Brooke inducted into RHS Athletic Hall of Fame

Brooke Vessey ('07) was among the inductees during last week's Redlands High School Athletic Hall of Fame dinner and ceremony. One of the youngest inductees in Hall history, Vessey was a dominating athlete in water polo and swimming during her days at RHS.

REDLANDS >> Brooke Vessey hasn’t been gone for very long. She graduated from Redlands High School in 2007.

But her resume as a swimmer and water polo player at RHS and at San Diego State made her a natural selection to be an inductee at the Redlands High School Athletic Hall of Fame.

Still, she was shocked when she got the call that she was being considered for induction.

“I think I am the youngest one,” Vessey said. “It surprised me so much. I was really struck by it when they asked to look at my resume. I just graduated seven years ago. Being so young, that is why it is such a great feeling to be here.”

This year’s Athletic Hall of Fame Class also includes Wayne Braga (‘51) and his sons Dennis (‘73) and Matt (‘76); Richard ‘Red’ Simmons (‘56); Dan Finfrock (‘64); and Sami Grisafe (‘03).

The induction ceremony was held Thursday in the Orton Center on the campus of the University of Redlands.

“This is so amazing,” Vessey said. “To be as young as I am and to be inducted, I feel blessed. I felt happy that they thought I had done enough to be a part of this.”

Vessey’s water polo career at RHS is one of the school’s most successful. She was a CIF-Southern Section Division 5 Player of the Year (2006-07), a Citrus Belt League Most Valuable Player and a four-time RHS Most Valuable Player honoree.

In swimming, Vessey was even more of a dominating figure. She was the Coca-Cola Citrus Belt Area Female Athlete of the Year in 2007 and the school’s Athlete of the Year in 2007. She was undefeated in the 100 fly and 100 backstroke during her four-year stay and was a three-time CIF Masters finalist.

In all, Vessey led RHS to eight Citrus Belt League team championships.

“There is such great tradition here at Redlands High School,” Vessey said. “I loved it here. I think a lot of high schools wish they had what we have here. The tradition is special. We need to keep special.”

Vessey, however, has moved on with her life and career. She retired as a competitive, everyday athlete, and is now the strength and conditioning coach at San Diego State.

It was a natural move, Vessey said.

“Now, as a college coach, I have a different view what it is like for athletes,” Vessey said. “I can take all that I experienced and put it into coaching.”

Vessey has learned much about fitness and conditioning. But in high school, lifting weights was not a part of her athletic agenda.

“I never lifted in my life while I was at Redlands,” Vessey said. “It was very rare for me. If I knew then what I know now, I definitely would have done it more in high school. But looking back, you can do more. I did what I could with what I had.”

Vessey and the inductees visited with RHS athletes during an afternoon tour of the campus.

Like it has been for many previous inductees, talking to current high school athletes was a special moment for her.

“I really enjoyed it,” Vessey said. “Sharing my experiences with them was really nice. I talked to them about what they can do if they have dreams after high school and how to get there.”

It was Vessey’s first visit to the RHS Hall of Fame room.

“I had never been there,” Vessey said. “I had never seen it and I didn’t even know it existed. I thought it was great. I hope I can give back and make it even better.”

Brooke's Speech in 6 period to all the athletes on campus at Redlands High School 

Women's National Collegiate Water Polo 2014 (Highlight Video)

Just watching this video made my heart race. I still have yet to re-watch the championship game for a few reasons. Awesome to see it end with all my girls smiling faces! 

Reason 1: It will just give me anxiety and stress me out. Even though I know the outcome!

Reason 2: I will be judging myself as a coach. There is always more to learn and watching will show me how I let those amazing young woman down especially in the 4th quarter. I should have called a timeout when Michigan got some momentum. But at the same time we did need those timeouts so the girls could make a few big stops and get us into overtime. Also makes you think back to what you should have taught in practice. Coaching is learning and I can ALWAYS get better!

Reason 3: I just want to go back. Relive those girls true excitement and joy. I have experienced the agony of defeat and the excitement of winning. Not sure anything compared to this win for the girls, myself and the program. What a great weekend, that we will all remember forever!

Huge thanks to the CWPA for putting together this video! 

Pacific Coast Division Awards- Coach of the Year

This season with my water polo team was something special. These girls really enjoyed themselves and showed just another reason why I love coaching. The awards for them just keep coming. Since I worked with such amazing athletes, they really make me look good. The main reason that I was voted "Coach of the Year" within our division.

I am even more excited to say many of my athletes were voted to the All Conference Team.

Pacific Coast Division
Most Valuable Player:		Bailey Wickliffe (San Diego State University)
Coach of the Year:		Jamie Vessey Cassidy (San Diego State University)
First Team
Morgan Klingfus (Goalie)		San Diego State University
Madeline Schwartz		San Diego State University
Bailey Wickliffe		San Diego State University
Leah Ashley		California Polytechnic State University
Sophie Calhoun		California Polytechnic State University
Danika Felix		California Polytechnic State University
Dorit Stein		University of California-Los Angeles
Second Team
Morgan Rollo (Goalie)		California Polytechnic State University
Adison Gosslein		San Diego State University
Kelli Boling		San Diego State University
Nina Escobedo		San Diego State University
Faith Aguirre		University of California-Santa Barbara
Frankie Puerzer		University of California-Santa Barbara
Shelbi Skinner		University of California-Los Angeles

Link to see the entire list

CWPA National Champions

Why I Coach:

Coaching to me has a very different definition than how it would be defined in the Webster Dictionary. I coach so that I can share the knowledge that I have so greatly received from my personal experiences from coaches, athletes, games and situations. I coach to give back to young individuals, help guide then forward in life. I coach to create a place that all feel welcome and that their thoughts and opinions matter with equal weight.

Some individuals coach so that they have complete power. I coach for the opposite, I want to give my athletes power. I get just as much from my athletes as I believe I am giving them. I learn something new constantly from them. My biggest thoughts were during the National Championship game with so much on the line, that my players were still confident in voicing their thoughts on plays and situations. This type of coaching I believe allows for the sharing of constructive information and growth for us all.

This past season was like no other year of coaching. Like anytime coaching there are the good days and bad days. As a coach I have experienced some amazing wins and some very tough losses. This year I was able to rooster and coach two teams an A squad and a B team. This alone created some extremely long days at tournaments coaching 4 games in a day many back to back. Yelling from the bench to my other squad that was supposed to be warming up or cooling down. Or the time we played each other and I was standing near half coaching both sides, I can tell you that game got very confusing.

As the season went on my A squad only lost a game that was at the ASU open invitational. My B squad lost a few and won some great games, getting better every time we played. This was the best part of the year, the girls actually wanted to sub they were playing so much. No one was mad about playing time!Everyone became a better player and teammate. 

Pacific Coast Division Championship:

Victory Swim

In order for us to advance to the National Championship tournament we needed to win the Pacific Coast Division championship, this is something that as a program we had never accomplished. The best we had ever done was 2nd in our league, back in 2012. Where we got 5th at the National Championship (in Florida). The programs only other appearance at the National Championship, prior to this year. That year 2nd was good enough to stamp our ticket because CAL Poly (in our league had one the 2011 National Title- granting our division 2 spots).  That said this year we had to win to advance.

This would be the first time our program got to host the Pacific Coast Division Champs, making a bit of extra work for us. In all it worked to our benefit. The  B team would have a great tournament ending with two wins and two loses. Then the A squad would play through the tournament with little trouble. Then playing a great game against Cal Poly to win! I would get to take a great victory swim. Being pushed in by the girls! It was such an exciting time for the girls and our program. Then we started the planning process Nationals was only three weeks out.

Spending a bit of time stressed with the president we managed to get everyone’s plane tickets to Cleveland Ohio. The hotel booked, our rental cars rented and our paperwork turned in. 

Nationals Bound: 

The trip to Ohio would start super early. We had a 6:15am flight. Of course we had a delay out. Which seems to be the only way I travel these days. Once in Ohio we headed straight to the pool to warm up.The girls got to loosen up and start to feel comfortable with the indoor pool. We then headed to grab some dinner and back to the hotel. Which of course had the water being turned off- after a cross country flight, humid pool and then no shower. This was turning out to be an adventure for us.

Friday we would only have to play one game as the 3 seed, we were playing 14th seed, which would be NYC. I was happy with how the starters came out to play setting  us up for a great tournament.We were then able to rest the starters and play our entire squad. It was great to see some of the younger less experienced players get a great amount of time. We would win 13-6. Game Recap. With a good amount of time left in the day we wanted to rest up, we headed to lunch and the movies. Getting the girls in bed early to set us up for another great day.  

Last huddle before the championship game

Saturday we would play two games. I would also have my own cheering section, Nik made the 2-hour drive to Geneva to watch the games. The girls really enjoyed meeting him. The first game of the day was played against Duke. Thanks to some great help from my old teammates and best friend Anna, I had a full scouting report. We would win the game and everyone would get a great amount of playing time once again. We would defeat Duke 9-2. Game Recap. 

After winning this game we were officially in uncharted territory for our program. History was already being made we were into the semifinals of the National Championship tournament. The semifinals would be against ASU. We had played them at the ASU tournament earlier in the season.We had struggled a bit  in March with them, so I was a bit unsure how this game would go.The girls would come out firing away. They really set the pace of the game, allowing for everyone to play. We would defeat ASU 12-4. Game Recap. After beating ASU we were granted our first ever trip into the NATIONAL Championship game.

MVP Morgan

Sunday would be an exciting day for our program. The girls were a little nervous as was I. The game would start out a little slow for us. The girls then started to settle into the game. This would be the first game of the year in which the girls were pushed. The score would go back and forth. Leading into the fourth quarter, both teams had the opportunity to win the game. Yet defense was great on both side and we held them off. Our goalie Morgan was a brick wall down the line, she stopped everything.  With such great defense, it meant overtime. Two quarters- three minutes. No goals were scored. By this point we had not been subbing much, the girls playing were exhausted. We had two starters that had fouled out of the game. After two more quarters it was sudden death till a winner was crowned. With only about 10 seconds left in the first quarter of sudden death- Meghan Harder was able to sneak the ball into the goal. We would win 10-9. Game Recap 

Celebrating our overtime win

I can fully admit to not even seeing Meghan’s goal. I was watching the other side of the pool, hoping that the girls were running the play that we had just discussed in a timeout. At this point the place erupted; I am not sure if I was pushed in or jumped. Honestly I think it was a bit of both. Not sure I had ever swam so fast in my life. I was in the middle of the girls huddle in what seems like an instance. We spent some time celebrating in the middle, before heading to shake hands. It was such a great game all around. 

After we shook hands, it was award time. We would be presented last with our National Championship plaques. Morgan would be named MVP of the tournament, while Bailey and Kelli were named to 1^st team. The girls were just so excited. A few times I wanted to cry just watching the excitement of the girls. During the game was hard, they had never been tested, the entire year they had just won. So for them to dig deep and stay as a team, was wonderful to see. Many times when a team is in a hard place or struggling it all goes bad when the girls start yelling at each other. My team never did this, they were always so positive with each other. As supportive as they could be. Just wanted one thing to all become National Champions. The girls were just so excited, they had so many amazing things to say to me during awards. This tournament and team is one of my proudest moments.

National Champions

Once the awards were over it was time to shower and get on the road. I had heard about the longest & oldest covered bridge just down the road. As a team we would head to see it. Then it was back to San Diego as National Champions! Only a few girls graduate, so I am hoping to have another amazing season next year.

I want to also thank all the parents of the girls. They were just great this season. To all the people that stepped up and made a donation to the program. You helped these girls create one of the best memories of their lives. One of the best parts of this tournament was the CWPA had set up live streaming of all the games via the internet.It was always amazing to receive text messages from family after a game. After the championship game I had over 100 messages from my family- texting back and forth. The joy and love you all sent for me. That you were 100% behind me coaching. Brennan thanks for all your love and understanding when I freak out. To my siblings for all your texts and tweets, coming to watch me coach. Brooke for helping to coach. My parents for being supportive as always. For Brennan's parents watching the game and not thinking that I am crazy after watching me. I am very blessed with amazing athletes and an even better family. 

The league gave me all the games on DVD. I can officially say that I have not watched any of the games yet. I started the championship game, but within seconds my heart rate was rising and I could not do it. Still just so fresh and exciting. Maybe in a few weeks! 

Longest & oldest covered bridge

If you are interested in reading more in-depth about the games check them out below.

Game 1: SDSU vs NYC

Game 2: SDSU vs Duke

Game 3 (Semi Finals): SDSU vs ASU

Game 4 (Finals) : Championship Game Recap

To see more pictures check out the album on facebook: 

Tuesday, May 20, 2014

Club Water Polo Wins National Title

SDSU defeated Michigan in sudden death to claim the title.

The team celebrating after the big win.

The San Diego State University Women's Club Water Polo team recently defeated rivals from across the country to become the Collegiate Water Polo Association Club National Champions.

The team played Arizona State University in the semi-final game to advance to the championship game against Michigan. SDSU defeated Michigan 10-9 in sudden death overtime.

“This win not only represents this group of females but also the entire university and San Diego area," said Jamie Cassidy, the team’s head coach. "The team really came together this past year by fundraising to pay for pool time and travel costs, working hard in and out of the pool and by lifting one another up even when things got tough in the championship game.”

Aztec all-stars

The team was led by team MVP Bailey Wickliffe, who fouled out late in the fourth quarter of the championship game.

“The team stepped up and played together in those overtime periods against Michigan, I’m so proud of their hard work all season to be ready for this moment," Cassidy said.

The team played as a unit in the championship game. With Morgan Klingfus— the Collegiate Water Polo Association National Player of the Year — in goal, the team stopped Michigan from scoring in two overtime periods.

After heading to a final sudden death overtime period, Meghan Harder scored the winning goal, making SDSU the 2014 CWPA Club National Champions.

“I’m so proud of my teammates — a club program is a lot of work," said Natalie Parker, club president. "Teammates have to fundraise, do community service for the City of San Diego and represent SDSU. It all came together, winning the championship is a memory I will never forget.”

On the horizon

Cassidy attributes the success of this year's squad to the commitment and dedication of the players.

"This year we had enough girls to have both an A and B squad," she said. "There was a lot more competition and a lot of talent, and that really raised the level of play."

Fortunately for the squad, only three seniors will be leaving, meaning the majority of the team will return for the next season. 

"There is a lot of great chemistry between the girls," Cassidy said. "They have so much respect for each other and they all play so well together. It definitely showed this season."

About SDSU club sports

The Women’s Club Water Polo team is housed within the SDSU Sport Club program.

SDSU Sports Clubs consist of 19 competitive teams. Each club team is developed, organized and managed by students with guidance from the Intramural and Sport Club Coordinator and the Intramural and Sport Club Supervisor.

Each club team's success is determined by the collective efforts and organization of the student athletes. Sport clubs enable students to enhance their collegiate experience and serve an excellent setting for the development of athletic skills, student leadership and social outlets

RHS Hall of Fame Speech

Wonder what I said at the Hall of Fame induction, you can read my speech below.

I would like to start by thanking the hall of fame committee for selecting me for this great honor.  I am extremely proud to be associated with all the other nominees, the Bee Football team, Randy Orwig, John Butler and Dr. Hank Mercado, Congratulations!  I would like to especially thank Dr. Mercado for all his help in getting me nominated and his guidance during the process.

Thank you to my parents. You two amaze me. Not sure how you made it to every race, game and meet. But you were always there cheering me on. You have taught me what hard work looks like, how to be a strong and fair competitor, showed me how to care about those around you. I also have amazing siblings Brooke, Sean and Mikayla. They cannot be here tonight because they are all off doing amazing things. They like my parents have shaped me and always been my biggest fans.  

To my husband Brennan. You are the love of my life and the best teammate anyone could ask for. You may have met me long after my high school days, but you understand where I come from, especially since you toured my high school this morning. To my grandpa you’re an amazing support! Thank you for feeding me through college! To my family friends here, I feel so blessed to have you in my life and your support in all my endeavors

I want to take the time to thank my coaches and teammates. You get nowhere in life without the help from those around you.  I was so fortunate to have amazing teammates- everyone of them I could say a million things about. Many of the alumni that I never played with helped me to be a better player.  Beth Harberts, Kendra Adama both went on to play at San Jose State. Hillary Clarendon Bluementhal who was always a rock in the goal and still one of my best friends. My sister Brooke who complimented my style so well loving to score. But to no fail watched game film every available moment.  Without all of them I would not have been half the player I became.

I have had amazing coaches from club through my college days. I would especially like to thank my high school coaches, who again took the time away from their families to be here tonight. I was fortunate to play and compete for the best coaches around. Matt Fry I could never thank you enough! For all the time and support. You always had my back as a player and appreciated my opinion. You let me shine as the player that loved defense and leading in my own style.  When swim season came around you always had the right thing to say before a big race- I can think of one instance before the 200 Free for a CBL Title. We won’t repeat it! Coach D thank you for always having good things to say and a way for me to improve my game. For letting your enthusiasm for the game flow through you and rub off on all of us. Dahnke thanks for pushing me to be the best swimmer possible. For understanding my desire to push myself and allowing me to train with the boys. For always making me laugh and give me the joy back in swimming.  For all of you for spending so many hours on the pool deck, for the weekends spent building things and spending so much of your personal money to better our aquatic programs.  I can tell you it has all paid off.

As I have gone through this whole process many memories have come rushing back. From my first cross country meet to my last time racing as a Terrier.  I have so many positive memories in between. I was taught life lessons that carry me through to today. For example never let you little sister get on the bus before you. I am going to stand tall on this Matt, she made me late.  

I love sports. Sports is what my life has revolved around. My family loves sports it is what we do together. I love sports so much that I got a Master’s Degree in Sport Management from the University of San Francisco. This is also how I met my husband.  I work for a company called PEAR Sports. We have an app that is heart rate based coaching so you can train at the highest level for you as an individual. My husband works for a nonprofit that helps individuals with diabetes be active through sports.  My true sports passion is swimming and water polo (though I do love college football).

Even at a young age- I spent hours at the pool. I still love the sports. I still coach water polo at SDSU spending free time on the pool deck. I remember being in middle school and getting out of school early to watch REV/RHS game. Melissa Fernandez an all-America mom Hillarys Aunt picked us up. At the time Hillary’s sister Chamile was the goalie for RHS. I was there when those amazing players won the CIF title in 2000. I was at multiple CIF swimming finals when so many RHS athletes (Vicky West, Shannon Cullen, Ben Worby, Evan Castro) placed and won individual CIF titles! Those were the athletes I looked up to and was going to follow in their footsteps. I like to think I did them all justice. I may never have won a title but I represented RHS in the best of my ability on a daily basis.

I could stand up here and talk for hours about my time at RHS.

I will give you three quick stories from my different sports. One from each sport you will see a common theme in them my family has and will always play a huge role in my life.  I ran cross country my freshman and sophomore year. I made varsity and I have club swimming to thank for that (I had built the engine, they say). But I was learning this new sport and there was no pressure. I can remember one of the first meets over at Prospect Park- my family is of course there. And we are a bit into the race and I am with a pack of girls (nowhere near the start line) and this man on a bike starts yelling. All these different things drive your arms, turnover, relax. Don’t let them get the jump. And this girl turns to me and is like wonder who’s dad that is. I did not respond. A little farther into the course he is back- yelling away. Well at the time I was not proud to say it but that yelling man on the bike, that was my dad. While all the other parents just waited to cheer in one area- the coach in him took it to the next level. Eventually the girls learned it was my dad, think the football coach in them scared a few. For me it was what I needed every turn he was there to get me through. I also have a picture from another meet at that same park- I look like death (though I think my running always looks that way). And the path is lined with my water polo and swim teammates with signs and they were all yelling. They had all come to cheer me on. That is the family that was built at RHS. My friends from sports where who I eat my lunch with, who I went to school dances with. They were teammates and true friends.

Water Polo I could go on and on. It was the sport I felt I was the strongest at. I used my swimming skills to outlast people, loved to play defense and lead the offense.  We had a reputation to keep RHS had never lost in league- though I can say when that loss finally happened it was with my little sister Mikayla playing at REV, many years after my time. If anyone was going to steal it I could let it go to my sister. My fondest memory is my Junior year we were playing the semifinals of CIF. Finally made it past the quarter finals, which had cursed the team for a few years. Not only that we were playing at the U of R- none of this playing over in Riverside business. We were playing the number 1 seed Riverside Poly.  Being so close the school pushed the information out people showed up. The track team lead by I believe Mr. Morris ran over. The place was packed the refs were pushing students back who were sitting on the concrete.  Poly- had a few great players (ironically I had played club with most of them). I was tasked with shutting down there best player Monique. I did my job well, we got a few good goals. My sister Brooke like usual played lights out our goalie was pulling everything down. After every big play the deck would explode with cheers. When the final buzzer sounded we had won- knocking off the number one seed. The first person I hugged was my sister Brooke we had worked so hard for this moment. Then in came Matt & Coach D. We were all swimming in victory. Sadly we went on to lose to Upland a few days later. But we had been the underdog and won.  I had played in the “big house”!  My senior year we again would meet up with Upland in the finals and lose. It was a hard way to end my high school career. But a memory none the less to play in front of hundreds. To have my sister again play amazing.

Swimming was another time in the year I looked forward to. High school swimming has much more of a team feel and I loved that. I seemed to always swim well in high school I enjoyed it more with less pressure. Not to say that pressure did not come at times. I managed to get into CIF multiple times, even when it seemed impossible. Being undefeated in league didn’t come easy either. But think my best story from high school is at the Mission Viejo invitational. This was always a good test in the middle of the year. You have prelims and finals. You have the best high schools in orange county and many times Olympians you are racing against. I had qualified for the finals in the 100 Fly and so did my sister Brooke.  At this meet you get to design your bio that they read when you get  introduced. Not sure who started the RHS tradition but you came up with something funny. We had these brothers and the oldest one started an Armadillo farm, so when the younger brother arrived he took over the armadillo tradition. But everyone’s was funny from RHS.  This particular year when Brooke and I had both qualified we were in the lanes right next to each other. So mine read something along the lines of beat the girl in “Lane 5”. While hers read something similar. It was going to be a battle. One of my teammates got a picture of us at the same moment in the same part of our stroke breathing- it hangs in my parents’ home. That was the true meaning of competition. I won’t lie and say I won the sister battle. I believe I was out touched.  

I left RHS as a confident individual who planned to make an impact at San Diego State.  I played the same water polo style and was always relied upon in big moments. I was in the water as the clock ticked down and we upset Cal at their pool (1st time in school history). I was in the room when it was announced we had made the NCAA Championship Tournament.  I played in the final four in Long Beach in front of my family. The next year my best friend and sister Brooke joined me at San Diego State. Where we both swam and played polo. That year was another year of success for us both with polo and swimming. Swimming got its highest league ranking and we played together in the NCAA Tournament. My senior year I just swam. The first time in my entire life I did not play polo. I went all personal bests and end my career with a long mile. And when I finished that mile the first person I saw was Brooke. Then to the stands to see my parents. After graduation I would stay on to coach with the SDSU swim team.  A highlight of my life- I was with Brooke when she started her career and would see it to the end. I coached multiple athletes to Freshman Swimmer of the Year, to individual’s conference titles. But the best was I witnessed my sister Brooke place in the conference and was with her when we went for that much needed celebration swim. We won the Mountain West Conference Championship with an undefeated record. The first in the programs history.

My husband likes to yell "GO AZTECS" when I get excited about SDSU. It's a testament to my love of home. I'm a true "homer" as they say.

I love SDSU.

I love RHS.

I love where I'm from. This is my home. This is my family. RHS is the place that molded me.

I'm a Terrier for life.

The people here respected my view of leadership, my view of the world. It was not just about the stat sheet but about making Jamie the best person I could be. For that I am always grateful. From the bottom of my heart I thank all of you, Redlands is who I am and who I will always be.

Thank you.

Mel's Senior Day

If you don't know already Melanie Garibaldi is like a sister. She is an honorary Vessey.  A little back story for you.


Conference 2011

My first year out of college I was working as a volunteer coach at San Diego State. The year prior when I was a senior we had recruited this amazing distance swimmer out of Australia. Since my background from swimming was in the distance events that was the group I inherited to coach. My group consisted on three girls and two that would join every once in a while. Mel and another freshman Meghan were always with me. When you see the same girls everyday for multiple hours at a time. You create a relationship. I really hit it off with these girls. They respected me and they knew I always had there back as a coach and wanted nothing more than to watch them succeed. This meant at the pool and in the classroom. I am sure Meghan loved the time I spent with her in study hall her freshman year. At this time Brooke was still competing for San Diego State and was a senior on the team. She also seemed to hit it off with Mel!

Conference Champions in 2010-2011

It seems like ancient history now but Mel's freshman year it was nearing Thanksgiving break and she had no place to spend the (weird American) holiday. So I spoke with the head coach and asked if it would be ok if she came home with Brooke and I. He of course just thought it was a great gesture. That was the beginning of the end :) Mel has spent every Thanksgiving & Christmas with the Vessey's since. She is part of the family.

Needless to say when Senior Day approached it was a big deal. I took a half day from work and headed to the Aquaplex. I was not going to miss her last meet. It was also a bitter sweet day to see the girls I recruited, coached in there first years at SDSU, be almost finished.  I could not believe how fast the time has flown by. Plus I felt that they appreciated my sacrifices and being there one last time for them! This senior day was special also because it was the highest ranked class SDSU had ever had (I was a small part of that).


All the Seniors Class of 2013

The senior meet is nothing crazy like some sports. It just consists of the girls being introduced to everyone. They talk about each girl- they include things like there bio, major, accomplishments, and career highlights. Mel's list was extremely long- All Conference, MW Finalist, Scholar Athlete, School Record Holder. I mean the list went on & on! Once they are announced they go through a tunnel of all the other girls on the team to be greeted by the coaching staff. Brooke, Sean & I were all present for the big event. 

 

After that the meet goes as scheduled. Sadly this was a meet over Christmas break while the other school Tulane was on a training trip. Oddly enough I interviewed at Tulane only about a year earlier for the swimming job. That would have been weird.  Since it was during a training trip it was a shortened meet- also meaning Mel would not swim her normal events of the 1000 and 500 Free.
We watched Mel swim odd events.  It was her last every meet at the Aquaplex! When the meet ended I was able to chat more with Mel. She found it just as weird that it was over! Like always she thanked us for being there and supporting her! Plus what girl does not love flowers and we gave her a few different sets of flowers!

It was a weird day. I was there for her first home meet and I was there for the last! Also strange was I coached Mel her Freshman and Sophomore year while Brooke coached her this last season. Sorry Mel you always had a Vessey coaching you!

 

Proud Siblings!!

I am very fortunate to have the opportunity to be part of her Aztec career. Congratulations Melanie on an amazing career! It was a true honor to coach you. That you still take advice from me even though I don't coach anymore. You are truly one of my best friends and I enjoy all the time I get to spend with you.  More importantly I view you as my sister (who is also stuck as a bridesmaid)!

The three girls I coached- thanks to them I looked like I knew what I was doing (L-R: Mel, Meghan & Kelly)

To see the press release of the last senior meet: http://goaztecs.cstv.com/sports/w-swim/recaps/010713aaa.html

To watch an interview of Mel from earlier in the season: Click Here

View a whole photo album of Mel Racing on Senior Day: http://www.facebook.com/?ref=tn_tnmn#!/media/set/?set=a.10100595980008327.2485577.24605776&type=3



Proud of you Nik!!

I have seen many of Nik's games.. Actually do not think I have missed really any home games over the past four years. I am proud to call him one of my best friends! As well as a fellow Aztec and soon to be Aztec Alumni.  Saturday his team also has the chance to call themselves Mountain West Champions.  You better believe I will be cheering away!!  Plus I cant wait to do a comparison on what his MWC ring looks like compared to the ones Brooke and I have! Go get those Cowboys Nik!!!

Here is a great article that ran in the San Diego Union Tribune this week about Nik having started 45 games!!

Aztecs' runner Walter Kazee follows his blockers. #68 is Nik Embernate — Charlie Neuman / San Diego Union-Tribune/Zuma Pre

 

Offensive linemen rarely get credit or make headlines, and unfortunately, no one keeps stats for how many blocks a guy makes over the course of a season.

 

But aside from highlight tape of pancake moves against opposing defenders, Aztecs’ senior offensive guard Nik Embernate will leave SDSU with the distinction of being the most hardy starter in this year’s senior class.

 

The big 6-foot-4, 300-pound right guard has amassed 44 career starts in his four years at SDSU.

The only missed start in his career came against Colorado State last year, when Embernate was held out of action after suffering a concussion the week before.

 

Sitting out that game ended Embernate’s string of 29 consecutive starts – a number that dated back to his freshman year.

Player/Position	Year	Career Starts	Consecutive Starts
Nik Embernate, OG	SR	44	15
Leon McFadden, CB	SR	43	37
Alec Johnson, C	SR	40	37
Nat Berhe, S	JR	26	25
Jake Fely, LB	SO	24	24

A look at some of the most durable Aztecs currently active

 

The lineman clearly remembers his surprise at being pressed into action during his rookie season in 2009.

 

It’s pretty unusual for linemen to start as freshmen because of how big and physical the guys in the trenches are. For instance, SDSU coach Rocky Long noted earlier this season that defensive lineman Dan Kottman (6-foot-1, 245-pounds) was getting some playing time because of his quickness, but that it was difficult for him to get by the bigger offensive linemen because he has yet to develop the strength and power it takes to succeed on the line of scrimmage at the college level.

 

Thus, Embernate never expected to start in his first year.

 

“I thought I was going to come in and redshirt like everybody else, and just go from there,” he said.

 

But four games into the season, the coaches called his number.

 

“It was against New Mexico State. I was not playing before that. They had a guy ahead of me, and they decided to throw me in,” Embernate said. “It was kind of surreal. I was still a little nervous and stuff.

 

Strength and power differential aside, he held his own well enough to earn the start for the rest of the season and earn the team’s Outstanding Freshman Award.

 

“I was the same height and about the same weight as I am now,” Embernate said. “Probably almost 290 pounds. But it was a little bit more sloppy weight. I wasn’t as strong as I am now.

 

“Now, I’ve cut down most of the fat.”

 

That’s what four offseasons-worth of strength and conditioning (he enrolled early at SDSU, in time for the 2009 spring semester) and fall camps will do for you.

 

He locked down that starting right guard spot in his first game against New Mexico in 2009, and hasn’t look back since.

 

This season, he and starting center Alec Johnson – who’s third on the team with 40 career starts – have been the anchors on a retooled offensive line that Rocky Long said has developed faster than he expected.

 

It helps to have mainstays such as Johnson and Embernate in the trenches to build consistency from year to year.

 

“But even when the young guys came in (this year) we all just kind of jelled off the bat,” Embernate said. “We fed off the energy from last year and built on the success.”

 

It’s been a long four years for Embernate, who has seen the team go from a 4-8 team that finished seventh in the Mountain West his freshman year, to a team that’s 8-3 and contending for the league championship.

 

“This is where I’ve imagined us every year since I’ve been here,” Embernate said. “But we’ve got to finish it out.”

 

Wyoming awaits in Laramie this weekend – start No. 45 for the Aztecs’ durable right guard who’s dying to go out with a championship trophy.

Seattle as an Aztec

I think every family has something that they all bond over. I would have to say growing up that was football. Long before I can remember my mom would be taking us to Friday night football to watch my dad coach. Then growing up we kept going-went to University of Utah bowl games (my Uncle Sean coached there for over 20 years) and spent the weekends watching football. One of my favorite memories is Boise State winning there bowl game over Oklahoma in OT. Having no connection to Boise besides loving college football. The entire family was in the living room yelling at the TV. When they scored my mom was standing up on the couch, my brother was yelling at the TV with his hands over his face, Brooke was yelling, Mikayla was yelling, dad was talking shop. Dad then made a note that he ruined a great game by asking the cheerleader to marry him. It is just another day in the Vessey house and I wonder why people think we are intense? 

Well my love for the game has continued I am an avid Aztec fan (San Diego State). I am sure you all realized that. Throughout college I attended all most all the home games. Once Brooke arrived we continued going and her dating #68 Right Guard Nik Embernate made us even more into it. My parents became Aztec season ticket holders about 4 seasons ago. Now we are all Aztec fans! After graduation I decided I wanted to try to go to an away game every year. Pick a game on the schedule that is against a University with a pretty good record and in a place I am interested in going. I went to Missouri with my mom two years ago (she is an alumni- you can read that post here). I missed out in 2011 when my dad, his bestfriend Chuck (Rest in PEACE) and Brooke went to watch the Aztec’s take on Michigan at the “Big House”. Brooke also went to New Orleans when they played in the bowl game there. In 2012 I would not miss out on a big away game- especially since it is Nik’s senior season. Seattle I went!

Going to an away game is a lot of fun. You get to experience how another college parties and views football. Brooke, mom, dad and I would board a plane leaving Ontario at 6:30am Saturday morning  to Seattle. With a little bit of nerves and almost missing the plane we got through security and walked right on the plane. Once in Seattle we headed forthe hotel to shower and have some breakfast.

Brooke & Me at Pike's Public Market

Since we were in Seattle we headed down to Pike’s market. We had a great day just walking around, eating seafood & doing a bit of exploring. It turned out my parents had not been there in over 15 years. Brooke had never been. I oddly enough have had some weird trips up to the great Northwest. After spending all afternoon we headed over to a brewery by the stadium. Since the University of Washington is remodeling there stadium the game was to be played at Seattle Seahawks Stadium (NFL Team). At the brewery we meet up w/ my Uncle Jimmy and Aunt Karen (my mom’s brother). Then Nik’s dad and his wife joined us. After hanging out & eating we headed to the stadium. Brooke wanted to be there for warm ups.

With dad

Mom with her brother

Walking to the stadium was a lot of fun as there were so many people out. Of course being in all Aztec gear you get some boo’s a few good lucks with a laugh.  Then a lot of high fives from the other 3 Aztec fans you come across. In front of the stadium they close one of the main streets by the stadium and there is just a bunch of venders and food carts. Had we known we might have decided just to eat like that. Once getting our ticketsat the player’s entrance we headed inside. Since we are the visiting school you usually get seats up in the corner near an end zone. Like usual we were in the end zone but we were seated surprisingly in the second tier of the stadium. After playing a good amount of musical chairs with people due to confusion of what seats everyone had. We buckled down for the game. It is fun to be at an away game our section was all Aztec fans. Alumni, parents, siblings, random people. Everyone cheering for the Aztecs. 

Can you find Nik??

Like usual the Aztec’s took the field and Brooke and I were yelling away. As the game went on we yelled and yelled. I enjoy watching football and cheering for kids I went to school with and my alma mater. I will bleed Red and Black forever. There is a saying "Aztec4Life". And if you ask Brennan he will confirm I am a die-hard Aztec. He has a saying “Go Aztecs”- I know he says it with love and a little laugh thinking she is just a bit crazy. The huskies jumped out to an early lead and looked like it could get ugly. But with a trick play the Aztec’s were back in the game. 

The gang (missing KK and Sean)

The trick play was funny because as it was unfolding Brooke realized our receiver was on the side lines unguarded.  As she is yelling there is no one covering him I started yelling at her to shut up. I didn’t want her to give away the play. Looking back sounds stupid I know. But in the heat of the game from the second tier of an 80,000 seat stadium she was about to give away our chance at an easy touchdown. The play went off and the huskies left our man unguarded. It was great! The Aztec’s would struggle here and there and ultimately we would lose the game by 9 points. We had a chance in the last 3 minutes of the game to get a touch down & were not successful. It was a heart breaker- a winnable game. On the upside Nik had played a great game!

** Event happened later but relevant to the above paragraph.  The next week at practice the QB for Nik's team Ryan Katz was like hey man my parents were sitting behind your girlfriend and her sister at the game.  (Hearing this story is when I start thinking: did I say something bad about him? I don't think I did!) His parents explained to him that they we were really intense!  They were yelling almost every play!  My parents couldn't decide who was more intense your girlfriend or her sister. I like to think Brooke is more intense since Nik is her boyfriend.  But yea I am intense (Again we are intense- even random strangers see it!!).  I hope Nik at least explained that we are both alumni and from a football family.  I am unsure if this came up in the conversation- so the QB and his parents might just think we are crazy and intense.  

After the game we would wait at the player’s gate to chat with Nik. This was one of the fastest showers and changes ever for Nik. Surprisingly Nik was not as upset as I thought he might be. He was happy with his performance but disappointed because they could have won. The other team was just not that good!  After chatting with Nik we were exhausted.  After our mile or so walk to the car we headed to the hotel where we all planned to just pass out. Getting up at 4:00a m and then going going all day our Saturday in Seattle was coming to a close around midnight. 

With Mom!! 

Entrance to University of Washington

We slept in well till about 8:30 which is late for the Vessey’s. The plan was to see a little more of Seattle.  We drove over to the University of Washington to see the campus. I had been on the campus about 4 years earlier but no one else had seen it. We drove through and admired how beautiful it was.  The campus has a very back east feel to it with brick buildings. We of course checked out the athletic facilities (were Vessey’s). Then headed out to Tacoma where we were going to have lunch at my Uncle’s.  On the way mom took us by a beautiful golf course and park along the water. Some big golf tournament is going to be held there next year (US Open Maybe?). Then headed to my Uncle’s. 

We spent the afternoon just being with family. My cousin Ruthie and her husband Cliff were there with their super cute daughter Ava. Ava was not so sure about us at first. Of course by the end of the day she was in love with my dad. There is something about my dad teenager’s fear him, babies love him!  My Aunt and Uncle would cook up an amazing spread including you guessed it fresh Salmon. It was a great afternoon. From there we headed back to the airport to fly home.

The center of campus

The only thing that would have made the trip better was an Aztec win. But no matter it was awesome getting to see them play. So I plan to go to all the home game’s but will probably not make another away game. Thank heavens for TV and radio- cause you better believe I will be watching or listening. All while yelling like I am standing on the sidelines and not 1,000 miles away! Sorry in advance to Brennan!

The only thing that would have made the trip better was an Aztec win. But no matter it was awesome getting to see them play. So I plan to go to all the home game’s but will probably not make another away game. Thank heavens for TV and radio- cause you better believe I will be watching or listening. All while yelling like I am standing on the sidelines and not 1,000 miles away! Sorry in advance to Brennan!

Beautiful Park & Golf course right on the water

A great trip to the Great Northwest!

Go Aztecs! 

See all the pictures I took in Seattle!