[raymcc]

I grew up in a University town in the midwest. When I was young, I was largely oblivious to University student life...but as I hit 18, and was in the back half of my senior year in high school, thoughts of what college life might be like fascinated me.

I was a swimmer on our high school team. Tall (6'2") lanky, with what I guess they call a 'typical swimmer's build.' Broad shoulders and chest, but with only a 28" waist. Truth is, I was all state in butterfly and breast stroke, and the coach was trying to get me into a more challenging environment, so when I got to college, I'd really have earned that 'free ride' athletic scholarship.

His only solution to challenge me was to get the University swim coach to let me workout with all the college guys. My parents approved, and while I was a bit intimidated, thought it would be incredibly cool to be hanging around older and much better swimmers.