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When Lynbrook's swimmers jumped into the their pool along with the visiting Fremont squad on a recent Friday afternoon, the difference was obvious. There were many more swimmers--boys and girls--wearing Lynbrook colors.
"There are more swimmers this year than ever," noted Patrick Ellington, who is in his second season helping veteran coach Steve Barnett work with the Lynbrook boys team.
There are "more than 90" boys and girls in the Lynbrook program this spring, up from 64 in 2004, Ellington explained. And the coach expects a larger turnout next spring.
How can the coach be so sure? He points out the $20,000 reason at the end of the Vikings' beautiful 50-meter pool--two sets of newly erected bleachers capable of seating a crowd of 250 to 300 spectators.
"There's such enthusiasm during meets now; it's a great place to watch a meet" Ellington smiled.
The bleachers, which will be dedicated in a 3 p.m. ceremony on April 27, were purchased after a donation of nearly $10,000 was pledged by the Saratoga Rotary Club. The generous contribution, combined with what the Lynbrook aquatics program has raised over many years, will pay for the bleachers, which cost $9,600 per set.
Barnett, the head of Lynbrook's water polo and swimming programs for more than 20 years, "had always dreamed of getting stands," Ellington explained. "He had been scrimping and saving for enough to buy one set, but we really needed two sets to accommodate the great pool here."
Ellington, a Monta Vista math teacher who will take over the reins of the aquatics programs after Barnett retires in June, wrote a grant proposal and submitted it to the Saratoga Rotary.
"The Rotary, especially Brett Bachman and Evan Rohrbach, have really provided a great service to the school and community," Ellington praised. "People used to have to sit on deck chairs or lawn chairs; parents don't want to do that when they come from work.
"Now there's a place to watch the meet and more families are coming, watching and cheering. The kids really feed off of that."
As enthusiastic as Ellington is about the improved atmosphere, he is happy for Barnett, who can now retire in grand style. "His dream has come true," Ellington said proudly.
The bleachers will be showcased when Lynbrook hosts the Santa Clara Valley Athletic League El Camino Division trials and finals on May 4-6.
In the meet against Fremont, Lynbrook's swimmers cruised. The boys won 125-35 and the girls were as impressive, 112-49.
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