We miss our team leader Grier Laughlin, and honor him by continuing what he started.  Grier was killed in a terrible auto accident in February of 2011.  Our thoughts and prayers continue for his wife and children.  Here's a little background on the man who started our team:

Grier was born and raised in Colorado.  His natural swimming ability showed early as he set many age-group swimming state records.  He still holds the 50 backstroke record for boys eight and under.

His swimming prowess only increased as he got older.  While swimming for Cherry Creek High School he earned All-American honors 11 times.  Grier was part of 3 team state championships, and he won numerous state titles in relays while at Cherry Creek.

Grier was accepted to Dartmouth and became captain of the varsity swim team there.  This is also where he was first exposed to water polo, playing for the Dartmouth College club team.  He loved the challenge of playing water polo and the change it gave him from his usual swimming workouts. 

Grier coached youth and high school swimming in the Aurora area, coaching for the Falcon Aquatic Club and Eaglecrest High School.  He coached nine All-American swimmers and one National Champion.  In 2003, while coaching as an assistant at Grandview, Grier pulled together eight boys from Aurora-area high schools and formed a club.  It was a member of that first group who came up with the name, Pirates.  Since that time, Grier worked to share the sport with boys and girls in the Denver-metro area.  In recent years, Grier started youth leagues so younger kids could try it out.  Grier felt the toughness of the game helped build character, and helped prevent burnout for year-round swimmers.

Grier always brought a great combination of hard work and humor to practices.  He loved teasing with our players, and enjoyed them teasing him back.  He shared fun stories and lines from his favorite movies.

Grier cared about the players outside of the water, getting to know about other aspects of their lives.  He was an excellent mentor and role model.  He was always available to offer advice and enjoyed writing reference letters for jobs or colleges or college sports teams.

More importantly, Grier was a loving husband to his wife, Karen, and a very proud father to his three children.  He would sometimes bring Addison, Caroline and little Grier to a practice.  It was always fun to see the huge smile on his face when his kids were with him.

Thank you, Grier, for getting it all started, for being a good friend and role model.  You were taken from us far too soon.  We miss you.

Reflecting on Grier's Memorial February 25th, 2011

We heard Grier's good friends talk about their love for him at the memorial at Cherry Creek Presbyterian Church.   Then our Pirate family gathered at the Isaacson/McGrath home to share our memories of Grier.   What started as a difficult, somber exchange, became a fun celebration of what we shared with Grier.  Former captains Andrew and Kailin began by sharing memories of theirs.  Then some of the coaches and parents spoke.  Current captains Sam and Jasmine brought it back to the players by sharing their memories, and one player after another shared a personal story.  We talked about crazy drills Grier led, jokes he told, and the way he teased.  We talked about fun on road trips and 'senior challenges'.  The laughter came more easily as we focused on the good times and fun memories.

It was great to hear from former Pirates who are now colllege graduates remembering their time on the team.  And many of our youngest Pirates stood up and shared too.  Past players got to see how the team has grown.  Current players got to see the kids who paved the way for what we have today.

Former Assistant Coach Mike showed up from San Diego.  Coaches Manu and Kyle shared with us.  Kearns coach Brad came in from Salt Lake City.  Pirate alumni came in from Viginia, Ohio, California and other states.  Two came up from the Air Force Academy.

This was a very good start in the healing process.  Pirates, give yourself time.  Healing will take a while, and each of us may feel better one day, and worse another.  It's ok.  You can reach out to a parent, friend, or fellow Pirate. 

Parents, please keep in mind the counseling services and options available through your church, synagogue, or school.  We will get through this.

A Memorial Fund for Grier's Family

The Grier Laughlin Memorial Fund

c/o Ellis Family Services
PO Box 270334

Littleton, CO 80127

Proceeds from this fund will go to help with the three Laughlin children’s educational and other needs.  Funds will also hopefully support the possible establishment of the Grier Laughlin Memorial Swimming and Water Polo Complex.  It was a dream of Grier’s to bring a top swimming and water polo facility to the area, one capable of hosting swim meets and water polo tournaments.  This would be a tremendous undertaking, but one his family and friends think would be a perfect way of honoring his memory and his dream, while providing lasting support for his two favorite sports here in Colorado.

"For Grier!"

What a great tournament!  The first Grier Laughlin Memorial Tournament held April 2nd and 3rd in Thornton, Colorado included 13 teams in 4 divisions.  A wide range of players from 8-year-olds to masters.  It was a wonderful weekend of playing water polo, remembering Grier, and helping his family.  For many of our players, it was their first game and tournament.  For others, a chance to compete again.  At every level, our Pirates played well, giving a good effort and showing our fun Pirate spirit that Grier was so proud of.

Our 18 and under teams and our youth teams were both undefeated!  Our alumni team did very well also.  But more important that the results, we got to remember and honor Grier in the best way we as Pirates can... playing and having fun!  We also got the chance to showcase our sport right here in Colorado.  It was great to have a chance to play close to home.  Thank you to the families who helped make this event a success.

        

This was a great start to all of the fun polo we have in front of us.  I hope that you will all take the energy you showed in the tournament and bring it to our upcoming practices.  We saw good things to build upon and areas where we can improve.  That is what we will be focusing on in the coming weeks.

Full tournament results can be found here.

Congratulations Pirates!