Richfield Swimmers Praised by Opponent's Coach

Editor's Note: The following e-mail was submitted to Richfield Patch, which was originally sent to Richfield High School athletic and administrative personnel.

Hello all - 

I just wanted to drop a quick e-mail to praise your boys' swimming and diving team. I have a first year swimmer this year with Down's Syndrome who usually finishes about a minute after every other swimmer has completed the race.

Often at our meets, the parents of my swimmers cheer, clap, yell for him and the opposing team politely waits, then claps for him when he finishes. Tonight in our dual meet against Richfield, the Richfield swimmers were lined up along the wall cheering him on and waving for him to go. When he finished, the swimmers he had been competing against had waited for him to finish to shake his hand and tell him nice job.

Your kids weren't just polite, they went above and beyond to make this swimmer feel great. 

Coaches, teachers, and administrators deal with a lot of complaints and negatives - just wanted you to hear a positive.

Thanks to Marc and his team!

Matt Danielson

Math Dept. Chair White Bear Lake Schools

South St. Paul Swimming and Diving Head Coach