Black Dog Swimming

Congradulations to Keeli McNeary, a platinum team member of Black Dog.  She was selected by Star Tribune as the Athlete of the Week this week.     Keeli has remained undefeated in the backstroke, an event she swam at State Finals last year.   She also won the 100 freestyle last weekend at the Laker Invite with a meet record time of 55.76 ( I am told that she has gone faster since).

It is very good to see Keeli recognized for her hard work, she is known by all of her coaches as a smart athlete who understands the value of hard work and quality leadership.   She is an incredable assest to any team, and we are proud to see her doing so well.

Once again, Congraduations Keeli ~ you deserve it!!

Kerry Kraemer:
50^th in the 100 Breast – 1:11.77
34^th in the 200 Breast – 2:34.07

She led the last 100m and won her heat by a couple body lengths – That is the Kerry we know and love. 

Mike Holmes:
15^th in the 1500 – 15:31.92

He led most of the race and won his heat – from lane 8! Mike actually had the dual-listing of MN Aquatics and BDOG –Our Club President, Regan Cox, was there and said it was fun to hear it announced!

The Olympic Trials plays out in six dimensions: swimmer, family member, coach, official, fan, and media. A swimmer zips up while a parent worries. A coach hugs while a reporter scribbles.  Everyone is temporarily mad, crazy with excitement. And for one week every four years, all six dimensions are connected by tradition and pageantry; linked by a furiously inexorable vein that pumps hope into dreams. Even oft-reserved reporters temporarily surrender to the moment, jumping, screaming, like punch-drunk fools.

It's wonderful.

The families at the Olympic Trials are the most optimistic, hopeful people you will ever meet.  These are the people who have watched the athletes—their athlete—strive for unachievable perfection.  They supported them, nurtured them, cheered for them.  If the athlete wins, they win. If the athlete loses, they lose. The pain is shared, the joy is shared.  So to Kerry’s, Mike’s, and all the Black Dog families that have sacrificed so much for their swimmers.   Thank you!!!!!!!

Nine world records fell – and some were broken more than once – this week in a pool engineered specifically to be fast. Expect even more – many by U.S. swimmers in Beijing. The same company that built the Olympic Trials pool has  built the one used in Beijing, and now that the hard part is over (athletes admit that Trials are more nerve-wracking that the Olympics themselves), more records will fall.

GO USA!

Many swimmers can say that their outlook for life is good.  The work ethic, time management skills, and leadership opportunities this sport offers - often leads to very positive life long results.   Nate can say that it will also lead to an Officer's rank, and a promising Military Career.   Nate has just landed in Colorado Springs, to join the newest Freshmen Class at the United States Air Force Academy.  

No longer driving over an hour to get to morning practice.  Yes, he got up before all of you - and was on time (hint-hint).   Nate has taken his considerable talent to the thin air 'up there', the school sits at about 7000 feet.  Special thanks to Andrea Chvatal for organizing a good luck breakfast for Nate Friday, June 20th.

Heading off to college is tough – to do so months ahead of your friends and teammates is, at least, stealing away your ‘senior summer’.   Nate is heading off to complete his 6 week basic training - in fact, it is already underway as this article is being written.   As a cadet, everything you do is expected to have superior results.    Everything = bed making, tooth brushing the floor, shoe polishing, singing school songs, treating superior officers with respect, following orders - the list is endless.

Nate understands the rewards of setting high expectations, he has been one of Minnesota’s premier swimmers for a number of years.   His last High School season, he was a competitor in 4 events at State, and was an All-State athlete in the 100 Butterfly (52.27), a major talent out of the Hastings area. 

Please join us in wishing Nate all the best as he heads off to one of the most prestigious and challenging schools in our country.

Nate, we are all very proud.   Go Falcons!