The Senior Ceremony was nice, but very low key. Was pointed out that the Bears have finished in the top two at NCAAs for nine consecutive years. The intros were deliberately crafted to accurately reflect each senior's unique personalities. Discussed Seli's and Sand's band Fish Religion, Thomas' standing in the Philly posse and love for the Eagles, and Takaahisi's quiet determination. Was both touching and goofy, and foreshadowed a meet where a chill confident team was all business in the pool, but dominated with considerable swag, joy, and style.

Durden has built a monster juggernaut. Zero holes in any strokes, great relays, and a lot of versatility. Diving's still a concern (moreso at NCAAs), but even the diving points were fairly even with LSJU.

Seli is a beast, can swim anything (relays or individually). Set pool records in the 200 Fly and the 200 Free Relay. Relay was effectively over when Jensen took over the anchor after Seli's leg. When Seli was on the blocks for the 100 Fly (his final individual race in Berkeley), he broke the tension by looking at his teammates on the pool deck and cracked them up with a modified Haka/Kiss face. He bulged his eyes and stuck out a disturbingly long tongue.

Reece is a ginormous human being. I've seen tall swimmers and cut water polo players before, but not the combination. He's like an NBA Power Foward or an NFL rush Defensive End. If he were a hockey player, he'd be the best defenseman of all-time. No Canucks or Euros could reach high enough to pull his jersey over his head in a fight and he'd just calmly throw them over the glass. Thank Oski he's channeled his gifts into more positive good: a blue and gold machine who will make Snots, Condoms, and 'Whorns cry. Can't wait to see what he does when fully tapered at NCAAs.

Best race of the day was the 400 IM. Grieshop blew away the field. Very tight race for second between Takahashi and Liang. Bear Bros were going crazy over Grieshop's time and because they love and respect Takahashi. A really humble, pious guy who's universally beloved across the swimming world. Even though, Liang out touched him, Durden gave Ken a big hug for his race and all he's done for the program. Best Cal swims I've seen from both Grieshop and Ken.

Not complaining, but there weren't too many other close races. Bears frequently went 1/2 or 1/2/3 with plenty of open water. Great racing by Norman, Pawel, Quah, and Carr. Always though Julian was a flyer, but he swam very well in both the 1000 and 500 Frees. Hoffer swam really well in the 50 Free and was seriously stoked with the win.

Durden lets the Seniors choose their races. Sand won the 100 Breast and swam well in the 200 Breast. Following his warm down, he briefly went AWOL. Went up into the stands to hang with his mom for a bit, chatted with his little sisters, hung out with Maggie Gallagher, and saluted the large Young Alumni Bear Bro Council.

Murphy, Prenot, Lynch, and a bunch of their former teammates took it all in. Game recognizes game, so they have mad respect for Seli and Reece. They also are impressed with Pavel, Hoffer, and their boy Jenny.

At one point, saw Cal legend Par Arvidsson walk up to the top of the bleachers. Thought he wanted to hang out with Alumni, but he was just a proud, anxious swim dad, who wanted a better perspective to watch his son Karl race. Karl swam pretty well. Even a stoic Swede briefly flashed a sheepish smile when his accolades were noted (world record holder, Olympic Champion), but he was all about Karl.

Didn't see Matt Biondi, but sure he was there. Nate's really coming on and looked pretty good. Was also funny to see Julian's parents (both Trojan swim royalty) decked out in blue and gold going nuts during Trenton's gutty races.

Hugo was there with the team on the pool deck, but not listed on the roster. Tall, but extremely skinny.

Pretty much the entire Women's team was there. Izzy strolled in Billy. Couldn't have picked a better role model/mentor in and out of the pool. McL and Jenna were greeting Orange County/SoCal and PASA Parents. Abbey was the last one in and her hair was still wet. No way she'll be even remotely tapered for PACs.

Really fun day of racing. May not beat the 'Whorns in Austin, but certainly won't be intimidated. Very loose, likable team that gets the job done while having a blast. Wouldn't bet against them.

Glad that with all of the content that SwimSwam keeps churning out, I don't yet to have grasp the reality that the swim season is over... plus, given that the men's meet concluded just last week, I'm sure SS will put out a few more recruiting-in-hindsight articles reflecting upon individual scorers and graduating classes, as per the women's side this week.

20 HEADLINES FOR 20 TEAMS AT THE 2019 MEN'S NCAA CHAMPIONSHIPS, here:



Love a good photo featuring the stacked sophomore class!