The corn is just beginning to sprout, the 2009 prospects are just beginning to get their letters, graduation has ended and I am learning how to post my own blogs. As I look to the 2008-09 season, I do so wondering how I am going to replace the most important cog in my coaching machine: Kyle Dunaway. Posting blogs was just one of the dozens of things Kyle did in my inaugural season at Wabash that while few would know about, without his efforts we couldn’t have had as successful a transition as we did. It’s a standard cliché to say at this point that you could never replace Kyle, only hope to find someone to fill some of his responsibilities. But as is true of most clichés, it is totally accurate. Kyle’s dedication, hard work and compassion for our students will make for some very large shoes to fill. Thanks Kyle!

As to preparation for the fall semester and starting the 08-09 season we have a lot to look forward to. A tremendous returning group of swimmers who took a leap of faith with a new coach and found themselves on the other side looking back with pride, a new group of freshmen looking to accept the new challenges associated with collegiate swimming and a coaching staff that can’t wait for practices to start. As I dream up new ways to conquer the hurdles in front of us I realize that the mountains we climbed last year should make those hurdles look like painted lines that we will step over. I learned the meaning of “Wabash Always Fights” last year. This year I can’t wait to teach it.