ALUMNI NEWS
BRANFORD H.S. SWIM ALUMNI UPDATE #24
(January – April 2013)
PRESENT AND FUTURE TEAMS NEED ALUMNI SUPPORT
Every swim alumni over the last 30 years got to see their
time flash across the scoreboard when they finished every race at WIS. The scoreboard, timing computer and touchpads
were purchased and maintained through the cooperative support of the school
system, Stingrays and BOSS (Branford Organization Supporting Swimming). Since the economy went sour it has been hard
to justify asking for funds from the school system to maintain a timing system
when they have such pressing educational needs. The Stingray funds now are controlled by the YMCA
and the Y has their own timing system to maintain at their facility. The swimmers’ parents are now paying over
$2,000 a year per swimmer between Stingray dues, Y dues, the high school
Florida Trip and other swimming related expenses.
The timing computer is now in need of serious repair or
replacement and several new pads are needed.
Pads cost $900 each and the timing computer is $4,300. When I started this website almost six years
ago I wanted it to be just a way to keep all of us in touch with each other and
did not want it to be a source of fundraising. Two years ago I did feel justified asking
alumni who had made all state to fund the permanent all state boards and they
responded in a most generous way.
I’m afraid that if the Branford Swim Alumni do not raise
the funds to maintain the timing system then no one will. All of you who swam at
Branford benefited from the timing system and we are now asking those of you
who can afford it to make a donation to the “Timing System Maintenance Fund”.
There is no set amount, just whatever you can afford. Checks should be made out to” BOSS” (Branford
Organization Supporting Swimming}. You
can send your check to me (John O’Connor, 36 Sunrise Cove Rd., Branford, CT 06405) and I’ll pass them on to Sue Lecza who
will keep a separate maintenance account within the BOSS budget. If this is not a good time for you to donate,
the timing system will always need some upkeep so donate at a future time.
If anyone is in a position to make a substantial donation
($500 or more) this donation would be recognized as we did our $500 donors
toward the all-state boards with your name on a plaque by the starting system. If any of our alumni have really hit the
jackpot and wish to help out in a major way there is a new state of the art scoreboard
that lists the swimmers name, school, splits and times for each lane along with
the team score and records. I would be
happy to get prices if anyone is in that level of opportunity.
1988 AND 1990 GIRLS STATE CHAMPIONSHIP
TEAMS TO BE HONORED AT HALL OF FAME DINNER
As most of you know the Branford Sports Hall of Fame
honors Branford state championship teams on the 25th anniversary of
their championship. When championships were won close together they honor both
teams at the same time since they involve many of the same people. I can’t tell you how much fun it has been for
the boys 83 team and 85,86, 87 teams to get together. Being honored is nice but
it does not compare to the enjoyment everyone has had spending time with each
other after 25 years, telling old stories and reconnecting with those you
shared an important part of your life with.
The 88 and 90 teams were the first girl’s teams to win
state championships and we want to make this a special celebration on November
15th. Since many will have
to travel far it has worked out well to
get together not only on Friday night for the dinner but the boys teams have
continued the celebration on Saturday with activities such as a brunch, team
meeting and cocktail party. I would love
to have a few of you from the 88 and 90 team form a committee to plan and
decide what activities you want and to help me locate all the team members. If
you can volunteer, drop me an email at jroconnor@snet.net
GIRLS WIN CLASS M STATE CHAMPIONSHIP
The Girls Swim Team put it all together at the state
championships dominating Class M with a most impressive victory. In typical Branford fashion it was done with
a combination of great swimming and diving and team depth. Congratulations to the entire team and the all
Branford Swim Alumni coaching staff of Scott Butler-91, Sue Lecza-84 and Eric
Golia-87.
BOYS TEAM UNDEFEATED AT THIS WRITING
The boy’s team is off to a great start and has cruised
through their first five meets including an impressive victory over
Xavier. They have some outstanding
swimmers which include two boys under 5 minutes in the 500 free. Branford Swim Alumni are also coaching this
team as Greg Miles-05 is head coach, Ray Beulac-07 is assistant coach and Dan
Aupi-08 is serving as a volunteer coach.
WEB PAGE CAN’T HANDLE ALL OUR NEWS- WHERE ARE THE UPDATES?
The last several updates you have provided so much
information that it will not all fit on the main web page. Updates on individual alumni appear in the Alumi News and Archives link to the left including this month's updates and the previous 23 updates. Makes for good
reading on a snowy or rainy day.
(Click on Alumni News Archive to the left to see the rest of this edition's alumni updates!)
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