More than 260 Mason Manta Ray swimmers kicked off the 2015-2016 swimming season with the 13th Annual Manta Rays Intrasquad Swim Meet, but for one particular swimmer, it was much more than the first meet of the year.
In front of a packed natatorium at the Mason Community Center, The Mason Manta Rays in Southwest Ohio welcomed home US Navy Chief Paul Swezey! After seven months in Afghanistan, Swezey came home two weeks early to surprise his family, and to be a surprise lane timer for his 10 year-old son Jayson!
While Jayson was swimming his 50 butterfly, his Dad walked onto the pool deck in uniform and was standing behind his lane as he finished his race. As soon as he completed the race, he looked up and jumped out of the water to hug his dad. Needless to say there was not a dry eye in the pool.
The rest of the meet ran smoothly thanks to great parent volunteers and the swimmers. Overall, the swimmers lit up the water with 747 best times and 19 new meet records!
Video Courtesy of Ken Heis and the Mason Manta Rays Swim Team.
I know Jayson! He’s my friend!
That is absolutely beautiful! 😀