Swim-a-thon raises funds
for team members' medical costs

By Nathan Braden
Norwich Guidon Sports Editor

On Tuesday, April 24, the Norwich swimming and diving team conducted a swim-a-thon called "Save Our Swimmers" at the Goodyear Pool in Plumley Armory to raise funds for two members of the team struggling with serious medical problems.

The swim-a-thon was held to help team members Pacifica Sauer, a senior physical education major from Northfield, VT, and Erik Edmonds, a third-year computer science major from Crystal River, Fla. The money raised will be split equally between the two to help offset their medical expenses.

Sauer underwent surgery for cervical cancer in November 2000 and continues to undergo chemotherapy treatments. Erik Edmonds was paralyzed from the chest down following an automobile accident in March 2001 while traveling to Florida for spring break.

Members of the swim team who participated in the event gathered pledges from students, faculty, members of the community, and local businesses. The recommended pledge was one penny per yard for each yard they would swim.

"The idea of doing a swim-a-thon was brought up at a team meeting," said Steve Looke, swimming and diving team coach. "The team wanted to do something to help out, and after thinking it over, decided this was the way to go."

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