Coach West Comments on Red/Gold Alumni Meet

The annual Red/Gold Alumni Meet was held this the last weekend of September.  We had a huge turnout as over 100 swimmers, family, friends, and alumni of Wheeling Jesuit Swimming were that were able to attend.  

One of the highlights of the meet was the return of Coach Dave Shotwell.  Coach Shotwell was on hand to present the Shotwell Award to Michael Phillips (2008).  Phillips was the 2008 Men’s Coach’s Award winner.  The award was named in honor of Coach Shotwell the team’s first coach and he also coached the team to its very first conference championship in 2000.  We were very pleased to have Coach Shotwell involved again in the Jesuit family and look forward to future visits.

This season we also began the tradition of awarding an Alumni of the Year award to an alumni who has demonstrated the most service to the team in their capacity. This could be giving of their time, talent, or treasure in an effort to better Wheeling Jesuit Swimming. This year the award went to Erin Hemmelgarn.  Erin has been instrumental in providing the team with fundraising ideas and items from her company, leaderpromos.com  She has worked closely with the coaching staff in making sure that all of the teams needs have been met with regards to outfitting and uniforms.  I know for me personally, Erin has been a pleasure to work and has always been delivered nothing but excellent results in our dealings with her.

Lastly there was a meet held during all of this!  The Gold team consisting of alumni and current swimmers defeated the red team handily.  Several alumni had excellent swims and won events including:  Jessica Bracamontes-50 Fly  & 100 Fly,  Matt Houllier-100 Fr, Pat Snell-50 Back, Erin Hemmelgarn-50 Br, Matt Staley-100 Fly & 100 IM.

I would like to thank the Alumni that attended, and I apologize in advance for leaving anyone out:  Dave Shotwell, Mike Bowman, Jessica Bracamontes,  Erin Hemmelgarn, Matt Houllier, Katie Howard, Joann Kasimer, Michael Phillips, Michelle Pilar, Sharine Rajack, Shastine Rajack, Pat Snell, Matt Staley, Lexi Trufasu, Brady Butler, Marie Somera, Pete Bowman and Nikki Rose.

Again thank you to all that attended and we really look forward to seeing you again next year.  GO CARDS!