This has been a great meet. I have had the time of my life. Today was a good day for the team. Our girl’s team qualified their 200 free relay. That was a bonus, especially after the way their week has gone. Now our guy’s team capped off a great week by having Ben Pulskamp qualify in the 200 fly. Way to go Narfy.

Now as the final day is winding down, I am trying to reflect on the past three years here in Ft. Lauderdale. I have learned a lot here. I remember coming here for the first time three years ago and being more nervous than I have ever been. That meet didn’t go so well, as I finished dead last in the mile. But, it was a great learning experience for me. I learned what it was like to train all year for a national level meet and then show up and race against people from all over the country. Then the next year was a little better. I didn’t get last in anything and I was a little more mentally prepared for the meet. That was a major difference from the regular, old weekend meets back home. Not only does it take physical toughness to last for a meet that lasts a whole week, but it also takes mental toughness. That is something that cannot be taught; it just has to be experienced through marathon meets, as I like to call them. Now this year has been my best Short Course Y-nationals yet. I was ready in all respects, mentally and physically, and it showed in the pool. Although I didn’t go as fast as I had hoped, I did go best times and you cannot complain about that. But, I do realize that this will be my last night that I experience the thrill and exhilaration that comes with nationals here in Ft. Lauderdale. I don’t know what it is but there is a certain awe that is apparent here. I don’t know if it is just the shear scale to which everything is done here, with the monstrous boats parked outside the TWO fifty-meter pools and diving well, but it is a sight to see and one I will dearly miss. This pool and town have provided so many memories that will stick with me forever. I will never forget this meet and what it has meant to me and my swimming career.

I would like to take this opportunity to thank all of those who volunteer their valuable time to make this happen and run so smoothly. Your job well done does not go unnoticed. I would also like to thank my teammates, who have provided me those memories, which I cherish so much. You all have been there for me when I was down and helped lift me higher when I was feeling good. I thank you all so very much and will miss you a lot next year as I venture off into the grueling college life. Lastly, I would like to thank my coaches. Scott dogg, you have helped me in numerous ways, but what I appreciate the most is your help with my college search. You made that process a lot easier than I expected and I believe that is due to your care for me. Thanks again and I will miss you. Mike, what can I say? If it weren’t for you, I would not be where I am today. You have been my coach for practically my whole swimming career. You have always been there to lead my in the right direction and tell where I have started to go wrong. You are the best and I will seriously miss you next year on deck. And then my lane partner Phoebe, practice is not going to be same without you next year. I just think you will have to come to Davidson with me. I will miss you and thank you for all of the wonderful memories.

Thanks to ALL, I will miss you!!!!!

Brad Poole

Spartanburg YMCA

South Carolina

April 2, 2002