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Alumni swimmers return to Spaulding Gym Pool
KEENE, N.H. 10/20/09 - A wave of former Keene State swimmers and divers returned to Spaulding Gym pool for their annual alumni meet on Sat., Oct. 17.
"It was a good deal of fun and great to see such a great turnout," said Katie Allenson '09, who was recently named an assistant coach with the team. She, along with fellow assistant Joel Feldman, ran the meet with head coach Jack Fabian out of town.
The meet was a family reunion with alums renewing friendships and memories.
"It's always great to come back and see everybody," said Lissa Cross '01, who is now working as a special education teacher in New Jersey. "It's the only time every year I get to see everybody."
"It's great to see the program thriving and carrying on our legacy," said Seanna Matthews Lombardo '99, who currently serves as a police officer in Wayland, Mass.
Many of the alums, like Andy Knapp ‘04, remembered the strong bond between team members. "We had a very close team. It was a great college experience," he said.
Still others readily recalled training trips to Florida, team dinners, and morning practices. "I never forget shuffling into the gym in the middle of winter with wet hair," said Melissa Salinger '01.
Abby Pelkey Kane '02 said her fondest memory was meeting her husband Rob Kane '02.
There was a little apprehension among some alums as the meet got under way. "I haven't been on a diving board in a few years, so it's going to be very interesting to see how it pans out," said Zach Hastings '07.
Several of the alums still compete or have joined the coaching ranks. Matt Donovan '98 fondly known as Fish, runs the highly successful Somerset Valley YMCA club program in New Jersey that has produced several former Owls, including current swimmer Pat Luciano.
"It's nice sending swimmers to your alma mater," said Donovan. "You always want to send your kids to a well coached program."
Present members of the team, who knew the alums as teammates and were thrilled to renew acquaintances. "It's like bringing back the team like it used to be," said senior Krissy Trutor. "It's nice that they want to come back and stay connected with the program. I know when I graduate I'm definitely coming back.
