Contact:

Harrison, Michigan
mmhaley@edzone.net

After moving from the St. Hedwig area, I briefly attended Condon Junior High then transferred to Harding Junior High. I attended Redford High School (1969 Grad). I was a varsity swimmer for three years. In tenth grade I recall swimming the 50 Butterfly and usually being beat by a senior named Barb Patterson. I attended Wayne State University and received a BS in Health and Physical Education. In fact, I worked for Detroit Parks & Rec. as a summer lifeguard at Stone Pool and occasionally worked at other high schools and Patton Pool. I taught Elementary Physical Education in Dearborn Heights (76-78), coached a gymnastics team at Bishop Borgess HS (77), became a WSI-IT and taught aquatics for Grand Traverse County/Traverse City, MI (79-90). I also coached the Traverse City High School boys and girls divers for 10 years. From '90-92, I worked at two different health departments and substitute taught. I taught elem. PE in Deckerville, MI for one year (95), taught Adult Ed classes in Alpena, then High School Alternative Education students for one semester in Oscoda, MI. I am currently employed by Clare-Gladwin RESD, Clare, MI. Here I teach PE and Music to special education students (ages 6-26, SXI, SMI and TMI) in a center-based school. I have been a 10K runner, VASA skier, aerobic dance instructor and now I enjoy walking, reading, coaching Special Olympics/basketball and being a mom. I have been married for 24 years to Michael David Haley who swam (in the early 60s) at the Women's City Club in Detroit. His brothers (Dave and John) also swam competitively. At one point, they all swam on the Wayne State University Swim Team, coached by Peter Roberts. I have two children: Michelle (13), beautiful, bright and a gifted basketball player, who dreams of playing with the ABL or if she has to...the WNBA and Mick (8) is an active, bright and fun child. He loves soccer and baseball. He has quite an arm. (3/98)

I recall, at 8 years of age, learning to swim the butterfly and feeling like I was nearly drowning. I recall asking Harry Hauck to watch the improvement I was making. I think he said, "That's pretty good for an 8 year old." At least I was staying afloat. Our family and Patton Pool was photographed by Tony Spina for the Detroit Times. I remember thinking that I knew the "older swimmers" because Lynn and Joan talked about them constantly. You are all famous! (3/98)

Swimming at Patton and being the little Makkonen sister was a positive experience. For many years I relied on my swimming background for employment. In fact, my WSI is still current and I plan to use it in my present position. (3/98)