Since my first day on the Marlin Swim Team at the age of 6, little did I know how many years I would be spending at the pool, and how important swimming would become in my life.
    I would like to thank Coach Thompson and Coach Vargo.  You taught me technique, goal setting and speed, discipline and respect.  Sometimes it feels like I spent just as much time with you guys and the team than with my own family!  But I wouldn't have it any other way.  I have loved being a part of the team, and as I have watched team members graduate and move on, I realize it is now my turn.
    Thank you Lauren for being such an awesome Harry Potter fan with me, no one could ever memorize movie lines as superb as you do.  You always make morning practice a little more fun!  Thanks for not only being such a great team mate, but also for being such a great friend.  Marc, thank you for all those heart to heart talks and thanks to Matt for being there for me through those many tough situations.  Andrew, just keep being your sweet self.  Christina, you gave me so many rides and were always there to lend an ear and laugh with, thank you.  Jordan, never lose your charm and Aaron, follow your dreams because you are one terrific athlete.  Caitlyn and Amber, keep having fun...just not too much fun and Sam, dance like no one's watching.
    Thank you to all the parents who ran fundraisers, fed us, and drove us to all those meets.  I want to also thank my mom and dad who supported and believed in me.  Not all families are willing and able to give up their weekends to hotels, lawn chairs and chlorine.
    As I look to the future and the opportunity to swim at the University of North Florida in Jacksonville, I want to say "good luck" to you all.  Thank you for all the fun, support and wonderful memories.  Each and every one of you will forever have a place in my heart.

 

Christie Driscoll
aka "CD"

Christina Gennari Attending:  James Madison University Major:

When I was transplanted here from Ohio, right in the middle of high school, I knew that learning the ways of and fitting into a new swim team would be one of my tough adjustments.  A lot of people might have thought that a girl from out-of-town might find it hard to jump into such a close-knit group, but the people here made it so easy for me.  I have learned so much more than just swimming technique - I've learned how to be tough and stand up for myself and how to push myself to the limit when I feel like I can't go on anymore.  In two years, I would never have believed everything this team had to offer to me.
    The swimmers of Senior 2 are who I have to thank for all of my great times.  I've had some awesome memories of being silly and stupid with Lauren and Christie, some crazy times with Caitlyn, and I'll never forget singing in the car everyday with Sam.  Jordan, Matt, and Marc have never failed to surprise me and make me laugh, even at early morning practices.  I've laughed so much with everyone.  This whole team makes up such a unique, wonderful group of people, and I could never forget them.
    Most of all, I've learned that Coach Vargo, the brains behind the operation, really knows what he's doing!  He may seem hard on the outside, but when you get to know him, you'll learn he's really just a little teddy bear.  Thanks Coach for all of the smoothies, dinners, life lessons, etc. that you've given me over the last two years - I really appreciate it.  Also a special shout out to Coach Tarn and Coach Chris... Not only are you guys smart, you really know how to make a team work!
    I will never forget my Marlin experience.  The last tow years have been amazing.  With as much time as we have spent together we've grown into our own dysfunctional family, so you will all definitely hold a special place in my heart.
Thank you!
Christina Gennari

 

 

First of all, I would like to say that my past two years on this team have been great.  I have learned alot, and made a bunch of great friends. Coach Vargo, you have been my greatest mentor, and I have been the biggest pain in your rear-end, and always will be.  Caitlin, you are awesome, and always made swim practice something to look forward to.  Stacey, you're like a little sister to me, I love you.  Sean and Scott just keep being yourselves.  To everyone else keep swiiming in your heart, I promise it's worth it.  I love you guys, and had a blast with all of you.

 

Love Ya,

 

Amber Pheil

Marc Wollenschlaeger Attending:  Florida State University Major:  Premed

For the past nine years, up until this past November, I have been a member of the Central Florida Marlins family. My coaches have always been there and supported me. The most notable would be Coach Vargo and Coach Thompson. Now that it is the end of my senior year my new journey has begun. Although swimming will not be included within my life plan, I will always cherish the times I have had at swimming. Into my college years I have decided to become a member of Florida State University. I now have plans to go into the pre med program and then into a medical school and onto a plastic surgery program. I will always hold onto the times that I have had at the Central Florida Marlins pool. I especially would like to thank Coach Vargo and Coach Thompson for being there for me and giving me the great advice over the years. Good luck to all of the swimmers, especially Matt, in their endeavors and also to the current seniors in theirs.

 

Marc Wollenschlaeger