Page 153 - some-stuff-i-wrote-and-some-stuff-i-didn't-(2011)-h-morris-williams

Some Stuff I Wrote and Some Stuff I Didn't (2011) H. Morris Williams

He taught swimming and lifesaving-first at Conner’s Pool in Live Oak

and then at the Hugh Hollingsworth family home in Watertown-before
the Lion’s Club Pool was opened across the street from Young’s Park.

“I was so happy about that new pool,” Rawleigh said, but he was quickly
brought down to earth by then Mayor Murray Hagen who told him,

“Creeks and ponds used to be good enough for me.”

Swimming lessons always began with a shower, 20 head bobs to get wet

and kick practice while holding on to the side of the pool.

Rawleigh demonstrated swimming strokes and there was never a more

perfect freestyle or scissor or breast stroke shown to the glistening
guppies taking in every word.

PHYSICAL EDUCATION

Rawleigh moved up a few grades in 1960 when he became physical

instructor at Lake City Junior High.

Rawleigh’s junior high classes featured team and individual sports, but

he chose the teams and coordinated the events rather than just throwing
out a few balls.

There was football, basketball, and softball, but also track, volleyball,

weightlifting and wrestling- organized sports that didn’t get much

attention in early 1960s Lake City.

Rawleigh made his weights using No. 10 cans filled with concrete. He

made one set and inserted the bar, then turned them over after the one
end was dry. It made for some interesting shapes, but the instruction

could take place.

Rawleigh also introduced amateur wrestling to these parts. “I wrestled in
high school and in college and really liked the sport,” he said.

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