SPDY Swimmers and Parents,

I have bittersweet news to share.   First of all, congratulations to all our swimmers who posted so many great swims over the weekend.   All of your hard work in practice is evident.   Parents, thank you for stepping up and putting on a great meet.   We stretched the Y to its limits with so many swimmers and families but we did it!!  We had many positive comments for coaches, swimmers and visiting families.   We also recognize we have some planning and adjusting to do before next season to manage such a large crowd and maintain a quality meet.

To our other news:

Sunday (12/30), Jon Brenner the La Crosse YMCA swim coach, good friend to SPDY and all of Wisconsin swimming passed away.   Over the years Jon was instrumental in shaping swimming in Wisconsin.   When SPDY was struggling to re-find its identity, Jon offered us many words of encouragement and invaluable advice. Many of the veteran families feel that Jon helped shape SPDY into the fine team we are today.   Jon shall be greatly missed and we shall always be indebted.    

Below is an e-mail I received from Justin Stoffel, former SPDY, SPASH and UWSP swimmer, SPDY Head Coach and now UWSP Assistant Head Coach.                   

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Dear SPDY Parents,

Good morning.  I hope this finds you well.  The news of LAXY WAVE swim coach Jon Brenner passing away yesterday will certainly be tough to digest over the next few days.  Jon certainly made an impact on several thousand lives over a 25+ year coaching career.  Some of you may or may not know, but I consider Jon my greatest coaching mentor.

Thank you,

Justin Stoffel

UWPS – Swim Coach