Swimming for Freeman

We’re back!

 It’s been almost a year and a half since Freeman has passed away, but nothing seems to have changed. We still look to Ron for words of wisdom and support, we continue to owe much of our success to Ron and it is our mission to continue to make the right choices, to choose to be a champion. We’re dedicated to continuing Ron’s legacy, so every aquatic athlete that enters MVHS will have the same, life changing experience, we have endured and enjoyed.

This year, Nikki and Sean will be braving the 1.7 mile swim from Alcatraz to the Shore. Shark infested, cold, high tides and extremely salty, there is still a lot to prepare for before jumping into the bay on July 28th, 2012!

We are once again collecting sponsorships and donations, as this swim is a fundraiser for the Ron Freeman Aquatic Scholarship Foundation. The Scholarship Foundation was established to provide financial aide for aquatic athletes and promote further success in and out of the pool.

Thank you for all the support and please remember, any donation is enough to support his legacy and his memory.

Information on how to donate: http://swimmingforfreeman.bbnow.org/index.php

Information on the swim:
http://www.sharkfestswim.com/default.asp?PageID=20154

Join us on Facebook:

https://www.facebook.com/events/273798342709748/

The power of a team.  The power of family. Photo by Kevin Tsukii

The power of a team. 

The power of family.

Photo by Kevin Tsukii

There are moments in your life where things change. January 21, 2011 the day Freeman passed away was one of those days. Since then, I’ve been striving to really bring out the Ron-qualities Freeman put upon us. From dedication and hard work to boyfriend tips and fashion advice. Freeman was an amazing, amazing individual, one whom I will never forget and only for him and with him would we have endured this swim.  Waking up at 4:30 in the morning may have been the easiest part of this day. The three of us drove up to San Fran trying to ignore our race day nerves by singing disney classics, mixed in with some Pretty Girl Rock as well as some sexual music. Typical water polo player tunes. We were greeting at the gates of Maritime Museum, where we checked in. Andrew was number 501, Sonika 503, I was 423. From there we put our stuff in the bleacher-ish area with everyone else. Only to find we were sitting with the tri-athletes. Oops. We headed over to the swim only section, embarrassing. We lubed up ( though it didn’t really help, hello chaffing!) and put our suits on. About half an hour later we were parading on to the boat which would take us to our fate. The boat ride over, we thought of Ron and how a bit of him is in each of us. We decided to utilize these qualities throughout our race. Only for him would we jump in the water.  As we approached the island, the boat stopped. Within five minutes of docking at Alcatraz, it was time to jump in. We had one last group hug and cheer for Ron, we held on to each other hands and jumped to our fate - 62 degree shark infested water. One of the best parts of the race was peeing in your wetsuit right before the horn went off, the hot sensation was something I missed while swimming.  The start was tough. The swells were high, the water taste was disgusting, and there were hundred of people trying to reach shore just as quickly as you were. There was one point in the race where I though to myself, ” I can’t do this.” I kept swimming, debating dropping out in my head. I look on my wrist ” WWFD”, what would Freeman do. And, as cheesy as this sounds, right as I was thinking to myself what Ron would say, I looked to my right. Right about the Golden Gate bridge, there was a small break in the clouds, with just a little bit of light shinning through. That was Ron. From then on, I knew he was with me the whole way. Every right breath I could see him. It was motivation to keep swimming.  There came a point where I seemed to be staying in the same spot for a solid 15 minutes. The water was so murky and disorienting. A few backstrokes every so often helped us catch our breaths, and gave us a beautiful view of the bay - that was until it was time to put our heads in the water and continue to swim. There were a few points throughout the swim where I felt I was hallucinating. I saw sharks, and people. I saw Ron, and kept swimming even harder.  As soon as I hit the barrier where where the two docks met the open water, I sprinted. Probably the longest and hardest sprint of my life. I knew I had only about 200 yards left, but I felt disgusting. I threw up, choked up water and kept going. I was cold and tired and miserable, but almost there! I saw a lady off to my left, I was going to beat her.  The second my foot hit land may have been the happiest I have ever been. Andrew joked the second he would hit shore, he would just orgasm everywhere. This is honestly how it felt. Running through the finish line, I have never been so proud of myself. I threw up some more as my Dad came over to congratulate me. The first thing I asked is where Sonika and Andrew were. I ran up to our stuff to find Andrew, half naked, per usual drying off. I gave him the biggest hug ever, I love that kid. Two minutes later, Sonika came up to shore, time for another big hug.  We warmed up, ate, took pictures and received hugs from our friends and family that came - the best feeling ever. Results were posted: Andrew got first in his age group, tenth for men overall. Sonika got third in her age group, tenth for women overall. I got second in my age group, fourth for women overall. First, second and third place finish. Ron would be proud.  I can’t say this is something I might do again. It was hard, and tested me physically and mentally, more so than I thought it would. It’s something I wouldn’t have been able to complete if it weren’t for Ron. Thank you to everyone who supported us, whether it was a donation, hug, text or combination of the three. It would mean so much to Ron to see how many people care about him, and passing on his legacy.  Through hell and high tide - we made it. I’m so proud of the three of us, there is no one else I would have rather escaped from Alcatraz with.  ( more pictures will be up soon!)

There are moments in your life where things change. January 21, 2011 the day Freeman passed away was one of those days. Since then, I’ve been striving to really bring out the Ron-qualities Freeman put upon us. From dedication and hard work to boyfriend tips and fashion advice. Freeman was an amazing, amazing individual, one whom I will never forget and only for him and with him would we have endured this swim. 

Waking up at 4:30 in the morning may have been the easiest part of this day. The three of us drove up to San Fran trying to ignore our race day nerves by singing disney classics, mixed in with some Pretty Girl Rock as well as some sexual music. Typical water polo player tunes. We were greeting at the gates of Maritime Museum, where we checked in. Andrew was number 501, Sonika 503, I was 423. From there we put our stuff in the bleacher-ish area with everyone else. Only to find we were sitting with the tri-athletes. Oops. We headed over to the swim only section, embarrassing. We lubed up ( though it didn’t really help, hello chaffing!) and put our suits on. About half an hour later we were parading on to the boat which would take us to our fate. The boat ride over, we thought of Ron and how a bit of him is in each of us. We decided to utilize these qualities throughout our race. Only for him would we jump in the water. 

As we approached the island, the boat stopped. Within five minutes of docking at Alcatraz, it was time to jump in. We had one last group hug and cheer for Ron, we held on to each other hands and jumped to our fate - 62 degree shark infested water. One of the best parts of the race was peeing in your wetsuit right before the horn went off, the hot sensation was something I missed while swimming. 

The start was tough. The swells were high, the water taste was disgusting, and there were hundred of people trying to reach shore just as quickly as you were. There was one point in the race where I though to myself, ” I can’t do this.” I kept swimming, debating dropping out in my head. I look on my wrist ” WWFD”, what would Freeman do. And, as cheesy as this sounds, right as I was thinking to myself what Ron would say, I looked to my right. Right about the Golden Gate bridge, there was a small break in the clouds, with just a little bit of light shinning through. That was Ron. From then on, I knew he was with me the whole way. Every right breath I could see him. It was motivation to keep swimming. 

There came a point where I seemed to be staying in the same spot for a solid 15 minutes. The water was so murky and disorienting. A few backstrokes every so often helped us catch our breaths, and gave us a beautiful view of the bay - that was until it was time to put our heads in the water and continue to swim. There were a few points throughout the swim where I felt I was hallucinating. I saw sharks, and people. I saw Ron, and kept swimming even harder. 

As soon as I hit the barrier where where the two docks met the open water, I sprinted. Probably the longest and hardest sprint of my life. I knew I had only about 200 yards left, but I felt disgusting. I threw up, choked up water and kept going. I was cold and tired and miserable, but almost there! I saw a lady off to my left, I was going to beat her. 

The second my foot hit land may have been the happiest I have ever been. Andrew joked the second he would hit shore, he would just orgasm everywhere. This is honestly how it felt. Running through the finish line, I have never been so proud of myself. I threw up some more as my Dad came over to congratulate me. The first thing I asked is where Sonika and Andrew were. I ran up to our stuff to find Andrew, half naked, per usual drying off. I gave him the biggest hug ever, I love that kid. Two minutes later, Sonika came up to shore, time for another big hug. 

We warmed up, ate, took pictures and received hugs from our friends and family that came - the best feeling ever. Results were posted: Andrew got first in his age group, tenth for men overall. Sonika got third in her age group, tenth for women overall. I got second in my age group, fourth for women overall. First, second and third place finish. Ron would be proud. 

I can’t say this is something I might do again. It was hard, and tested me physically and mentally, more so than I thought it would. It’s something I wouldn’t have been able to complete if it weren’t for Ron.

Thank you to everyone who supported us, whether it was a donation, hug, text or combination of the three. It would mean so much to Ron to see how many people care about him, and passing on his legacy. 

Through hell and high tide - we made it. I’m so proud of the three of us, there is no one else I would have rather escaped from Alcatraz with. 

( more pictures will be up soon!)

It’s almost race day, and the nerves are only starting to kick in. In preparation for the big day, we’ve got our wetsuits and waivers ready. We have cans of redbull to drink, and pictures of Freeman as inspiration. I was asked if I was ready for this swim and the only thing that came to mind is , ” we’ll find out soon.” 

To our donors 

We couldn’t have made this happen with out you. Thank you all for your generous donations and kind messages. Your enthusiasm in our event is what keeps us going on with our training and is making us even more determined! Your money is going to a well worth it cause. Ron was a self-less man, it’s about time he got something in return. We seriously cannot thank you all enough. 

To our families 

Thank you for dealing with all the chaos around this event during the past few days. Thank you for signing the waiver form, knowing we could die. Thank you for waking up early and driving us to San Fran at 5 in the morning. Most importantly, thanks for the love! 

To our friends

Thanks for the countless support! We’re blessed to know you guys have our backs - even all the way out in the bay. To those who are driving up to San Fran to watch us, it just shows us how much you care, and it’s more than we could imagine. We couldn’t have done it without your encouragement, good luck text messages, hug and jokes about shark attacks. 

To Ron Freeman

This is for you , big guy. There really isn’t much more to say. We love you, and we know you’ll be swimming along side us every stroke of the way. 

To the Sharks

Bring it! Andrew, Nikki and Sonika are coming to town. 

With less than 48 hours until our swim, I can’t even begin to describe the emotions running through my head. Just like what Nikki said in her last post, the reality of swimming almost two miles in 60 degree, shark infested water is finally sinking in. Recently I’ve been thinking about every little thing that could go wrong while swimming and to be honest, I’m borderline terrified. But like I always do when I find myself in times of trouble, I find a quiet place and ask myself, “what would Ron tell me?”.  Every step of the way in my transition from being an awkward little boy who just graduated middle school to a young man trying to figure out the world, Ron was there for me. He gave me strength when I was weak. He gave me inspiration when circumstances seemed hopeless. But most importantly, he taught me a little something about one of his favorite words; tenacity. There were several times where he knew, as well as our team did, that we were going to get absolutely destroyed by some of the other teams we were playing. But nonetheless, Ron refused to go down without a fight. We could have been playing the best team in the world and been down by 100 points and Ron still would have expected us to play the best we could. Ron NEVER gave up and he made sure we didn’t either. He demanded nothing but the best from us and because of that, he was able to turn hundreds of boys and girls into fine young men and women who understand that hard work and determination can take them a long way. These past six months have been hard without Ron and knowing that he would no longer be there for me if I needed him. However even though he is gone, I see still see him every day…his dedication, passion, intensity, and tenacity lives on in every one of his players. He has left each and every one of us with a wonderful gift and as I think about the swim more and more, I know that the tenacity and intensity I’ve gained through Ron will carry me across that finish line on Sunday morning. I’m really missing you Ron but I know you’ll be with us all 1.7 miles! -Andrew P.S. Thank you all for your generous donations! The amount of money we have raised so far and the tremendous amount of support from the community really serves as a testament to how many lives Ron touched. Nikki, Soni, and I are absolutely blessed to have the support you guys have given us and it truly means the world to us! <3

With less than 48 hours until our swim, I can’t even begin to describe the emotions running through my head. Just like what Nikki said in her last post, the reality of swimming almost two miles in 60 degree, shark infested water is finally sinking in. Recently I’ve been thinking about every little thing that could go wrong while swimming and to be honest, I’m borderline terrified. But like I always do when I find myself in times of trouble, I find a quiet place and ask myself, “what would Ron tell me?”.  Every step of the way in my transition from being an awkward little boy who just graduated middle school to a young man trying to figure out the world, Ron was there for me. He gave me strength when I was weak. He gave me inspiration when circumstances seemed hopeless. But most importantly, he taught me a little something about one of his favorite words; tenacity. There were several times where he knew, as well as our team did, that we were going to get absolutely destroyed by some of the other teams we were playing. But nonetheless, Ron refused to go down without a fight. We could have been playing the best team in the world and been down by 100 points and Ron still would have expected us to play the best we could. Ron NEVER gave up and he made sure we didn’t either. He demanded nothing but the best from us and because of that, he was able to turn hundreds of boys and girls into fine young men and women who understand that hard work and determination can take them a long way.

These past six months have been hard without Ron and knowing that he would no longer be there for me if I needed him. However even though he is gone, I see still see him every day…his dedication, passion, intensity, and tenacity lives on in every one of his players. He has left each and every one of us with a wonderful gift and as I think about the swim more and more, I know that the tenacity and intensity I’ve gained through Ron will carry me across that finish line on Sunday morning.

I’m really missing you Ron but I know you’ll be with us all 1.7 miles!

-Andrew

P.S.

Thank you all for your generous donations! The amount of money we have raised so far and the tremendous amount of support from the community really serves as a testament to how many lives Ron touched. Nikki, Soni, and I are absolutely blessed to have the support you guys have given us and it truly means the world to us! <3

Three has always been my lucky number, but for once in my life it seems to be otherwise.

Three days until the big day and I can’t say that I feel like I’m completely ready to take on this challenge, then again, I can’t say that we haven’t worked hard. 

Ron did tell us that hard work payed off. It’s money in the back. Hay in the barn. 

Three days until the big day, and the phrase ” Freeman Intensity” has never seemed so opportune. Freeman was intensity. Alcatraz, that’s intensity. Sharks? That’s intensity. Even with sharks and cold, I feel so blessed with the intense amount of support and encouragement my friends and family have shown for Andrew, Sonika and I in this event. 

Even more so, I’m so so so glad Freeman encouraged the boys and girls polo teams to get along, for Sonika and Andrew are basically family, there’s no one else I’d rather make this journey with. 

Though, it seems the journey has just begun. We were recently featured in the Cupertino Patch! ( Check out the story here - http://cupertino.patch.com/articles/three-monte-vista-alums-swim-from-alcatraz-to-shore-to-raise-money-for-ron-freeman-scholarship) . Everyday it seems we’re one step closer to our goal of $5000, to a man who deserves millions. 

We may need more than luck to conquer this one. But we have much better. We have Freeman Intensity. Does that even make sense? 

Community. It&#8217;s something Ron was all about, but it&#8217;s something that Mr. Freeman had another word for. Family. In the last few days, we&#8217;ve received a lot of support. We know we&#8217;re always asking for donations - but here&#8217;s our shout out to all of you and all your support. It means more than you can imagine to hear all the &#8220;good luck&#8221; cheers and to receive donations online. Ron created a family on the pool deck, and even now, it&#8217;s his sense of magic that&#8217;s helping us rebuild the Monta Vista community in every aspect of our lives. Thanks for being family, guys.

Community.

It’s something Ron was all about, but it’s something that Mr. Freeman had another word for.

Family.

In the last few days, we’ve received a lot of support. We know we’re always asking for donations - but here’s our shout out to all of you and all your support. It means more than you can imagine to hear all the “good luck” cheers and to receive donations online.

Ron created a family on the pool deck, and even now, it’s his sense of magic that’s helping us rebuild the Monta Vista community in every aspect of our lives.

Thanks for being family, guys.

What do you give to a man who gave you it all? Seriously though - the man with all the right answers, the goofy euphemisms, the next lyric to any song. The man who would play the game by the sweat, not the score board. Four days till the race, and quite frankly, I&#8217;m scared as hell. It&#8217;s cold water, it&#8217;s a longer swim than I&#8217;m ready for, and I don&#8217;t think the tendonitis will help. The best part about it though, is knowing that Ron wouldn&#8217;t have cared. For him, any dream was an action - something to put your mind to, and achieve. And for the man that gave us everything, it&#8217;s time to start giving back. Help donate to the Ron Freeman Aquatic Scholarship by sponsoring Andrew, Nikki, and I as we swim from Alcatraz into the San Francisco Bay. Let&#8217;s keep his legacy alive.

What do you give to a man who gave you it all?

Seriously though - the man with all the right answers, the goofy euphemisms, the next lyric to any song. The man who would play the game by the sweat, not the score board.

Four days till the race, and quite frankly, I’m scared as hell. It’s cold water, it’s a longer swim than I’m ready for, and I don’t think the tendonitis will help. The best part about it though, is knowing that Ron wouldn’t have cared. For him, any dream was an action - something to put your mind to, and achieve.

And for the man that gave us everything, it’s time to start giving back.

Help donate to the Ron Freeman Aquatic Scholarship by sponsoring Andrew, Nikki, and I as we swim from Alcatraz into the San Francisco Bay. Let’s keep his legacy alive.

Five days until we make the jump from the boat into the bay! Ironically, we&#8217;ll be on the same boat our senior proms were held. The nerves are starting to kick in, but we&#8217;re trying to transform that into excitement. We&#8217;re being interviewed for a couple of newspapers, and we&#8217;re so thankful the community has been so supportive toward our cause.  Keep the donations coming, we&#8217;re training hard!  Catch you guys on the rock,  Nikki 

Five days until we make the jump from the boat into the bay!

Ironically, we’ll be on the same boat our senior proms were held. The nerves are starting to kick in, but we’re trying to transform that into excitement. We’re being interviewed for a couple of newspapers, and we’re so thankful the community has been so supportive toward our cause. 

Keep the donations coming, we’re training hard! 

Catch you guys on the rock, 

Nikki 

They’re called “random acts of kindness and senseless acts of beauty,” if I’m correct. The moments that make you take a step back and realize that even simple actions can elicit a huge emotional reaction - the encounters that make you step back and wonder “How will I ever repay him?”

It was the little things that made Ron the big guy on campus. The fact that if I ever needed an escape from the classroom, that there were open arms and a scruffy beard always waiting on the pool deck. The concept of waking up at 5:45 am to head to practice - knowing someone would be waiting. A drawer filled with colored pens and pre sharpened pencils, just in case you wanted to scribble your emotions out.

Now, after his passing, Andrew, Nikki, and I once again, attempt to repay Ron for all that he provided us. We’re at T minus 6 days till the Alcatraz swim, practicing hard, sweating harder, and hoping with even more might that we can raise $5,000 dollars for the Ron Freeman Aquatic Scholarship.

Any donation counts - even that $5 that you saved from skipping on Ice Cream. Please remember that the Ron Freeman Scholarship will help you help Ron continue his legacy of giving - and he wouldn’t have wanted anything else.

Information on donation is available at http://swimmingforfreeman.bbnow.org - thanks for everything in advance!

Love and a lot of sunblock,

Sonika