A huge thanks to all who attended UDAC's
14th annual C. J.
Martin Relay Carnival on Thu, July 9th
and to hosts Maple Manor Swim Club and all who volunteered their
efforts towards another great event.
In its 14th year, this event brings
together the six summer swim clubs that sponsor teams with
participants from Upper Dublin Township and the surrounding
vicinity, including Fort Washington, Manorlu, Manufacturers’, Maple
Manor, Oreland, and Sunny Willow. Sponsored by the Upper Dublin
Aquatic Club (UDAC), the Relay Carnival provides an opportunity for
swimmers and their families and friends to gather over the summer.
The Relay Carnival was created in 1996 as a
cooperative effort between UDAC and the Upper Dublin High School
swimming teams, designed to promote swimming as a sport, Upper Dublin as
a community, and the FUN of athletic competition. Many participants
also represent neighboring communities and area schools. In 1998, the
event was named for C. J. Martin, who swam for Fort Washington and UDAC
for many years and was a member of the UDHS swim team. This year, as we
gather again, we celebrate his love of the fun and spirit of competitive
swimming.
Please join us for an exciting evening of
competition, from the first 8 & under relay through the thrilling
all-ages Grand Slam Freestyle relay and the eagerly anticipated Parent,
Alumni and Coach/Lifeguard relays. Who will take home the Bucket, the
Lamp, the Chair and the Boot this year? Cheer loud, swim hard, catch up
with your friends, and most of all, have fun.
A special thank you to Maple Manor Swim Club, their
members and volunteers for hosting this year's event. UDAC invites
everyone to stay for an hour of music and dancing following the awards.
|
C.J. MARTIN |
 |
C.J. inhaled his very first
breath of chlorine at the tender age of two months. While his older sister
and brother were competing for the Upper Dublin Aquatic Club in the winter, and
Fort Washington Swim & Tennis Club in the summer, he followed along to “watch”.
He could usually be found in a hallway or vacant corner playing with his
Matchbox cars while his siblings competed. He was no stranger to the pool
or to competition by the time he started his aquatic career at the age of five
and a half years. His first coach at the Fort called his young swimmers
the “pole patrollers” because they practiced in the diving well and a guard
stood duty with a long pole, just in case...
C.J.
performed his first competitive ‘belly flop’ start in an unofficial race at the
Fort in 1987 and that, as they say, started it all. It was the beginning
of not only his swimming career, but also stoked the competitive fires in a
variety of sports that would include baseball, football, soccer, basketball, ice
hockey, and lacrosse. Over the years most of these went by the wayside,
while lacrosse and swimming quickly became his favorites. As an attack man
in lacrosse, he brought speed, a hard shot, and an intense competitive spirit.
His strength, however, was swimming. As he grew through the years and
practiced his strokes, he developed into a strong backstroker and an even
stronger butterflier. He briefly held a few records at the Fort, and at
the high school level he qualified for PIAA District I Championships in
butterfly as a freshman.
Even though C.J. loved the
competition, what he really enjoyed most were the friendships and fun
experiences that grew out of spending countless hours practicing with teammates.
He was always fun loving, and seemed to thrive on getting the most out of each
and every situation. His teammates, friends, and family would all agree
that C.J. was fun to be around, that’s for sure! Whether clowning
around with friends or entertaining family and relatives, he was truly the life
of the party!
Aside from
his many athletic endeavors, C.J. enjoyed participating in outdoor
activities. He started tent camping with his family at the age of eight
months and continued with both his family and Boy Scout troops. Family ski
trips were an annual event and although he never quite got the hang of
snowboarding, you couldn’t say he didn’t give it his best!
One of C.J.’s
most endearing personality traits was his devotion to his little sister, Kelsey.
He was always careful to insure her happiness and paid her a great deal of
attention. When she stood on the starting block at Fort for the first
time, he was standing right there to watch her ‘belly flop’ start and to offer
her encouragement. Isn’t it funny that Kels has turned out to be quite a
backstroker and butterflier herself?!
Of course
there was also a ‘flip side’ to C.J.’s personality. Just ask Coach Vikye
or Mrs. Morrissy how stubborn he could be. And Coach Melissa might
want to tell you about the dance they shared at a Sharks swim team banquet when
they were no more than ten years of age!
The relay carnival was always a good
time for C.J. It was an opportunity to reacquaint with friends from school
and to compete for bragging rights. His absolute favorite event was the
T-shirt relay! Both years that he participated in the summer relay carnival, he
could be found at the pool early helping his Dad set up the team areas and
clowning around with friends who were already on deck. His spirit is alive
at each and every relay carnival that takes place and his family is proud of the
honor bestowed upon C.J. that the event now holds his name. Thank
you!
The Martin Family
