In a “Thank You” ceremony with a deck full of Olympians, Shore Aquatics officially bid farewell to the campus pool at Long Beach State, their home for 30 years.  The storied club program and the university’s relationship fell apart in a well-documented series of events which you can read about by clicking here, if you’re behind.

You might think with the animosity that’s surrounded the falling out that Wednesday’s proceedings would have been a bitter affair; not so.  Aside from the “Thank you” posters draped all over the walls, nobody said much of anything about the university, either speaking one on one or in the planned program.  Instead, the focus was on the club, and its future—the evening had the air of a wake, with a ton of people who hadn’t seen each other in a while happily coming together, albeit not under their favorite circumstances.

“I can’t believe the history with some of these families,” said Shari Barth, wife of club co-founder Klaus Barth and matriarch of the program.  “Some of them were with us in our first days here, 25, 30 years ago.”

In front of a large gathered crowd, several members of the club spoke briefly, about the history of the club, as well as about its future plans.  Olympian and head of water polo for the club, Chi Kredell, said they have secured pool space, at Wilson, Belmont, and perhaps some space with the Long Beach Yacht Club.  Looking at the familiar faces in the crowd, Kredell said, “All these Olympians are a tribute to this club.”

On hand were two-time Olympians Jody Campbell, Adam Wright, Susie Atwood, and Doug Kimbell, as well as Olympians Chi Kredell and Robert Lynn.  World record-holding Jessica Hardy was there to show her support, as were former city councilman Rob Webb, surfing legend Jericho Poppler, Long Beach City Manager Pat West, and former president of USA Water Polo/current Vice Chairman of FINA/co-founder of Shore Rich Foster.  The entire Barth family (all of whom are still involved with the club) were on hand as well, of course, along with a slew of Live Like Klaus memorabilia.

Foster offered a message of hope, saying, “It looks like we’re going to persevere.”

West, representing the city, made it clear that the club wasn’t standing alone.  “On behalf of the mayor, and the city council, we appreciate how much you do for this community…You’ve got a sympathetic city council, and city behind you in recognizing your plight.”

With a huge cake, Olympians signing water polo balls for kids, and posters with decades-old photos of Olympic medalists taped to the walls, it was a fun time at the campus pool to reflect, and appreciate the accomplishments of Shore.  And, although it’s the last time that the Long Beach State pool in particular will serve as the weekly world capital of Live Like Klaus bumper stickers, it was certainly easy to see from the history, as well as the booming enrollment, that there’s plenty of kick left in one of Long Beach’s finest athletic institutions.

Here are some photos from the event:

Shari Barth speaks to the gathered crowd

Kredell signing autographs

Kimbell signing autographs

Campbell signing autographs