Editor's note: Standley Lake High School senior Dan Lunger died of an apparent cardiac arrhythmia in late August 2006.

Boys swimming earning success as they remember their fallen friend who would have been swimming senior year

"Dan was one of those people everybody loved. You can't define Dan in any couple words, it just wouldn't cover him," said team captain senior Sam Wilson. Nonetheless the swim team is starting off another strong season one player short.

One of Dan's best friends, senior Cameron Durand said he didn't even hesitate getting back in the pool. "I feel like I owe it to him, even though he definitely made practice more fun. He was crazy." All that knew him agree that they can sense his presence missing.

But team coach, Mike Crouch, is looking at the season in a positive way saying, "They have become closer as a result of dealing with Dan's death, and seem stronger as individuals and as a team."

The team remembers Dan at each and every meet by setting a pineapple on the high dive to represent Dan watching over the meet, and then they award the pineapple to the best performer at the meet. This ritual started when Dan brought a pineapple to a meet and everyone kissed it for good luck, and the team had a really good meet.

Crouch admits something big is missing with the absence of Dan. "Dan's zest for life should be remembered, and it has taught many of us to take advantage of each day that we are alive. As we tragically found out- you can 'go' at any time."

However, the team will continue to strive under Wilson this season. The seniors this year include: Wilson, Geoff Sweeney, Ryan Giedraitis, Dale Kendall, Zach Yeoman, and Cameron and Jeremy Durand. Wilson says, "We're like a bunch of brothers, we have a lot of fun and work well together."

Crouch said "They are a good group of athletes who are nice kids, dedicated to their sport and to each other. We will continue to develop our swimming and diving abilities by using the experience from past years performances."

He explains that while their advantage is a lot of experience, they lack underclassmen, which will bring difficulties next year. With graduation the team will lose seven out of the 16 members.

Durand also admits that the team might be less competitive without Dan. "He was a superstar, but we are very much closer as a whole."

Despite the missing place in the water this season, the swim team is ready to have a very strong year that would make Dan Lunger a proud member.

- Bonnie Martin, junior, staff writer