After a series of delays due to the weather, we had our state swim meet on Wednesday and Thursday. We had battled through injuries and illness for the last six weeks of the season. Nevertheless, it was the closest boys meet in state history. Our boys had some miraculous swims winning the first two relays (All-American times). Going into the last relay (400 Free Relay), it was all tied up. The tension in the natatorium was palpable. Everyone knew that whichever team won the final relay would win the meet. You could not script this any better. Unfortunately our relay consisting of two sophomores and two juniors was beaten by a senior-laden team who swam their best splits ever. Below is an email I sent to the team after the meet. Even though it was to the team, it was really for me. I was the one that needed to hear it.
“And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose” (Rom 8:28).
“And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose” (Rom 8:28).
“Humble yourselves, therefore, under God's mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time” (1 Peter 5:6).
“In his heart a man plans his course, but the Lord determines his steps” (Proverbs 16:9).
God is sovereign. His plan is perfect. God does not have a plan B. We may not always like what God has in store for us, but rest assured he knows what we need. All season we’ve talked about winning with humility and losing with grace; last night served as an opportunity for both. Although the accomplishments in the pool were remarkable, what occurred outside the pool matters more. I cherished the times we prayed collectively. I cherished the times when I saw relay teams huddled together praying before their races. I cherished praying with the GACS team prior to the state meet in acknowledgement that athletics are a means to a greater end, they are not the end. I cherished the times I saw throngs of fans cheering their heads off from the end of the lanes and in the stands. I cherished watching swimmers celebrating their successes and older swimmers coming alongside younger swimmers to comfort those who were disappointed. I cherished watching our boys genuinely congratulating the GACS boys team on their victory. Character is what matters. Twenty years from now, the type of men and women you’ve grown up to be will measure my success as a coach, not whether or not you were successful in the water. Athletics teach us life lessons. Seize the opportunity to celebrate the successes and learn from the challenges. It was a wonderful season.
* For those of you who enjoy swimming, the entire meet was simulcast. Here are the three relays on http://ghsa.tv/events/8959& all the results can be found at http://www.ghssca.com/
* 200 Medley Relay at approximately 15.08
* 200 Free Relay 2:22.00
* 400 Free Relay 3:04
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