Category Archives: Even More Stories

In an email to the FAC staff, I wrote … Today is my hire date anniversary, I’ve now worked at the FAC for five years. To commemorate this occasion, I’m sending you a few of my favorite past email exchanges. Sadly, I did not keep the email inviting staff to Tony’s to celebrate the hiring of Blake “Cold Beer” Milteer. I wish I had. That was a good one too. Continue reading →

In 1996, at the Olympic Games in Atlanta, I got word that the President wanted to meet the team. So with the Presidential press corps on one side of the room and the swim team on the other, I waited by the door. Eventually President Clinton strode in. I stuck out my hand and he shook it. Later they were having difficulty situating the team photo with the President. He didn’t want to stand in front of anyone, which was very thoughtful, so Sheila Taormina pipes up with a suggestion; “Can’t he just squat?” Continue reading →

From 2005 … One of the first wrestlers that captured my imagination was Dr. X. He wore a mask with an ‘X’ on the forehead. I can’t remember much about him; he was mysterious. Everyone tried to take his mask off. Who was under that mask? One day Ray Stevens, Nick Bockwinkel’s tag-team partner, broke Dr. X’s leg by jumping off the top rope, an illegal move. From that day on, Ray Stevens was known as Ray “The Crippler” Stevens. Continue reading →

From 2005 … Snyder, who endeavors to break all of his personal records in every distance every year, understands the Herculean task set before him. “Michael Phelps doesn’t set his goals this high,” Snyder said. “It’s just not realistic for most people, but since I’m not that strong of a swimmer, I can.” Continue reading →

From 2005 … Snyder swam the 2000-yard freestyle in 36:05, besting his old personal best of 36:23. Sharing a lane with a dude swimming the sidestroke, Snyder started out slow and managed to maintain that slow, steady pace throughout; up until the final 25 yards, when he bravely attempted to go faster. On deck observers were amazed by the final 25 kick, turnover, and distance per stroke, which left all in attendance wondering, “Why didn’t he try that earlier?” Continue reading →

From 2001 …Snyder noted that the two-car garage features a recently painted floor. “If people aren’t interested in buying anything, they can still stop by and see our garage floor. I put on two coats of Hunter Green. I have a lot of time on my hands, being unemployed and all.” Continue reading →

From 2006 …One time we were walking across town and heard Prince rehearsing at First Avenue. The record shop guys confirmed that Prince was planning an unannounced concert that night. Paul and I got in line early. Paid the cover of $4 and waited four hours for Prince to take the stage. When he came out, he said, “Welcome to our final dress rehearsal.” Prince was taking Sheila E. and Cat to Europe for the first leg of the ‘Sign of the Times’ tour. We were 30 feet away watching Prince in a bar. Continue reading →