Swim-A-Thon Helps Biola Recruit Get Back on Track

The five Dry Diggins Dolphins swim coaches injured on June 4, when a wrong way driver hit their vehicle on Highway 50, greeted an estimated 500 of their community of youthful swimmers, parents, and well wishers last Thursday at the Western Slope Aquatic Center.

It was the first time since the accident that the five - Quinn Clanton, Chris Ayers, John Faulk, Matt Cova and Lisa Mahaffy - have been together with their students.

While the community fund-raising support goes on as contributions are still being received for the swimmers to replace lost summer wages earmarked for college costs this fall, and to pay for costs of their recoveries, the most obvious effect of the Swim-A-Thon was the show of caring.

"Overwhelming," was all the normally talkative Clanton said tearfully as she was cheered when she entered the Aquatic Center. Clanton, the most seriously injured of the coaches, is waiting to start physical therapy when her broken pelvis completely heals. She also suffered a lacerated liver, ruptured spleen, and digestive tract complications that had her in intensive care for 10 days and hospitalized for 23 days. Clanton returned home Sunday before the Swim-A-Thon.

In just six weeks, Clanton is slated to begin her college career at Biola University in La Mirada on an academic and swimming scholarship. Several of Clanton's supporters are working to retain the scholarship commitments if she is not able to meet a full class schedule and swim competitively this year due to her recovery.

Ayers, who has battled some post-trauma depression in addition to his physical injuries, was back with his normal positive outlook at the event. He suffered a broken nose, broken ribs, a bruised spleen and severe soft tissue damage in his glutei muscles that is still limiting his mobility. He will attend Cosumnes River College next year.

Faulk (18 stitches in a head injury), Cova (general soreness), and Mahaffy (three chipped teeth and a bruised hip) are all back to their aquatic duties for the Placerville Recreation Department.

The Dolphins presented each of the five coaches with personalized photo albums for them to take home commemorating the Swim-A-Thon.

Community organizations and individuals wishing to support the fund-raising efforts can contact the Dry Diggins Dolphins, c/o City of Placerville Recreation Department, 549 Main Street, Placerville.