This past weekend we got the chance to return to the University of Minnesota Aquatic Center, the site of one of my favorite events of the year.
While I have never claimed to be a swimming or diving expert, the MIAC gave me the duties of broadcasting their version of those sports' conference championships a full six years ago. At that point, I'm not sure I could say I was ever a fan of watching ANY swimming and diving, even if it were a big competition like the Olympics, but my appreciation for them has grown ever since I became a small part of this event over the better part of this last decade of broadcasting it.
The camaraderie, the competition, the passion, it makes for a great three days at a great venue that the U of M is nice enough to provide for the conference every February. We have people checking in all over the country via Twitter and email, which should tell you just how fanatical these supporters are about their schools and sport.
Here's our view from this year's titles (photo credit to our pal Brent Stromme, who provides video via his company Webcast America on their website, Webcast50.com):
Me on the right either calling the action or feeling nauseous:
A shot roughly 30 minutes before day one of the championships got underway. Don't worry, those seats got packed and the place was rocking for all six sessions:
It's a shame this chance for the conference to get together in the water only comes around once a year, but it makes the occasion all the more special! Excited for 2018's competition to arrive!