The last week of February, PlastiCert President & Owner Craig Porter attended the Plastics News Executive Forum outside of Tampa Florida. He attended 3 days of meetings and conferences hearing updates and issues surrounding the plastics Industry. At the completion of the conference, Porter did not stay in the warm climate to vacation, he returned to MN and -10 degrees. The reason is Porter had been selected to help officiate at the 2014 Minnesota State High School Boy’s Swimming & Diving Championships. “Some friends thought I was crazy,” commented Porter. “If I was going to take some days away from work why I wouldn’t stay in Florida rather than return to Minnesota. I tell them it was the honor of participating in the Championships. It is truly a great event and was a vacation for me in every sense of the word.” Swimming and Diving Officials from around the state of Minnesota apply to work the meet during the prior fall. High school swimming coaches rate their meet officials throughout the season. With that input, along with experience and “deck etiquette” a team is chosen to officiate at State. From that group the Minnesota State High School League selects two individuals to be the Deck Referee and the Starter, two for the Class A meet, and a separate two for the Class AA meet. For the Class A portion of the Championships, Porter officiated stroke and turns. For the Class AA Championships, Porter was selected to be the Starter. “Being Starter is such an honor,” said Porter. “These Boys have worked all season to get to this one spot. Over 650 swimmers and 90 different teams, and all are trying to make finals, score for their teams, and possibly, get a college scholarship out of their effort. There is a lot of pressure being responsible to get a fair and efficient start for each of the heats/races. I might be on vacation but I enjoy the pressure. The competition, the drama, the camaraderie, it is such a powerful environment. I am totally enveloped in the moment and unconcerned with the workplace because I know my people can handle it. I really do return with my batteries recharged after officiating at this meet!” In all 72 teams of the 90 entered ended up scoring, (at least one swimmer finishing in the top 16 in their event).
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