The Golden Goggle Awards are not the only celebration that can teach the world a lesson or two in how to honour those who have excelled in swimming. A celebration of the coaching career of Nort Thornton, mentor to Matt Biondi and a fair few others down the years, is in the offing and promises to be an event worth attending for those who can make it.
More than 200 former swimmers and friends of Thornton are expected to gather for "The Grand Reunion". If you haven't been invited to this celebration of Cal swimming but feel you ought to have been - it's not too late. get in touch with organisers and let them know that you'd like to be at the party.
Here are the details from organisers:
- Friday, October 17, 2008
- 6pm to 9pm
- Haas Club Room, Haas Pavilion
- The University of California, Berkeley
- Heavy Hors d'Oeuvres will be Served,
- Drinks will be Available,
- Speeches will be Made,
- Flip-flops and Hawaiian Shirts are Encouraged!
$25 Per Person, Cash Bar Available
More information and tickets can be obtained here:
- University of California
- Cal Aquatics Development Office
- 195 Haas Pavilion
- Berkeley, CA 94720
- (510) 643-2746
On the saturday morning, at 9am, after the Thornton bash, the coach will take a light training session with current Cal Men's Swimming Head Coach, Dave Durden. Organisers say "Not to worry gentlemen, all sets are optional". Ridiculous. Look, while you're all poncing around opting out of the 10x400m set, Mikey might be in a secret pool somewhere clocking up 10x10ks...
Still, all in a good cause. Organisers also note: "While making your plans to attend the night of celebration with Nort, be sure to make plans to attend the Cal Aquatics Gala that will be held the following evening. One of the best ways to support the Cal Aquatics program at the Gala is to buy a donor table. Please contact Alicia Rowell for more information.
- Alicia Rowell
- Director of Aquatic Development
- (510) 643-2746
- arowell@berkeley.edu
And if none of that fits your sched, you can always make a Cal donation:
Contact the Aquatic Development Office (510-643-2746) to make a donation by phone. Alternatively, visit the FOCA website to make donations by credit card, or send a check, payable to Friends of Cal Aquatics,to the Cal Aquatics Development Office.
