Gold medal star visits with teams

Nine-time Olympic gold medalist Mark Spitz visited the LAC on Thursday, Oct. 11 to give a speech to help honor Rich Foster, his friend and colleague who will be inducted into the LBCC Hall of Fame next month."Spitz gave an inspirational speech directed at achieving success at any level," according to a story posted on the college Web site's athletic page.

Along with President Eloy Oakley and Dean of Physical Education and Athletics John Flypaa, Spitz spoke before a crowd of LBCC athletes, students and employees, including the women's volleyball and men's water polo teams.

After posing for photos with Foster afterward, Spitz gave a quick, unprepared speech directed to the women's volleyball team.

"It was great of him to do that for the team," women's volleyball coach Suzie Witmer said on the Web site.

"He had them hanging on to each of his words. I think he truly inspired them," she said.