Big Brothers Big Sisters Big Swim 2009 - Escape From Alcatraz!
Before the Swim:
Articles courtesy of WBIR TV and WBIR.com - Knoxville
For 2 years, Bill Jolly and Martin Ellis have been water-logged, swimming 8 miles every summer in Norris Lake to raise money and awareness for Big Brothers Big Sisters.
This Sunday, they're trading the warm water for San Francisco's frigid bay as they attempt to escape from Alcatraz.
The third time is a charm for Jolly and Ellis.
"It's about time at my age that I need a challenge," says Jolly.
"Some people say that I should've been in Alcatraz years ago," adds Ellis.
With the Bay's choppy waters, they needed a third, much younger leg, so, 17-year-old Michael Ferowich is tagging along for the 1 1/2 mile swim.
"He dropped our average age from 65 to 47, so that's one of the reasons we recruited him," says Ellis. "We're getting a little old."
"I would be surprised if he can keep up with me though," laughs Jolly.
"I thought it would be easy, because they don't look like they'd be in great shape, but they are," says Ferowich.
All 3 have been training for months with long swims. However, training in Norris Lake's warm water can't get them ready for everything in the frigid San Francisco Bay.
"The sharks, walruses, sea lions, oh my," laughs Ellis.
Despite their humor, all three take the swim seriously. Ellis has been a big brother for 2 years now.
"We have almost 700 matches, but we have 150 kids waiting to be matched," says Ellis. "Those kids need big brothers and big sisters. I've seen the benefits directly."
He hopes their Alcatraz adventure will get people's attention, sink or swim!
"Bill Jolly is the ever-ready bunny, because he just keeps swimming. Michael is the otter, because he's skinny and fast. My nickname is the bait, so I'm not sure I'll make it, we'll see," says Ellis.
The swim is set for 8 a.m. Sunday, August 16, in San Francisco Bay. Last year, Jolly and Ellis raised $30,000 Big Brothers Big Sisters.
After the Swim:
Early Sunday morning, East Tennesseans Bll Jolly, Martin Ellis, and 17-year-old Michael Ferowich attempted a daunting task: successfully swimming the 1 1/2 mile stretch from Alcatraz to the San Francisco Bay.
Both Jolly and Ferowich successfully crossed the finish line. Ellis came so close. Nearing the swim's end, he drifted off course due to the rough current. He had to be rescued by an escort boat deep in the bay along with several other swimmers.
Ellis' son Daniel was on a boat in the rough waters, watching his father, Jolly and Ferowich. He had this to say about their efforts.
"I was standing on the boat when Bill Jolly, my father Martin Ellis, and Michael Ferowich jumped into the turbulent uncertain sea and swam for something much more important than fear. Their courage is more than inspiring; it is an act of faith. Michael, Bill, and Martin are the kind of Big Brothers and the kind of men who I want to be."
The three braved the cold, crazy current in San Francisco Bay for incredible cause, raising money and awareness for Big Brothers Big Sisters. Right now, 150 children are on a waiting list for a mentor.
If you would like to help or learn more about the Big Brothers, Big Sisters of East Tennessee call (865) 523-2179.
