NIC Swimming and Diving Conference Finals hosted by Southwest

Coach Don Palm was always emotionally charged going into conference finals and found it hard to give the final "pep talk" without choking up. His solution was to record his words and play a cassette to the assembled swim team. These recorded words were from the 1975 cassette (which freshman swimmer Jim Norton acquired the following Sunday afternoon) (I'm sure he was on lifeguard duty and not just using the Watts line.) I still have the original cassette and had the recording transferred to CD format on July 12, 2007 as a keepsake for the SMSC-SSU Swimmers Reunion held at Brian and Jane Luke's August 18, 2007. (which I am unable to attend) I always smile knowing that "Saturday Night is Alright for Fighting" and whenever I hear 2001 Space Odyssey theme music, I will get a lump in my throat. So, as Hogger used to say "Key Up" and in the early morning practice greeting words of Coach Palm, "It's a great day to be alive"
Hope you enjoy the memory,
Jim Norton
SMSC-SSU Swimmer 1974-1978

2001 Space Odyssey Theme

History of the Theme opening as recalled by Steve Ferek
We had a guy named Gary Anderson (class of 1974) who walked on the team in 1970. Coach Palm let him "try out" and join our practices. Gary didn't have much of a swimming background but he loved being part of the team. His real talent and intrest was in the theater department specializing in production sets, sound and lighting. At that time there was a big article in Sports Illistrated about a university swim team that sparked things up at their meets with cheerleaders, a band, hot outfits for the female timers, etc. Palm loved it. Gary became our production manager and set up the lighting and sound. He is probably responsible for the song. We had tryouts and an instant cheerleader squad (who traveled with the team), 25 school band voulenteers, timming girls with cowgirl outfits, and big crowds who loved it. The bleachers only held 500 fans so they got portable stands along the walls by the diving pool. What a show! Powerful experience for sure. It was great to be part of it. Thank you Gary, wherever you are.

2001 Space Odyssey Theme

Brian Luke Radio Interview with Marshall Radio Station

Steve Binder and Greg Higdem Radio Interview with Marshall Radio Station

Some of our favorite tunes from our time at Southwest