Archive for May, 2009
Preparation for a life well lived
Thursday, May 28th, 2009Tommy Sadoski
Wednesday, May 13th, 2009Any of you reading this now are probably saying “who”…maybe not for long.
When I first started swimming summer league in College Station, TX at 9 or 10 years old I met a childhood friend because of association with the sport.
Years later, after I had moved to Northern Virginia, he came to visit for a bit…a few years after that I visited College Station again right before he was to go off to North Texas for Drama school (Kurt Cobain passed away while I was down there).
A few more years passed and right before my swims at the 2000 Olympic Trials he starrred in a widely released movie “Loser“.
Years passed again and after my marraige and moving back to Auburn, AL we saw him in an Atlanta based play about the making of “Gone with the Wind”…which actually made me enjoy plays (more of a pizza, wings and burgers while watching football guy). He really is an incredible actor.
Another year passed and I met up with my wife and parents in Baltimore for his wedding. Families reminisced about College Station swimming and where kids were now.
And now Tommy (dont care of theyre calling him “Thomas”) is a Tony nominated actor on Broadway. My mom just talked with his who of course subsequently called my wife. Not bad for a kid whos high school drama teacher never told him he would amount to anything, couldnt get the lead in a high school play, and took home a “C” from the hot bed of acting at A&M Consolidated High.
Every year at Christmas Tommy’s mom Carol sends a family update to the house…despite the fact that my parents havent lived in College Station for 18 years. Before my wedding she sent a picture of all the summer league swim moms (at least a decade removed from having any kids still in the sport) having lunch together…best gift I recieved because it reminded me of what family is.
The things I remember most about swimming come from meeting folks like Tommy…those who persevere for a passion. And I believe that this sport cultivates that dedication. Good luck Tom…well deserved.
To everyone else…find your passion and succeed,
Bear, Manda, and Nate