THIS WEEK'S REFLECTION
Great Work
We had a great couple weeks of practice. Thanks for the dedication that many showed through the break. Your dedication will pay dividends at a later date. Other than the first two weeks of the season, it isn't very often that we get this type solid work without too many interruptions. The value of the Christmas break practices is that the guys get time in the water at a time when general conditioning is not a factor and focused, sustained work levels can be maximized.
Because of that great work, I am looking forward to seeing these guys back in competition this week.
Encourage & Celebrate
I want to encourage parents to keep track of the progress of their son and his team mates. Not pressuring, not coaching, just encouraging and celebrating.
In a sport where times are recorded and races won and loss by the 100th of a second, a drop of a two tenths in the 50 or a couple seconds in a 200 is a huge accomplishment and worth celebrating. Equally worthy are those endless milestones that our team members get through the season. Their first 500, or 200 IM or 100 Fly; their first time under 30 in the 50 or 1:00 in the 100; their first time attempting a new dive or the first 6 or 7 or 8 that they awarded from a diving judge
It is one of the beauties of this sport, there is never a lack of accomplishments to celebrate. Then, as soon as the celebrating is done, the next challenge and goal is put in front of them. Isn't that the way life is - pursue a challenge and celebrate the accomplishment of meeting that challenge - and God celebrates those accomplishments right along with us . . . "Celebrate everything that you and your families have accomplished under the blessing of God, your God." Deut. 12:7 (The Message)
Health Issues
Obviously the flu bug has been big talk and affect my extended family and many of yours as well. Though you can't usually avoid these bugs, you can do your best by using good hygiene at home and school, getting sufficient sleep, and dressing warmly (hats, etc.).
Snow Day Reminders
Just a reminder that as school closes for snow days, please make sure that that you are watching your email for practice or meet information on those days. Email is the fastest and easiest way for me to communicate with all of you at once.
As a general rule, we will have practice beginning at 1:00. Parents need to use their discretion before driving or letting your son drive to practice. The practice will not count against their attendance.
Because of that great work, I am looking forward to seeing these guys back in competition this week.
Encourage & Celebrate
I want to encourage parents to keep track of the progress of their son and his team mates. Not pressuring, not coaching, just encouraging and celebrating.
In a sport where times are recorded and races won and loss by the 100th of a second, a drop of a two tenths in the 50 or a couple seconds in a 200 is a huge accomplishment and worth celebrating. Equally worthy are those endless milestones that our team members get through the season. Their first 500, or 200 IM or 100 Fly; their first time under 30 in the 50 or 1:00 in the 100; their first time attempting a new dive or the first 6 or 7 or 8 that they awarded from a diving judge
It is one of the beauties of this sport, there is never a lack of accomplishments to celebrate. Then, as soon as the celebrating is done, the next challenge and goal is put in front of them. Isn't that the way life is - pursue a challenge and celebrate the accomplishment of meeting that challenge - and God celebrates those accomplishments right along with us . . . "Celebrate everything that you and your families have accomplished under the blessing of God, your God." Deut. 12:7 (The Message)
Health Issues
Obviously the flu bug has been big talk and affect my extended family and many of yours as well. Though you can't usually avoid these bugs, you can do your best by using good hygiene at home and school, getting sufficient sleep, and dressing warmly (hats, etc.).
Snow Day Reminders
Just a reminder that as school closes for snow days, please make sure that that you are watching your email for practice or meet information on those days. Email is the fastest and easiest way for me to communicate with all of you at once.
As a general rule, we will have practice beginning at 1:00. Parents need to use their discretion before driving or letting your son drive to practice. The practice will not count against their attendance.
THIS WEEK'S PRACTICE & MEET NOTES: Jan. 5 - Jan. 10
Thanks so much for all the work you guys put into this meet. All of the athletes and coaches appreciate this meet as one of the premier invitationals of their season and appreciate the work you put into it.
- Athletes should be on deck by 10:15.
- Warmup for this meet is at 10:30.
- Timers should be on deck by 11:40.
- Meet starts at 12:00
- Divers will be doing an 11 dive championship list (first time for our freshman) and the diving competition runs simultaneously to the swimming portion of the meet.
- This is a first experience of a meet of this caliber and type for many of our athletes (and parents). It is as close to a championship atmosphere as you will experience until you get to our conference meet in late February.
- Make sure that you (your son) takes some additional snacks (PB&J, nutritional bars, trail mix, etc.) and a couple Gatorades that they can eat and drink to help fuel their body and help it recover during the long meet.
- The meet should wrap up before 4:00.
LOOKING AHEAD
Exam Week
With exams next week, we are limited to two hours each day. You are still expected to be at ALL practices. We will limit dryland from our practices for the week. Practices will run from 3:30 and be done promptly at 5:30 for the swimmers. I'll have more thoughts about exam week in next week's post.
Other Events
- January 13 - Home Meet vs. GR Christian
- January 17 - Annual New Years Relays (a fun inter squad competition). I know this is a little late, Thanks for your understanding as I missed Saturday. I didn't want to miss this fun meet.
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