Bob Erickson's Book Talk
Thursday, November 5, 2015 – 7:00 pm
St. Louis Park High School – Room C350 Following the talk, stay for treats, conversation and book signing. Books can be purchased at this event and at Elsmore Swim Shop. or Checks payable to:
SLPPSF PO Box 16367 St. Louis Park, MN 55416 Proceeds will be used to fund St. Louis Park Public Schools Foundation teacher grants. We appreciate your support!
|
|
"Take your mark!" This is an opportunity for SLP swimmers and all lovers of the sport to connect with other swimming enthusiasts
Why, in the 1920s, was Minnesota's Iron Range known nationally for its school pools? Why were events and records different for girls and boys? What world swimming records were set by a Chisholm sophomore girl, an Ely champion and graduate, and a St. Paul Olympic swimmer?
To provide answers, Bob Erickson’s book takes a plunge into the “then and now” of swimming and diving. He follows this Minnesota high school sport through its 92-year time line of MSHSL sponsorship. This perspective peruses 77 girls state meets and 110 state meets for boys, running from 1924 to 2015. Minnesota Splash uncovers material never compiled before, and posits why Minnesota swimming and diving is unique nationally.
Each chapter (Event) has an historical intro to set the tone for a Minnesota swimming topic. Diving and the four strokes are described. Over 500 state meet records are analyzed. Those moving up to national and world note are acknowledged. Highlighted are girls and boys swimmers and divers, championship teams, and those who coached them. This book also recognizes why girls were denied competition for 30 years.
Bob felt it important that a written history be documented and available to coaches, swimmers and divers, and their families. His writing pays tribute to the earlier individuals who made contributions to this enduring, aquatics activity. He also recognizes the current breed of interscholastic athlete.
To provide answers, Bob Erickson’s book takes a plunge into the “then and now” of swimming and diving. He follows this Minnesota high school sport through its 92-year time line of MSHSL sponsorship. This perspective peruses 77 girls state meets and 110 state meets for boys, running from 1924 to 2015. Minnesota Splash uncovers material never compiled before, and posits why Minnesota swimming and diving is unique nationally.
Each chapter (Event) has an historical intro to set the tone for a Minnesota swimming topic. Diving and the four strokes are described. Over 500 state meet records are analyzed. Those moving up to national and world note are acknowledged. Highlighted are girls and boys swimmers and divers, championship teams, and those who coached them. This book also recognizes why girls were denied competition for 30 years.
Bob felt it important that a written history be documented and available to coaches, swimmers and divers, and their families. His writing pays tribute to the earlier individuals who made contributions to this enduring, aquatics activity. He also recognizes the current breed of interscholastic athlete.
