are also quite extensive... both Kats and I had a hard time choosing what to eat.  But, Teebs was the smart one here and called Jenna for an expert opinion. :)  Needless to say, we were pretty happy campers on the way home...

We are just so pretty sometimes.

Day 3

So, Kats and I woke up for day three, and opened up the blinds to see the sun, but instead, we found this....

Cool, a swamp land.

Then, we were off to prelims of day 3 after our hearty breakfast at Panera ;).

  Today, we had my 200 fly, Lu's 100 Back, & the 800 Free Relay in the morning.  

These ladies were PRETTY stoked.  The eight hundred free relay killed it this morning with a new school record of 7:28.74.  YEAH!  We were just hoping that our time would hold up in the final heat so we can get top 8 points :)

After prelims, we went to the macaroni grill, where you can color on the tables, and create your own pasta! YUMMM.  We were all a fan of that!

Then, to the saddest part of the day... Senior Rec.  

We met a cool girl from Gustavus, who is attending law school next year.  How awesome is that?  For the recognition, we got baby roses and chocolate.  It was really cool to see how far we have come from our freshman year and how the NCAA's have changed the past 4 years.

After a nail biting heat, the 800 free relay out split MIT for the 8th place spot!  

It was pretty cool to be the only team from earlier heats to make it back top 8!  What a great way to leave the 800 free relay, scoring all four years top eight!

After we received our awards, we went to eat at Bucca di Peppo for some family style grub.  

Tomorrow, we have the 100 frees, 200 back, and 400 free relay!  Sounds like a day full of fast swimming & Ange, Jenny, & I's  last day before we become "swammers!" 

Until tomorrow,

Wolverine Love,

Reese

Day One & Day Two Prelims

Hello All!  

First of all, shout out to all the people who have been keeping up with us this week!

We last left off with Day Zero.  After an excellent night's sleep and a most excellent breakfast from Panera, we all packed up our swimming stuff and moseyed our way over to pool for our first session.

During prelims, Ange & Jenny took care of business in the 50 free and the 200 IM.  Lu, Kats, and I geared up for the 200 Medley Relay at the end.  By the end of prelims, and a fantastic split from Jenny on the end of the relay, the medley had made it back to the consolation final.  The last time a medley made it back to finals was when Sarah Page anchored the relay (2 years ago), so this was a pretty big deal for us.  After we all got ready to go to lunch, we all realized that there is a swimmer hospitality room!  YAY free Powerade and food!  Can't complain about that!  The best part of this room is the fresh fruit....

Yes, Ladies & Gents, this here is an orange from the room... Just so we can get a comparison...

Excellent.  That orange is almost the size of my head.  I still haven't eaten it yet.. But, no worries, I will keep you all updated.  

 For lunch, we decided to go to Pie Town... Which I know, sounds like it would only have pie, but it had some pretty good lunch stuff too. 

 However, one cannot simply go to Pie Town and NOT get pie....

Kats and I split this lovely Red Velvet pie... It was pretty awesome that they made these little personal pies...

Coach got a milkshake and Triple Chocolate pie... Can't say that we were all too surprised.

Jenny & Ange got a peach pie!  It looked so good...

And last, but certainly not least, Teebs & Lu got a peanut butter pie.  NOM!

So, outside this Pie Town (note we sat OUTSIDE!!!) , there was a massive awkward looking fountain...

I'm a personal fan of the massive, angry horses.  

Teebs & Kats liked them too.... and Bilko, or Biscuit as we may call her from now on, is having a freshman moment with the fountain.  There is a sign that says please do not touch or stand on the fountain.  Freshman.

So, after we finished playing outside, we all went back to the hotel for a much deserved nap to get ready for finals.  

When we got to finals, we found out that there was a high school band playing the national anthem that night.  They were actually pretty good! 

So with finals ready to begin, we went to change.  Too bad we didn't realize that some of us were burnt from sitting outside for lunch...  AND it wasn't me, the palest person here! 

It's okay Lu, we love you even if you have a farmer's tan.  She was on a roll that night, because Lu also brought out the mini jacket!  

Stylin.

The jacket had a zip off hood too!  This hood was passed around the team so that everyone could look like an astronaut.  WHAT UP.

So, the finals swimming began.  We watched Caroline Wilson, from Williams College, win back to back events in the 500 free and the 200 IM.  That was impressive... And the two medley swam and we got eleventh!  Certainly moving up in the world!  The relay warmed down, and we got ready for dinner with the parents.  They took us to this really nice Italian place... needless to say, we were not dressed for the occasion...

As we finished up dinner, I attempted to climb back into the bus, but I ended up looking like a gargoyle...

Ew,  so, we drove back to the hotel to find these outside our doors!!

Who doesn't like presents?? The parents are really too good to us.

Speaking of presents, we found out we get one more gift from the NCAA, PULL OVERS! I must say, we are very happy with the clothing choice.

And that brings us to Day Two: Prelims Edition.  We woke up earlier than usual because we had at least one person in EVERY SINGLE EVENT!  

Dang, do I look tired.  Obviously haven't had my tea this morning yet.  So, to remedy that situation, we went on our now daily Panera run.  Coach was talking about woolly mammoths and cave men with Biscuit, and the rest of the team really wanted to go warm up, so we went outside to wait by the car. Kats decided to stretch in the parking lot.  Thinking this was a great idea, we all started to do it.  Teebs accidentally hit an old man attempting to get to his car while swinging her arms... Ooppss.  No worries, he was a good sport about it.  

Please note Biscuit's face in this picture.  It slightly reminds me of a sloth...

Anyways, we drove off to prelims for day two.  We had the 2 free relay, which is seeded 7th coming back tonight (WOO!), Jenny's 4 IM (4:32 and 19th place), my one fly (56.3 and coming back 15th tonight), Ange's 200 free (1:51.3 and coming back 13th tonight), and the 400 Medley Relay (3:53.0 and coming back 11th tonight).  

Interestingly enough, we also ran into a GCC alum at the meet today!  She graduated with my mother in Industrial Engineering all those years ago!  We chatted with her about her time at GCC and she asked us all about how the school is now.  Anyways, We had one heck of a prelims session and have a total of four races tonight! 

So, after a long prelims session, we went to pick up a quick lunch at Panera.  We tried to get back in the van, but coach parked too close to the truck next to us.  

It was a little sunny out, seeing that J and I have squinted faces....  If you look to the back of the picture though... Biscuit found herself infatuated with a fuzzy on Ange's pullover, and therefore is making a magnificent face.  It might be a smidgen scary.

Anyways, I think that is all I have for now....

Wolverine Love,

Reese