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A note of thanks from Meet Referee:

This past July 4th weekend, Connecticut Swimming hosted the 2008 Connecticut Senior Long Course Championships.  Before we get too far away from the weekend, and caught up in other matters, I wanted to take a moment to express my gratitude to everyone in Connecticut Swimming who participated in the weekend's events.  

The members of the Senior Committee did an outstanding job.  My thanks to the Henk Jansen, the Senior Committee Chair, Jason Cochran, the Meet Director, and all of the Senior Committee volunteers for the time and effort that they put into the weekend. I truly appreciate all you did to make the weekend the success that it was.

Our parent volunteers were outstanding throughout the weekend as well. Available, helpful, cheerful, always pleasant and armed with good humor. They were a pleasure to work with.  This group is particularly broad, and includes dedicated meet officials, computer experts, hospitality specialists, and countless administrative loyalists, all of whom gave so generously of their time and talents, in support of our kids throughout the state of Connecticut who have chosen the sport of swimming as an area of focused dedication.  Thank you to all for your support and time this past weekend and throughout the year.

The coaches are a group that I am particularly fond of, whether they believe this or not.  I admire their tireless dedication and commitment to our athletes.  I have always appreciated their comradery on the deck, more than they may know.  I'm very proud to work with all of those who staff our coaching ranks, and I truly enjoy our time together on the deck.  I even enjoy the minor dust ups that we occasionally have, all of which are resolved with grace and good humor.  This past Senior Championship weekend was no exception, as they all know.  I had the opportunity to spend even more quality time with them than I ordinarily do, given a few minor snafus that developed.  It was my pleasure, and made for more interesting and engaging conversations.  You were all terrific, and it's been an honor getting to know all of you throughout the years.

Last but not least, I could not be more proud of our athletes.  From the 13 and 14 year olds who were appearing at Senior Opens for the very first time, all the way up to our veteran swimmers, and everyone in between, our kids displayed good sportsmanship, outstanding character and well developed athletic skills.   I've had the pleasure of getting acquainted with many of our high school, college, and post college swimmers over the years, as well as many of our young coaches who were former athletes in Connecticut Swimming.  I've known and had the pleasure of watching many of them compete since they were junior high school kids, swimming in Age Groups.  It was very nice to see all of our college athletes return to Middletown, and to have the opportunity to catch up with them on deck.  It's been so much fun watching them all grow up and advance, as swimmers and more importantly as young adults. They are shining examples of our mission, and their development is the very reason that so many of our coaches and volunteers dedicate their time and talents to Connecticut Swimming.  It's truly my honor to know and serve all of our athletes.  

As the General Chair for Connecticut Swimming, I was proud of everyone this past weekend, and proud of the event we put on. I was especially pleased with the volunteer turn out and the good spirits displayed, given the fact that the event took place over a long holiday weekend.  I'm sure that everyone had other places they would have liked to have been, so I am very grateful to everyone for their assistance.  For those of us who are involved in Connecticut Swimming in our different capacities, this past weekend is what it's all about: the all around development of kids as young adults, the refinement of their swimming talents, and fast swimming. Connecticut Swimming is comprised of terrific kids, and outstanding volunteers who give generously of their time.  It's my pleasure to serve and be associated with all of you.  
Great job, everyone.  

Jeff Gray

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