Welcome to the Brian Howard Memorial Invitational!

We are looking forward to great competition and team spirit as we celebrate our sport and the memory of one of our former Kansas City Blazers swimmers, Brian Howard.  One of our Olympic alumni, Catherine Fox speaks best to the meaning and timing of this meet:

The “Brian Howard Invitational” gives great meaning, as well as understanding, to a challenging meet during this time of the year.  It does not come with the limelight of the highest performance meet of the season.  But what it does demonstrate, is the guts and the determination during the hardest time of the year in training.  Amazing grace and expression of joy came with every race he swam. His encouragement had no end.  His success was not only exemplified in his determination to his finish but his conviction with how to begin.  To swim with Brian’s spirit, is to swim with the excitement and perseverance of the most important race of your life- every time you dive into the pool.

Please take a moment to read more about Brian and what he meant to the Blazers and swimming in a welcome letter from one of our Olympic alumni, Catherine Fox.

About Brian Howard

Brian began swimming for the Kansas City Blazers in the second grade and was a loyal and true Blazer throughout his life; he could almost always be found proudly wearing his Blazer team gear!  He was a young man of vision and uncompromising values, relishing in every opportunity offered to best his personal potential with each passing moment and in doing so, inspiring all who knew him. He led by quiet, but profound example and was authentically one of a kind.  As a teammate and leader, he had the unique ability to positively shift the collective mindset of the group, while remaining true to his core beliefs and sense of self.  As a friend and teacher, he knew how to reach those who needed perspective, often allowing them to see and pursue their own potential through his support, influence and approach to life.    

His commitment, dedication, work ethic, competitive spirit, capacity for joy in the midst of hard work and above all, his character, embodies and further inspires the Blazers motto ‘Commitment to Excellence.’ The impact he had on his former teammates & friends, coaches & community is a legacy that is ever withstanding and is a testament to the person he was during his short life and is to this day, in memory.

Brian Howard Team Spirit Award

To honor Brian and the spirit of this competition, we will be awarding a team spirit trophy to the team that exemplifies the spirit of Brian Howard.  A team that competes with character, pride and excitement about racing; a team that demonstrates support for each other and the sport, good sportsmanship towards fellow competitors and team sprit through encouragement and wearing team colors; a team that competes together, as one. 

In the worst of times, be at your best- Full of patience, compassion and selflessness.  Always pursue your dreams. 

Brian Howard, 2002