It has been four decades since most of these guys jumped into a pool representing the Glenbrook North Titans or the South Spartans. Forty years of raising their own kids, pursuing careers, and putting on a few pounds but they have an old score to settle. And so they're here tonight, with their old coaches along.
"I'm really enjoying it, seeing what the kids are doing now, what the families are, meeting some of their kids up here, I mean, that's long time ago," said former South coach Bill Stetson.
In 1972 the south team won the meet in the final event, a relay, but was disqualified when a timer went into the water before it was over. They've disputed it ever since.
"We won, so I don't think we have anything to settle," said former North coach Jim Runkle.
On Friday night, with the boys from the current teams finished with their own dual meet, the old guys gave it one last shot.
They came in from all over the country. Some still in good shape. Others, well, full of enthusiasm anyway. It comes down to two relays. And without much drama North won both easily.
"It is all in good fun, said former North swimmer Jeff Reene. "There are still some competitive juices there, and we're glad to win."
The 40-year grudge is settled. At least for now. With all the guys from the current teams watching, there could be another one of these meets in another 40 years or so.
