BIG MOE i-lr-G<tw~ SWIM TEAM s Fcmrs By Joe Bruening
Contrary to what some may think Moeller's sports program does~'t go into hibernation after the football helmets are stacked away to collect dust. Ask Ed An·· derson, Paul Franer, or Ralph Moher and one will discover that life at Moeller simply beats to a ;· different drummer--In this c~se to ~ that of an All-American swimmer. In a sport that St. Xavier has overpowered foes for a decade, the Crusaders have deservingly taken an honored notch among the schools with the refined talents of these three men. The trio of seniors, ever since a trek to the State Meet their freshman year, have literally rewritten the record books at Moe. These three, who represent three-fourths of the defending state 200 medley relay team, have come ·a long way since being Impressionable freshman, but as all will testify, It was not a cakewalk. Ed Anderson, perhaps the most talented swimmer Moeller' has ever produced, practices up to three hours per day at the Fairfield YMCA. Last season, Ed in· dlvldually earned All-American honors 1n the 50 yd. freestyle and
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'h'1pes to post a state victory In that event this year. After graduation, Ed plans to continue swimming in a college "somewhere in the south," and with his multitude of talents, a scholarship seems Inevitable. Because Moeller's pool time Is limited, Ralph Moher clocks his five to six hours per day at the ' Blue Ash YMCA, only practicing with this Crusader teammates on · a consistent basis near the season's end .. But Ralph is quick to point out that sheer aquatic ability is not enough to gua~entee success because the sw1mmer must also possess a mental prowess and be able to concentrate during the meets. Moher, who· swims butterfly on the the All American 200 medley relay, has an eye for Miami University (Oxford) after graduation. Since he was six years old, Paul Franer has been in or near the water. During the summer, he's a lifeguard at a swim club and when Paul is not busy saving lives he enjoys listening to some good old rock and roll. Besides playing a vital role ~>n _the Crusader team, Paul also sw1ms for the Reading Aquatic Club. College is definitely in the picture for Paul, with the Universities of Cincinnati and Dayton being the likely contenders. Fourth year head coach Dick Beerman confidently states that his senior athletes are the finest group of swimmers Moe has ever had. Ed, Ralph, and Paul, despite being outstanding swimmers, are very team oriented and provide the team with leadership. Even though swimming can become tedious and repetitious, the squad is able to maintain their In· tensity without going overboard. Moher explains, "We keep things in perspective but stili have fun." Indeed, through lhe abilities of Anderson, Frander, and Moher, the 1981-82 Crusader Aquamen will have fun all the way to the State Meet in Canton.