The award for the most ridiculous, self-absorbed, overzealous all sports entertainment network in the world goes to...
ESPN, for the 10th year running.
They have once again proven that outside the 4 major sports, Tiger Woods, and the Williams sisters, you're really not much of an athlete. Unless you count token consideration of Cael Sanderson and -ahem- Sarah Hughes (don't even get me started on figure skating).
No offense to college athlete of the year Sue Bird (UConn BB) but a certain swimmer from Cal who set at least 6 AR and 1 WR over the short course season would have had my vote.
Anyone else? Natalie Coughlin, female college athlete of the year as awarded by the USMS discussion crew?
-RM
Parents
Former Member
Rain man mention about inner city youth. One population that has grown in Southern California and Arizona are hispanics. I contacted the usa local of Southern California and they told me that USA swimming once had a grant for the city of Santa Ana and now Disneyland does. Most people outside of the southwest are unaware of the large number of immirgrants from Mexico who work at low paying jobs to support their family. And Rain man is correct that many are unable to pay money for USA swim teams and the Parents who sometimes work two jobs have no time for lap swimming and masters. In Tucson the recreation and parks program has made swimming free for children and the fee for the summer league is just 6 dollars. By high school, if one kid from a poor background does good at state, then the year round teams may waver the fee. Just getting a feet thru a free learn to swim program and a cheap summer league and uusally a not to expense high school program may help. But like Jeff from Portland states, it depends on local budgets.
Rain man mention about inner city youth. One population that has grown in Southern California and Arizona are hispanics. I contacted the usa local of Southern California and they told me that USA swimming once had a grant for the city of Santa Ana and now Disneyland does. Most people outside of the southwest are unaware of the large number of immirgrants from Mexico who work at low paying jobs to support their family. And Rain man is correct that many are unable to pay money for USA swim teams and the Parents who sometimes work two jobs have no time for lap swimming and masters. In Tucson the recreation and parks program has made swimming free for children and the fee for the summer league is just 6 dollars. By high school, if one kid from a poor background does good at state, then the year round teams may waver the fee. Just getting a feet thru a free learn to swim program and a cheap summer league and uusally a not to expense high school program may help. But like Jeff from Portland states, it depends on local budgets.
