Quotes by Rob Rooney

“Theres still heartbreaks in there, but we had a solid, solid meet with a great group of guys. And they have done everything that I have asked them to do.”

“They held their own. They swam through across the board. Theyll be ready to swim in a couple of weeks (at sectionals).”

“The meet wasnt about the varsity guys. It was more about the JV guys, and they exceeded everything I asked them to do. I thought they were phenomenal.”

“Seventh place is definitely an honor, and I think that right now we had a first-time state champion in Chris, and we had several kids in the finals ... not just the consolations. Were walking out of here with a lot of good experience from this year. But I am ecstatic about how we did as a team.”

“It was a confidence boost. When youre sitting next to a kid as good as Tyler and youve been around him for a while, and hes been the five- or six-time state champion, I think that would give anyone the self-confidence to have really done something.”

“I said, You know, Chris, the guys going to Auburn on a full ride. Lets just relax and worry about our stuff and our own race.”

“We were strong and solid and steady. We acted as a good team today. Every boy we had swimming individually in a race got through (to state). Thats a first for us.”

“I dont want to say wait til next year because were still in the midst of this year, but Ive got everyone back. No one else can say that in this pool (today).”

“I think his success has a lot more to do with his desire than with his mind. I am never going to doubt his desire or level of it. My opinion and about 200 other coaches opinions is that he made it possible at the state meet because he wanted to.”

“Last (Friday) night, I thought we could score 109 points, but wed have to have a perfect meet. These guys have listened to me all year and done everything Ive asked. For some of our guys, it wasnt what we wanted, but they tried hard. It just bodes well for next year.”