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n\ f ' V ''**THE DECATUR DAILY, TUESD/*READY FOR JUNIOR OLYMPICS - Here are part of thelocal hopefuls on the Decatur Swimming Team who willcompete in the AAU Junior Olympics this weekend at theFerguson, Eddie Hurt, Margie Gibbs, Tacky Raths, Mary Jane Vickers, Donna Sims. Tobin Voiles, Jewel Jackson,Aquadome. Front row from left are: Robbie Gibbs, ChrisKathy Hinds. Gail Curry and Wendy Voiles. Third row fromRaths, Richard King, Neill Sidebotham and Eddie Sims.left are: Charley Johnston, Henry Jackson. Mike Gunner.W •Mb* w «* . y • _ _Second row from left are: Robin Payton, Renee Paulson,Cindy White, Maggie Hennessey, Christine Gregory, KathyLorenzo Jackson, Chuck Gregory. Mike Hinds, Jeremy Raths, Ray Kyle and Charlie Gibbs. (DAILY Photo )For AssociationiThere is a sport given religious dedication by a horde ofour youths which has in the past existed in virtual seclusion because, of, well, let’s say, the mania surrounding the moreestablished athletic. . t, -I know one enthusiastic young coach, Mike Giles, and 105equally enthusiastic youngsters.These pages, too, may be a little guilty of oversight. But in this corner, swimming has always been a strong contender withLet’s lend the support of an equally enthusiastic public this weekend to a very deserving organization!automobile racing in two categories: (1) unnecessary, and (2) non-existent. Until recently, the two had been neck ’n neck.But super Bill France carved an ultra-dynamic racing complex out of an ole delapidated airport and several acres of Talladega pastureland, and this made it mandatory an education of the sport be begun by Alabama’s sports writing fraternity. Then, Roger Bear, cunning Public Relations Director for Alabama International Speedwayr^Md^a brainstorm that would win the favor of disparaged scribes wbojwere for once literally “working for their Friday reward.” -15 ISRoger, that little devil, put seven lovely “Racestoppers” to work in the pressbox serving the press’ every need (well,almost), and therefore, racing was accepted in a big way.The Decatur Swimming Association has been just as subtle in its approach for more attention by the public .. and well, the press, too.President Be«~Lee, along with two other nobleassociation officers, Clyde Hurt and Cletis Voiles, made a successful bid for the Southeastern Amateur Athletic UnioJunior Olympic Swim Meet to be held here iq Decatur. **Thus, the association avoided small ste(i»s. Instead, it hastaken one giant leap for its own survival and for our city.Too, the Decatur Swim Team has an aggressive and enthusiastic young coach, Mike Giles, backed by the equally enthusiastic parents of the 105-strong members. One such parent, Mrs. Carroll King, has served in the capacity of public relations worker, and she, along with Mr. Giles, have also taken a few giant strides toward turning a few heads toward the sport.Mr. Giles, a University of Alabama product who swamfour years with the Tide tankers, is Aquatic Director at JohnC. Calhoun College, and serves as coach of our swimmers as asideline. But this young man devotes his soul to his sideline.and results are evidence of his efficiency.The results are 105 eager youngsters and a couple ofbonafide swim stars, who practice three times a week duringthe winter months, six days a week during the summer• • •twice a day. A routine session lasts about an hour and a half, and practice is climaxed by swimming the length of theAquadome pool about 50 times. If you don’t think that’srugged ... try it. These youngsters devote just as much dedication to their sport as do any gridders or cagers, andthey’re all big winners in spirit.There is an official public relations director for theassociation, but he or she has not made their presence known.•MBut Mrs. King has done one outstanding job of recruiting members for the team, making sure swim results are broughtto the DAILY, and in general, soliciting publicity for theteam.So, okay, if swimming wants to become bigtime, I’ll bethe first to accept its surge. Anyhow, if swimming the lengthof the Aquadome 50 times is required, it can’t be a sissy sport.Technically speaking, the Junior Olympics will have a following that will far exceed the more established sports (football, basketball and baseball). To put it bluntly, themammas and pappas of approximately 500 youngsters willspend this weekend here, quartering in our hotels, dining in our restaurants, and just spending many dollars and cents.By now, I hope you are sensing somewhat of at) obligationto patronize the Junior Olympics this Friday-Sunday at theAquadome. Admission? There is none. And your attendance will be also a giant leap in favor of the association hosting themeet in the future.A I A_____1Auburn’s Henry Harris Hangs On To Ball.. .. Bulldogs' Andy Harrison wants it, too1D^BowDanthebaskvictcButstillprobOr is PmustaleiweelthenagaiCouigs,Whamnr*1 igers71By THE ASSOCIATED PRESS«»Ioftourremassc heyoujustwe \ and F cnighbaslDevHenalonGowBovpreValbePrilt;thaiGeorgia took a 71-67 basketball victory and secondn_ a i:___£__A I___theiD9-1powappToubo tfThuAchafavlt;
Newspaper Details
Decatur Daily
Decatur, Alabama, US
Tue, Jan 20, 1970
Page 7
Full Page
Clipped by
Anonymous
NA, 08 Sep 2021
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