Huntsman Awarded Larry Baumgartner Award

During the Glasgow Kiwanis Swim Team Thunder (GKST) annual team banquet on Aug. 15, held at the Glasgow Evangelical Church, eighth-grader Haleigh Huntsman was recognized and awarded the Larry Baumgartner Memorial Award.

Larry Baumgartner fell in love with the GKST when his children, Mary and Derek, joined the team in the mid-'90s. He started following the team because of his children but quickly became a fan of every swimmer. Larry always kept track of times, encouraged swimmers a little extra on days when times weren't what they'd hoped, and was there to congratulate them with each second shaved off.

Larry always jumped to help with whatever the team needed, from welding starting blocks to making pancakes for team swim meet breakfasts. Many people still remember the divisional swim meet cook stand where they sought after his famous Dragon Burger.

Larry's family started this award after he passed away in 2000 to continue his legacy of kindness, community, encouragement for all, and dedication to the team - The Larry Baumgartner Memorial Award.

Huntsman was nominated by the team and approved by Coach Ethan Shrader due to her dedication not only to her own development as a swimmer but also to the other swimmers on the team. The dedication had been evident all season in her attendance at practices, her improved times as well as volunteering with the younger kids with coaching and cheering them on during meets.

The Thunder as a team expressed her positive attitude and dedication to the team is not only a great reflection on her herself but her teammates as well.