[SwimTeamSpeedo]

“Amazing performance, guys” Coach said in the locker room after the meet. Most of the guys were still in our race day suits. We had just finished the last home meet of the season, and for Zach and I, the last of our swimming careers.

“I especially want to call out Zach and Ryan,” Coach added. “Not only was it senior night, but they both came to swim. Two new school records and a conference record set by Zach.,” Coach said as he came between Zach and I and put his arms around our shoulders. “Outstanding guys. What a way to show them what you are made of, you ended your season on the strongest note possible.”

I looked over at Zach and could see his eyes were wet and it was not water.

“Thanks, coach,” I replied. “Just doing what we do.”

Zach nodded, but could not talk for fear he’d break down. Coach also highlighted the third senior for a great swim and the four of us did a group hug as the team cheered. As cool as all that was, what happened before the meet was even better.

Weeks before, when we got our special “seniors only” suits, we all decided that there was no way we were going to do the usual suit and tie senior presentation. Unlike years past, we all agreed we wanted to wear our swimsuits and do something cool. We developed a plan, rehearsed it alone in the pool several times. And just before the meet, the world got to see what we had come up with. It was awesome!

“Ready,” Zach said to Rick and I as we stood in the far corner of the pool.

“Ladies and gentleman, please take your seats as we darken the pool area for a special presentation.” The announcer requested. Moments later the pool are went dark, except for the light from the exit signs and some safety lights that stayed on. It was like late dusk.

“Let’s do it.” I said. The three of us walked to the pool and we jumped in at the same time, letting out a big splash sound. A spotlight swirled to distract the crowd. We quietly then stood along the edge of the water.

“Ladies and gentleman, four years ago these swimmer began their college careers. Over the four years you have watched them grow, both as swimmers and as young men. Please join us as we salute our graduating seniors……

We slowly walked to the center of the pool. Timing here was crucial. Just as the spotlight started across the edge I quietly said “Dunk.”

The spotlight stopped in the center and three bodies emerged from the water. The crowd went nuts. We walked to the ladder guided by the spotlight while the announcer listed our swimming records. Rick and I held back, letting the light stay on Zach. We drew the order and Zach would go out first.

“Please join me in congratulating Zachary…..” The announcer proclaimed as Zach climbed from the pool and walked over to meet his parents who were standing center of the starting locks. He looked amazing, his senior suit clinging to him as he stood and waved to the crowd. One by one each of us followed.

“That was really cool,” my mother said to me as I stood there dripping wet in my suit. Zach looked over at me and smiled. He gave me a thumbs up. Rick was the last guy out and the crowd went nuts. The school fight song played in the background.

Coach gave a heartfelt speech about how we were his first recruits. He told the story about how Zach and I were a package deal and we made it clear that we would only go to swim at the same school. “Luckily for me, they were both pretty good” coach added. The crowd laughed.

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Zach and I lingered in the locker room after the rest of the team headed out. It was our last time doing this. To be sure we had a few meets left, and the conference meet. But this was the last real home meet. We finally got dressed.

Zach stood at his open locker silent for a minute, just staring at it.

“Well, I guess this is it.” he said as he closed the door.

“Yeah, I guess so,” I replied.

The locker room door closed behind us and we walked face first into the rest of our lives.

THE END.


Epilogue:

Zach and I remain close friends today. Zach and Amy remained together and eventually married. They are still married and live in the Southern USA. They have two children, one of them named after me. They both swim masters and little Ryan is starting swimming at the YMCA. “I hope he finds in swimming what I did,” Zach said as he told me. “His very best friend…”

Joe was at senior day and we remained close friends for several years until his passing. Joe’s diving photos from college remain with me and I look at them often.

Cody (several chapters back) is now a medical doctor and lived in Alaska. We stay in touch and plan to have a full reunion soon. He still wears “Speedos” as he calls all brief swimsuits. He swims on a masters team.

Scott and I broke apart after college. I returned to Maine where I remain today. I swim mostly open water now in the Summer, but also swim masters.

It’s been fun writing this entire series. I hope you enjoyed it.

STS