Brighton/EMU swimming history lesson

I had a chance to swim at my hometown Brighton High School pool tonight. As I enter the pool area I'm always greeted with fond memories of my age group swimming days. Although EMU's Jones Natatorium is my favorite pool, nothing quite feels like home like the Brighton High School pool. The few times I've practiced there since I graduated in '99 have been with the high school team in a structured training environment. Tonight I had a chance to swim at my own pace and remember all the times I've seen the silly wall art and constantly overflowing gutters. It's one of those pools that is FAR from perfect, but I just have to love it because of what it represents. My entire competitive swimming history begins at the Brighton High School pool. I still remember going to weekend swim clinics and my parents patiently waiting for me to finish my ridiculously long showers.

Many of my memories at Brighton were of my long time coach Tim McGinnis. Tim has coached me off and on from 8 years old through my high school years. Even if I had a dedicated coach for middle school or high school, Tim would occasionally help out. He's always been there, holding down the fort as both the Aquatic director and Coach. Tim is the one constant at the Brighton Pool. I'm proud to call him my friend as well as my Coach.

Tonight I got to catch up with Tim on some local swimming history after I swam a quick 3,000 yards. We reflected on some Brighton and EMU history along with some laughs. I learned that Tim swam at EMU in the 70's under head coach Mike Jones. We briefly discussed Coach Jones and his ongoing recovery at a local hospital. Overall it was a great night to reflect on my history at Brighton. The picture of the pool is from the Masters meet in February 2009