Long Beach Grunions Swim Team

The Grunion Ladies Line Up at the 2009 Banquet

The Grunions got together on Nov. 7 to celebrate another year of fun, fellowship, fitness and the team members' many accomplishments. In recognition of the Grunion spirit and mission, the awards banquet celebrated not only the team's swimming accomplishments, but also our commitment to building a strong Grunion community, where everyone feels welcome and included.

The awards ceremony even managed to do what many had thought impossible to accomplish: It rendered our beloved coach Kenny Brisbin speechless! As he walked to the podium to receive his most-deserved "2009 Team Spirit Award", Coach Kenny seemed stunned and at a loss for words. OK, so his speechless moment only lasted a few minutes, but it certainly represented what many Grunions feel when they're recognized and embraced by their fellow teammates for their selfless dedication to the group.

Other deserving awardees included Coach Jac Cole ("IGLA High Point Award"); Agnes Wagner ("Coaches' Award"); Michael Dirlam ("Most Improved Swimmer"); Pat Powers, Andrea Thresh and John Makinson ("Morning Swimmers Award"); Howard Ferguson ("Founder's Award"); Ken Bixler ("Most Valuable Grunion"); and Steve Ingram ("Captain's Appreciation").

Mike Miranda, who will stay on as our team captain for another year, also introduced the new Grunion Board for 2010. Team members thanked our dedicated directors who will stay on the board for another year, and welcomed our new "boarders": Membership Development Coordinator Anne Jacobus, and Meet Coordinator Ann Oakleaf.

The evening wrapped up with our traditional thank you's and testimonials, but not before Kenny Brisbin and Ken Bixler presented our no-less-traditional "informal" (and funny) awards. 

Coach Jac receives the High Point Award           Michael Dirlam receives the Most Improved

                                                                     Swimmer Award