DANIEL IS GOING TO STATE!!!

Rolling Oaks is buzzing with excitement! Daniel swam in the section swim meet this week-end and has qualified for the state meet in all four of his events. He swims the 200 freestyle, 500 freestyle, the 200 freestyle relay and 400 freestyle relay. Last year he was the section champ in the 200, and his dream all year has been to again bring home the first place ribbon in the 200. I had to cry tears of joy as he finished the race in first place. Not because winning is so important, but because he truly has a gift to swim, a passion for it, and worked so hard all year, swimming at the YMCA all summer, lifting weights, running, watching his diet, all for this goal. What dedication! Besides achieving this goal, he broke the school record in all four events. The relay team is amazing, and the four boys compliment each other. What a memory to go to state and work together to accomplish a place on the podium! Russ and I have enjoyed the sport of swimming. It is such a character builder. Even if you are not in first place, if you improve your time, you did well. It is so important for our kids to find something they are good at and enjoy, and swimming has been that revenue for Daniel. I am so proud of him and the man he is becoming through all of these experiences. The dedication to coach, team and self. The discipline to get up at 5:00 in the morning to swim. Next week-end will be the end of a wonderful high school career, not because of the medals, but because of the person Daniel has become.