St. Thomas Swimming Association- Swim A Thon a Huge Success

Today, on Saturday February 20, 2010, STSA held its annual Swim A Thon. What a great event, it is every year. This is one of the largest fundraisers for the Virgin Islands charity each year and is vitally important to the continuing operation of the pool. The number of swimmers was not as high as I would have liked, but the spirited participation by those that did attend was fantastic. The day was perfect, as the clouds mixed with the sun to keep things cool enough for comfort. The pool looked great. The sponsors were recognized.

The event was spearheaded by Todd Clements, President of the BOD. Significant assistance was made by Erika Kellerhals (BOD Member), Joey Hamilton (Exec Dir of STSA), Mike DeHaas (BOD Member), Elton and Laura (for cooking up the food and running the snacks), and the rest of BOD and staff of STSA, as well as parents and swimmers that helped to count laps and time. Kudos to you all, as well as our awesome sponsors:

Ocean Potion Sun and Skin Care, owned by Todd and Cathy Clements
Merchant's Commercial Bank
White Bay Villas on Jost Van Dyke (thanks John Klein, also a BOD member)
Red Hook Dive Center (who opened their doors to sell me a dive flag last night- thanks guys!!)
Local Color
Ben & Jerry's Ice Cream (Mike Williams, you rule, another BOD member)
Law Offices of EA Kellerhals (the best)
Castaways Gift Shop

I would also like to give extra special thanks to Jimmy Gallivan and Barbara O'Brien. I know both to be very generous and significant contributors to STSA both with the Swim A Thon and in the past. You are both incredible. Jimmy also helps as a special advisor to the BOD. Barbara has coordinated the golf tournament for many years and the pool just wouldn't be here without all her past work.

The last and most important KUDOS go to all the swimmers. You all rock!! I can personally attest to how difficult it is to get in there and swim for an hour. It is so difficult, and I am exhausted as I write this blog. These results are not official, and are based solely on my memory (which admittedly isn't very good), but I believe I recall the following lap counts. There were also many swimmers not on this list!!:

Julianna DeHaas (couldn't be a better team member): 130 lengths
Kirk Boeger (yes, that is me, and I am tired): 126 lengths
Shaw Clements (one quarter my size but twice as tough): 124 lengths
Jesse Wyatt (super stud): 120 lengths
Sasha Klein (fastest chick on the planet): 119 lengths
Marie Williams: 108 lengths
Erika Kellerhals (again): 102 lengths
Joey Hamilton (coach): 102 lengths
Emma Williams: 92 lengths
Thomas Walden: 92 lengths
Michael Rabsatt: 64 lengths
LeRon: 64 lengths

Hannah Clements was still swimming when I left, I am guessing she broke a 100 !!!

Thanks to everyone above for a great event. And also HUGE THANK YOU to each and every donor of the swimmers. Your help is so appreciated.