Adam Jerger- Hall of Famer

What an exciting time in Boca Ciega swimming history... After the conference meet in October, some of the headlines read..."BOCA CIEGA SWIMMERS SET THREE CONFERENCE RECORDS" AND "BOYS' SWIM TEAM LOOKS BETTER THAN EVER" " WARHAWKS WIN, BOGIE BOYS STAR" These were the first signs that Bogie was going to have a special year. With Adam, Dustin Bengston, Erik Farr and Jarrett Sanchez posting PCAC records in the 100 yard Breaststroke(Adam), 100 yard Butterfly(Dustin), and 200 yard Medley Relay, and then adding three more wins in the 200 yd. Medley(Adam), 200 yd. Freestyle (Dustin) and 200 yd Free relay in which they were both a part, Boca Ciega coach Tom Scott noted that "This has been a really special meet. The boys set their goals from the start and took one race at a time."

This was just the beginning for future Hall of Famer, Adam Jerger in his quest for helping his team achieve greatness in his Senior year at Boca Ciega.

Here are the three Seniors at their first dual meet of the season...one month before their emergence as a contending force in the Class 4A State Swimming world...calm and collected, they set their sights on two things...swim hard and have fun!!

Adam began to gain attention as an up and coming force in the state. A couple of days later, at the Rotary Invitational, he delivered a strong message to some of the best swimmers around the state. By winning two individual titles and helping the Pirates finish third in two relays, Adam showed why he would now be a favorite at this year's Class 4A state meet. His performance was most impressive, because it came against swimmers from other classifications. Adam was the only Pinellas County swimmer to win an event, and he won two!

Adam and teammates surpassed more expectations...After so much success at the Conference meet, the "Bogie Boys" came into the District with targets on their backs. No longer a surprise, Adam was now EXPECTED to win...and win he did. the 200 yd. Individual Medley, and the 100 yd. Breaststroke, he also helped in the Medley Relay win, to lead the team to a District win.

In November, friends and family gathered in Orlando to watch the State meet.
Adam did not disappoint. Winning the State Title in the 100 Breast, second in the 200 IM and helping in the Title swim for the 200 Medley Relay...we cheered as Boca Ciega High took fourth place at State. Keep in mind, they took a grand total of 5 swimmers and finished only 8 points out of first place!!

This high school experience catapulted Adam into a whirlwind of college offers and visits......his choice? most of you know...but will save for another blog.

For now, Dean and I are remembering how all of this led up to our son being selected as a Hall of Fame inductee at Boca Ciega High School. We will always have the memories of those times when he first began swimming, as his confidence grew, as he realized dream after dream in the pool. We were so proud of him then and continue to be proud of the man he has become.

Congratulations, Adam for your well deserved place in Bogie's Hall of Fame.
We Love You, Son!!!

Alaska, Mom and Dr. Charles Stanley

In July, Dean and I picked Mom up from the lake and headed to Seattle. After a few days in that beautiful COOL city, we joined about 1400 others and cruised with Dr. Charles Stanley and friends to Alaska. While in Seattle, we toured, ferried and of course, ate the most delicious seafood!!

Then it was onto the Amsterdam to begin our voyage to Sitka, Alaska. We cruised for a day, enjoying a Bible Study with Dr. Stanley, and music, music, music with a variety of Christian groups...Karen Peck and New River, Mark Trammel Quartet, Greater Vision, The Specks, and others. I think we all fell for the Acappella group, Voices of Lee, from Lee College in Tennessee. This group had been on the accappella TV competition last season...

Sitka is a very old town with much Russian influence. Mom and I spent the few hours we had on an excursion to hunt for wildlife. YES!!! we left the boat to get in a smaller boat and hunt down the elusive wildlife of Sitka!
We did see this humpback whale, early on in the trip...and try as I might, though the fluke was exposed several times, I only got this shot of its dorsal fin!

Undaunted, we continued on and saw sea otters, bald eagles, and sea lions. All in all, it was a good day...Mom never once slowed down....and SHE was the one who wanted to climb the staircase to the TOP of the boat!!

Dean spent the day fishing for salmon. Since he did not have the camera, the only evidence is the silver salmon packaged in our freezer!!

We said goodbye to Sitka, and headed for Juneau.