Two Sundays ago the Smelts had their annual Thanksgiving banquet. This year has been the 20th anniversary of the swim team, so the night had a special feel. It certainly was reflected in the food. I missed last year's potluck, so this was my first team potluck since 2000 - intervening years we dined at Ann Sather instead.
This year we secured a bigger space at the Center on Halsted, and a good crowd turned up. Nice to see some older faces we haven't seen in a while, too. Liz did her usual fabulous job of coaches' awards to the swimmers (Tim wasn't there to get his team MVP award - a shame since I think he deserves a lot of credit for his fast swimming and for his deep sense of team spirit). The team bestowed on the five of us coaches some generous thank you gifts as well - I'm always floored by the generosity, and I promise that I will have IMMENSE fun spending the gift cards!
For almost two-dozen of us, the evening continued across the street at Kit Kat Lounge and Supper Club. $5 martinis - YAY! Nope, I didn't get up at 4:45 the next morning for a swim, I must admit.
The Smelts are so vital to our social life - did you know that Conrad and I met on the swim team? I'm sorry he missed the meal, but I'm ever so glad that we have all our friends on the team.
The banquet:
Ron and Carrie - a wonderful couple, and Carrie is one of the fastest swimmers in her age group in the country.
Tina, of Tina and Brad. Soon to be a former teammate, alas, but we hope to see her in NZ next year.
Brian, another soon to be former teammate. At least we'll have Vancouver. Fast guy, great technique.
Adam, another coach, a very fast swimmer, and reportedly a great massage therapist. Great guy - hey, we share a birthday, so how could it be otherwise?
Heidi - wow, I've frontloaded all the kick-ass swimmers. Do not race this woman at a long distance or in open water. She will take you down. Also a super teammate and our new registrar/treasurer.
Just a small peek at the abundance of food that night.
Hilary. One of Conrad's lane mates, and one of three women in lane one who are an absolute pleasure to coach. So good, they got an award for it!
Doug, a former team president and one of the few friends I have here in the US who actually kind of keeps track of what's going on in Canada. Great guy, and a bloody fast sprinter.
Presentations by two of the coaches: Liz, in the hat (Conrad and I love her to bits, and her husband is my totally excellent dentist, in case you need a recommendation), and Chris (Saturday mornings, and loved by EVERYONE - I can't stress that enough), in white on the right.
Long time Smelt Paul, cutting the cake. Oh, so much cake!
People begin digging in to the cakes.
Jeremy, Lisa, and Carrie discuss dessert, I think. Lisa, by the way, ran her first marathon this year. I'm so proud of her, what an accomplishment.
Stuart, another coach, mugging for the camera.
Romel - super Smelts party host - and Carrie.
John, our little twinkie (and I say that with affection). Also an award winner that night, but a joking award given for his penchant for taking breaks and not quite finishing a set let alone a full practice.
Kit Kat:
With Daniel - he's such good company even if he inexplicably does not like chocolate.
Max (the new co-president), Scot (who works harder than most anyone in the pool to improve his speed, endurance, and technique), and Jani (who I don't know well, alas, but she gave good advice on martinis that night!).
Daniel and me
Some of the group.
Adam and Jeremy, Adam's roommate (former roommate?) and someone I don't see often enough because we swim different nights.
Brian, again.
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