Championship Season

THE BEST TIME OF THE SEASON!!! The girls run started off with the Freshmen finishing 6th at the New Trier Invite. The Spartans were led by Emily Heniken, who won the 150 Free (1:28.96) and finished 2nd in the 300 Free. Other top 6 finishers were Beth Orbon (5th in 150 Free) and Margot Tuchler (6th in 50 Breast), as well as the 200 Medley Relay (3rd Place) of Beth, Margot, Emily, and Jen Montgomery and the same 4 in the 400 Free Relay (3rd). Way to go ladies!!! The good times continue this week as the girls travel to Evanston on Thursday for the JV Invite and then onto Maine East for the Conference championships. The JV is on Friday, starting at 6:00 PM (diving at 3:30), while the Varsity hits the water at 1:00 PM on Saturday (diving in AM). GOOD LUCK SPARTANS!!!

GOOD NEWS!!!!

We learned that Chris Koeppen underwent successful brain surgery yesterday at a Chicago hospital. He is currently recovering in a Intensive Care Unit and will be there for at least a few more days. Although not out of the woods yet, things are looking good. Please keep Coach Koeppen and his family in your thoughts.

Weekend Wrap-Up

The girls traveled to Highland Park Friday night for a dual meet. After a very short warm-up, the Spartans were able to sweep the Giants. Several outstanding performances on the Varsity and JV level. Emily Heniken led the Varsity with a pair of wins (IM and 500), while several JV swimmers posted season bests. Certainly good news heading into the championship season, which starts this week with the New Trier Frosh Invite on Saturday. Good luck Spartans!

Several of our boys competed in the NSSC Oktoberfest meet this weekend. Some pretty solid efforts for the first meet and a good place to start from. We really need to start focusing, the season starts in a month!

Bad News, Need Good Thoughts

We got some bad news this past week. Former GBN/NSSC coach Chris Koeppen was diagnosed with a brain tumor. Coach Koeppen had been teaching math at York High School and doing some club coaching when he started to experience headaches. After several tests, a tumor was discovered. Right now, that is all we know. Surgery to remove the tumor is scheduled for tomorrow, Monday morning and if all goes well, recovery is about a month or so. As soon as we receive any news, we will post it. If you want to send Coach Koeppen a message, you can send it to me and I'll forward it to him or post it here under "Comments". Right now, all our thoughts and prayers go to Chris and his family.

I Have Seen The Top of The Mountain......

And It Is Good! Ran across this picture, thought it was pretty cool. Kind of describes where we are at in the pool. Girls are just getting to the top and the guys are just starting the trek. What will be at the top of your mountain?

Where Are They Now?

The collegiate meet season is underway. Follow our alumni competing on the next level. Click on the name of the school to go to the team's website. If I'm missing anyone (swimmers, divers, or water polo players), let me know.

Jason Choi - Yale
Maggie O'Brien - Ohio State
Nick Renold - Northwestern
Trevor Stack - Tufts
Francie Szostak - Missouri
Ben Um - Illinois Weslyan

I'm Baaaack!

I know it's been awhile since I last posted, sorry. Lots going on, between about 5 meets, Homecoming, the birth of my nephew (finally a guy after 4 nieces!) and getting sick, I haven't had time. The girls' have been working hard and swimming well against some tough competition. Looking forward to a big finish for the season. Lots going on this weekend, girls travel to Highland Park and NSSC is hosting Oktoberfest. GOOD LUCK TO ALL!!!

My name is Vlad...Vlad Gump

Momma always said I was good at ping-pongin'. This is just special! Click this LINK.