The Golden Grizzlies swimming and diving team held its 42nd Annual “Oakland Ray” Alumni Meet at the Oakland Aquatic Center on Saturday, Sept. 27.
As part of this year’s Alumni Weekend, the meet provided an opportunity for current team members to recognize the legacy of those who swam before them and celebrate their conference championship from the previous season.
The weekend began on Friday with the Black vs. Gold Intrasquad Meet, a preseason showdown showcasing the current team through a friendly rivalry. The main event was scheduled for the next day, featuring a lighthearted competition between alumni and the current squad.
Before swimming and diving started, the afternoon kicked off with the 2025 Horizon League Championship Ring Ceremony. Last season, both the men’s and women’s teams added another year to their decades of tradition and excellence in the pool.
After current swimmers and recent graduates received their rings, it was time for Golden Grizzlies of all ages to dive in.
One alumna from the Class of 2023, Susan LaGrand Bart, competed in multiple events.
“We all know that we are here for Oakland, we have OU Pride, so it’s just a great feeling to come back and get a little taste of what it used to be,” LaGrand Bart said. “I just love the energy that we have.”
The Alumni Meet is more than just a tradition; it is a meaningful reunion.
“Having this be my fourth year, it’s super awesome to see past teammates, especially from my freshman year that were fifth years and now have gone on and had successful careers,” senior Erika Pietras said. “I’m able to swim next to them and still feel like past times and reminisce.”
That sense of legacy and connection spans decades. Assistant Coach Darin Abbasse, a 1984 graduate, has coached the Golden Grizzlies for the last three years.
His wife also attended OU and swam on the team, as did one of his daughters.
“To see the tradition and the camaraderie, the friendships that grow and the people that stay in the community, it defines being a family,” Abbasse said.
He also enjoys hearing about what next steps people from OU are taking in their lives.
“Some who have started families, now they’re starting to swim,” Abbasse said. “So, it brings a lot of joy in regard to that they’re in a good place, and not only the school, but the team, really influenced their outcome as individuals, as family, to continue that tradition.”
Abbasse was not the only one on deck with family ties to OU Pride. Several current team members are related to alumni of the program.
Junior Carson Ricker even had the opportunity to race one of his teammates’ dads.
“This is an opportunity for me to get to know people, for me to put faces to names that I’ve heard,” Ricker said. “It just gives me a deeper sense of appreciation for how deep this team goes.”
That feeling of connection was not unique to Ricker. Pietras echoed the same sentiment, emphasizing how the team culture has endured the test of time.
“I think it’s great how we are always a family and we’re always coming back together and spending time with one another and wanting to be here,” Pietras said. “OU Pride forever.”
The Golden Grizzlies will kick off their season when they travel to Youngstown to face the Penguins in a two-day competition starting Friday, Oct. 3.
