CR Washington Swimmers' Dedication

I attended my first head shaving party in more than 13 years Friday.  Some teams bleach their hair. Others go all out by shaving their heads bald in an effort to reduce drag and to build team unity.

 Earlier in the week, I was covering a swimming practice for a preview story on Cedar Rapids Washington's bid to win back-to-back state swimming championships during the 2009 meet in Marshalltown on Saturday. I got a decent photo of coach Chris Cruise talking with Ian Ford. I wanted a photo that conveyed the camaraderie in what is pretty much an individual sport. I asked assistant coach Megan Smith if the team was getting together before the state meet. She said they were.

I asked coach Cruise if I could come to the party. He said sure. So, on a slippery, snowy Friday I showed up at the home of Will McCartan. The team was all ready carbo loading on a huge pasta feast when I got there. Then it was to the basement where Cruise and his coaching staff went to work. Electric trimmers buzzed. Shaving gel was lathered. Razors rinsed off in basins that have been used for this purpose since at least 1998.

No other sport comes to mind that has such an outward display of dedication. I don't know if it's the chlorine fumes or maybe they have water on the brain but swimmers are wired differently than other athletes. I enjoyed the banter between swimmers and coaches. It's great being able to witness and record what many people don't get to see.

Jim