Coaches Corner
Training
We have a minimum of time and lanes to achieve the goals and aspirations of many of our athletes. Please plan to attend all practices and be here on time. Both of these things are critical in a fun, but competitive sport. This level of commitment will provides us with the reward of a job well done, and the achievement that goes with that work in our swim meets. Help me teach this lessons to our swimmers.  

Teams
When we were preparing for the Paralympic Games of 2000 in Sydney I was told a story about an American Pan-Pacific Championships athlete. The young man made the USA team in the 100 back. He was not expected to win a medal, or to even place. He was “just” part of the team. He participated in every camp and activity leading up to the championships. During the games his recent was the last day of competition. Swimming goes on for several days. He attended the first day of competition and cheered for his teammates. He returned that evening to support his team during finals. This went on each day for the entire meet. Even when his other teammates were going to see the “sight,” he went to the pool. When his turn came to represent the USA and his team, he was ready, as he had prepared every day along the way. As he warmed up, the coaching staff noticed something about the team. Even though most were finished, every single one of them was there. They were there to see him swim. He had a great race during prelims and went on to final. When he returned for finals that night the same thing happened. Every USA athlete was in the stands to cheer him on and support him. He medalled that evening. He credited the extra push to his teammates who supported him all day and had been supported by him during the competition.

I have been on a number of teams during my youth, high school and college. It was always my pleasure to be part of a “team.” From football to baseball to waterpolo to wrestling to swimming I had the opportunity to involve myself with these groups. We had small teams to large teams and all of these that worked for me had a common trait, they all worked towards a common goal, to be the best that each of us could be.
 
Swimming is not an individual sport – it's a team sport. We do things together, succeedeand fail together and care for each other. I have always found that the special teams that I have been a part of, all were there for each other. When one fell down a bit there were always others to help pick them up. Maybe the fastest swimmer doesn’t lead every set that day but someone picks up the slack for the betterment of the whole group. Teams don’t finger point or quit on each other as an athlete. 
 
Every athlete needs to take care of themselves and evaluate what they can give to the others around them. Team members watch out for their teammates. 
 
Not all programs meet everyone’s needs. Athletes should look at their personal needs and goals. They should move closer to the program they are in or find a program that meets their needs and goals. There is no failure if the program and athlete don’t match. 
 
For those that have found a program that suits them, your challenge is to step up and take a turn at being the leader. The match of a program and person can be a wonderful activity and long-term relationships for the benefit of both. The learning that will take place for all of those involved will be something that the athlete can carry with them for the rest of their life. 

Team Caps
I want to encourage our swimmers to wear our team caps. We have for your convenience latex caps for $3.00 and silicon caps (which are a little easier on the heads and hair) for $11.00. You can usually buy them at practices or meets from the coaching staff. Please join in the team spirit and wear a team cap. You will get one free cap at your first away meet.