Raising the Stakes

I do not have a gambling addiction. The flashing lights, suffocating crowds, and mind-numbing ding-ding-dings of casinos are not my thing. The simple question “red or black” causes such anxiety my only response is to beeline for the nearest exit, gasp for air, and pray I can prevent a full-blown panic attack.

But what I do love is a good friendly bet. A one-on-one, winner-takes-all situation is something I cannot resist.

Last summer, I was on the winning side of my West Point Triathlon free lunch wager with YC. More recently, my loss to Diablo in the Kona Swim Challenge was immortalized so infamously that at a Super Bowl party I was recognized as “the girl who lost the swim.”

But now I have a small chance at redemption. On March 17-19th Austin, Texas will play host to the Women’s NCAA Division I Swimming and Diving Championships and Diablo and I have already hashed out a little re-match.

Obviously, I will be cheering for my alma mater, the University of Georgia. The Lady SwimDawgs had an incredibly strong showing on their way to the Southestern Conference Championship Title a few weeks ago and I know they’ll be even stronger for the Big Show.

Diablo may not have attended Stanford, but for women’s swimming purposes, it’s his school of choice. Normally, I wouldn’t allow my opponent to select a school not his own, but Diablo’s sister did tear it up in the Cardinal pool, and cheering for a sibling’s school is always encouraged. Plus, he brags about coaching Stanford’s 1999 National Championship team in his bio, but I think that might be false because everyone knows who won the 1999 National Championship – the GEORGIA BULLDOGS! (Try 1998 Diablo, yes you are that old!)

So, here’s the bet:

Georgia vs. Stanford. 2011 Women’s Swimming & Diving NCAA Championships. Whoever places highest wins. The latest CollegeSwimming poll has Stanford ranked #1 and Georgia ranked #2, so it should be a good battle. But everyone knows races aren’t won on paper.

What’s at stake:

Loser will wear the winner’s school attire at…

(1) Formwell Group Strength workout on Tuesday, March 22nd

(2) Dynamo Multisport Cycling workout on Wednesday, March 23rd

(3) Dynamo Masters swim practice on Friday, March 25th

(4) On Twitter

(5) Here at HaleyChura.com

That is a lot of public humiliation. But I have a lot of faith in my team, so I’m not worried at all. GO DAWGS!

My Sophomore Class - 2005 National Champs!