Rudy Schneider:  

Oi! Where to start? If for no other reason, with our 50th reunion looming, I decided to "come back" to Classmates after being away for several years. So now, to repopulate "my story," here's a quick synopsis: After graduating, I signed up for a 6-year stint in the Navy. Took the proficiency exams, physical, and was set to get "special training" in electronics. But on the day they called me in to the induction center, I said "Since I'm gonna have to go to college after I get out anyway, I think I'll try to do that now, instead." I often wonder if that was the right choice, and whether my life would be any better or worse off had I not made that decision. One of life's mysteries... Anyway, flunked out my first year at San Jose State because I was in LOVE. I made up for it at DeAnza by making the Dean's list for several quarters. Got married at 20 (too young) and went back to San Jose State, where I completed my BSEE. My first wife and I had a son and two daughters before she decided she needed "something more." At the time, my oldest was 7, the youngest 4, and I got custody. Just prior to getting a divorce, I completed my pursuit of an MBA in 1985, and on December 7 of that year --- "a day that will live in infamy" --- married my second wife, Rochelle, crazy woman that she was to take on me AND my 3 kids! We had a wonderful life until I lost her to cancer a little over 9 years later. DAMNIT! During the 20-month grieving period that followed, someone suggested that, since I enjoyed swimming in general, and swam competitively in hi...Expand for more