Nov. 20, 2006
by Sam Miller, UI Sports Information
What are you thankful for this year?
Junior
Abbey Bernardo, Diving:
I'm thankful that I get to actually dive and compete this season. Last season I
got injured and was out for most of the season, so I'm excited that I can
compete again.
Sophomore Iana Boneva, Free/Fly:
I'm thankful for my friends. Even though I am so far away from them, (they're in
Texas or Louisiana), I know they are still here for me no matter what.
Senior Meghan Farrell, Free/Back:
I am thankful that I got the opportunity to come to such an amazing school. If it
was not for swimming I do not think I would have even looked here. Once I
started talking with the coaches and meeting the team though, I realized that
this was the kind of school I wanted to go to and that these were the kind of
people I could get excited about working with for the next four years.
Freshman Amy Johnson, Back/Free:
This year, I'm thankful for all the support I've gotten from the girls on the team
during my first few months at college. Being on the team has gotten me
through a lot of tough times. I'm grateful for all of the help and advice the older
girls have been able to give me as well as the camaraderie I have with the girls,
especially the freshmen.
Freshman Kristen Kloeckener, Free:
I am thankful this year as we come up on Thanksgiving for my family who love
and support me in everything that I do and also for my amazing teammates and
friends who bring sooo much joy into my life.
Freshman Cece Marizu, Back/IM:
I'm most thankful for the fact that I am here at U of I getting a good education
and being a part of an amazing swim team. My parents have given me a
tremendous amount of support throughout my life and they continue to do so
now that I am away from them. I am so blessed with all that I have, and so
many influential people in my life to be thankful for.
Senior Becca Poetz, Free/Fly:
I am thankful for the wonderful relationships that I have with the people I love:
My family, my boyfriend, my friends, and my teammates.
Freshman Kelly Smithwick, Free/IM/Fly:
First off, I am thankful for my family and friends and the support that I receive
from them. I am thankful to be here at U of I, living my dream of swimming at
the collegiate level. I have been given opportunities that not many receive and
am very thankful for that and strive to reach greater dreams and goals.
Sophomore Katie Theissen, Free/Back/IM:
This year I am thankful for my family's health and the time I get to spend with
them over break.
Senior Barbie Viney, Free/Fly:
I'm looking forward to being able to go home and spend the week with my
family. I was not home this summer, so this will be the first time in a while that I
get to see my family at home. I'm also looking forward to helping my mom
make Thanksgiving dinner. It is a great time for my mom and I to spend time
together.
What is your favorite part about Thanksgiving?
Senior Jackie Bain, Diving:
My favorite part of Thanksgiving is sitting around before and after the meal
talking with my family - telling stories and jokes.
Sophomore Marissa Clapp, IM/Breast/Back:
It would most definitely be my Grandma Barb's delicious Thanksgiving dinner
(noodles, turkey, rolls, pumpkin pie, etc.) I LOVE to eat!
Junior Mallory Craft, Back/Fly:
I enjoy both the company and the food! My dad is such a good cook and both
my sisters and I help out with the meal. But I really like being at home when the
holidays are starting!
Freshman Amy Forsberg, Free/Fly:
My favorite part of Thanksgiving is watching my dad cook the turkey. It is
usually guaranteed that the turkey will catch on fire, and it is extremely funny to
watch my dad try and put out the fire. Kind of ironic though that whenever the
turkey catches on fire it tastes amazing!
Senior Caroline Moore, Back/Free:
My favorite part is coming together to be with my family and also that we
decorate for Christmas the day after Thanksgiving which is a big thing for my
family. After we decorate, we watch "White Christmas."
Sophomore Lindsey Shirley, Free/Fly/IM:
I LOVE MASHED POTATOES!! (and turkey...well, food in general).
Freshman Nikki Spillone, Diving:
My favorite part about Thanksgiving is eating so much great food until you can
barely move and then spending the rest of the day with family.
Freshman Courtney Spivak, Fly/Free:
My favorite part of Thanksgiving is getting to be with the people that mean the
most to you. I love being a part of family traditions and memories and sharing
in a relaxing meal that everyone can enjoy.
Senior Leigh Ann Tracy, Free/IM/Breast:
I love the meal! My dad cooks a huge feast every year and it is sooo good! My
favorite part of the meal is the sweet potatoes! I also love the feeling of being
sooo full when I am done and then just hanging around with the family and
going to a movie.
