Welcome to Athens

This morning the Davidson Swimming and Diving squads hopped on a bus and rode 4 hours to Athens, Georgia. The conference championship has arrived and is the zenith to our season; everything the Wildcats have worked for is on display at the University of Georgia for three exciting days of competition.

The journey to Athens started much sooner than the 9AM departure. Every NCAA student-athlete has a level of commitment and sacrifice that the sport and college ask for. Tomorrow marks the beginning of the final steps in this 2008-2009 journey. It, indeed, is a marathon, but when you see that finish line, that's when you want to be your best.

There is a terrific article that I've read on CNN that summarizes what it's like to be a swimmer on this Wildcat team. The parallels to the team and the athletes described by Bob Greene may not immediately smack you in the face. Yet, I can't help but sift through the words of the author, and not only reflect on Davidson, our season, and what I've been able to carve as a coaching craftsman.

There are numerous choices that each of us make in the course of a season. The risk is great. The reward can be greater. That reward can be a choice that was previously made to do something well or ill.

I am extremely proud of these Cats. There will be time (beginning next week) to further expand on this pride. For now, we'll strap-in, witness their glancing eyes focus on the task at hand, and catch that moment when they are their finest. It should be a great three days...