Phil Simpson
Enter the DesertView Clubhouse and glancing to the right, your eyes are drawn to a handsome display case newly gracing the lobby, which pays tribute to the remarkable accomplishments of the members of our SaddleBrooke Swim Club. This enhancement of the Fitness Center venue is the culmination of the carpentry craftsmanship of Coach Doug Springer and Swim Club dean and longtime benefactor Fred Klein, who in April celebrated his 102nd birthday. Fred and his Swim Club friends funded the full expense of the project.
Highlighting the display are nine attractive plaques in the geographical outline of Arizona, representing the state championships earned from 2013 through April 2018, six for short course yards and three for short course meters events. In addition to his generosity through the years, Fred first garnered All American recognition in 2013 and is one of six original inductees to the club’s Heritage Hall. The names of the recipients to date of those honors are featured in the display.
Twenty-six swimmers have earned the coveted All American designation. All Americans, as recognized annually by United States Masters Swimming, have distinguished themselves individually or as relay team members, by posting within their age group the nation’s fastest time in an event for that given year. Fourteen Heritage Hall honorees have distinguished themselves through their exceptional swimming achievements or by generously dedicating their time, talents and other resources in promoting swimming in SaddleBrooke.
SaddleBrooke’s swimmers take due pride in their accomplishments and their individual and team successes are now rightfully captured within their home DesertView facility. Beyond those successes earned within the pool, the spirit and camaraderie engendered by the club’s members endure as its hallmarks. Most importantly, the all-inclusive environment existent within the club as evidenced in its daily practices, is one that encourages and welcomes swimmers of all levels and abilities.
With more championships likely on the horizon, what do we do when this case is full? Get another wall to adorn? Not a bad dilemma to contemplate, Coach Springer.