AND NOW…

FROM THE JOURNAL OF KATIE STEIDER

Tuesday July 30, 2002

Hi everyone! Only three more days until my events and with each passing day I am becoming more nervous, and excited!

I can’t wait until the opening ceremonies tonight! Yesterday, our Nationals team met to put together our costumes. I really shouldn’t say what we are but I’m sure we’ll all feel “lighter than air.” If you’re going to the ceremonies, be sure to look for us. And just to make sure you do recognize the Meadville, Pennsylvania, YMCA Swim Team, I believe another costume clue is in order. Okay, balloons are a key element to our costume. Oh I can’t wait; we look so hott J! I think this will be quite the memorable experience!

I would like to bid Congratulations to my Coach, Pete Coppelli, for today is his 20^th Wedding Anniversary! If you see him, be sure to wish him a good one and many more happy years.

I wish to share a juicy tidbit of info on two (2) of our swimmers, brother and sister, Timmy Whitbeck, 15, and Margaret Whitbeck, 20. Timmy is a current National swimmer and Peggy is a former National swimmer, even though we still consider her part of our team. Well, Timmy, last Saturday at the Sectional competition at George Mason University , competed in the 50 Freestyle against gold medal Olympic swimmer Edwin Moses!!! Peggy, who, by the way, has a superb Butterfly, placed 3^rd in the100 Butterfly and 4^th in the 200 Butterfly on Friday and Sunday of the same meet! She may even go to the US Open! Congratulations you two!

Well I guess I should sign off. Good Luck Nationals swimmers, and best of luck MYST*!

Be sure to tune in tomorrow for more of…

FROM THE JOURNAL OF KATIE STEIDER

*MYST= Meadville YMCA Swim Team