The pain of discipline ~ Week Ahead: 1.30 to 2.4

"The pain of discipline is far less than the pain of regret." ~Sarah Bombell

Hands up in victory, whether over an opponent or over a personal goal, is a common scene in the pool or on deck. It certainly was Thursday night. What a great meet!

So many great swims. From Matthew Cagle's 500 to Skyler's, from Matthew Asselin's 100 Fly to Luke's, from Jonah Winkle's 100 Breast to Jacob's, and numerous other lifetime bests (29 in all) . Add to it two personal bests by Riley and Nick on the boards, Riley VanMeter's near record 100 Back and Gerrit's 100 Back State cut, this meet was certainly a "Hands Up in Victory" kind of meet.

Based on what I see from most of this team almost every day, the philosophy of Sarah Bombell is one that this team has taken this season to heart. The team has come off some of the toughest practices of the season and still got up to race in Thursday's meet. The results continue to be evidence of discipline in the pool.

This time of the year can test how much our body and mind can endure. Teammates can get on each other's nerves a bit more easily, the monotony of practices can drive us a bit crazy, and the constant ache of muscles or the redness of smacked backs makes us wonder what feeling "normal" really is. So taking a day off is certainly needed and today is well deserved.

With four weeks to conference, some tough work and three more dual meets ahead, we need to continue to find ways to spur each other on. Remember to appreciate the time we have together as a team. Remember to encourage each other to practice well every day, and encourage good habits in and out of the pool. I see often how sports and life, life in general, or the christian life, seem to parallel each other. Check out Hebrews 10:24-25.

THE UPCOMING WEEK
MEETS: Tuesday, January 31 - Away @ Zeeland
There will be no buses for this meet.

• On Deck by 5:15. 
• Warm Up begins at 5:30 
• Meet begins at 6:30 

PRACTICES:

• Mo, Wed, Thu: 3:30-6:00
• Friday: 3:30-5:30
• Saturday: 7:00-9:00 

• We will head to Benjamin's Hope after practice to help take down Christmas lights and decorations. We should be done before noon.

A LOOK AHEAD
MEETS - SENIOR NIGHT: Tuesday, February 7 - Home v Holland

• On Deck by 5:15.
• Warm Up begins at 5:30
• Meet begins at 6:30 (Senior parents should be on deck about 6:20)

FURTHER ON UP THE ROAD

Practice Location & Time Shift
The days of February 15, 16, 17, and 18 the Holland Aquatic Center is hosting the MIAA Championships. So, we will be shifting some of our practice locations and times. Here are the details.

• Wednesday, Feb 15 - Normal practice.
• Thursday, Feb 16 - Practice @ the Dow 3:30 - 5:30
• Friday, Feb 17 (No School) - Practice @ Hamilton 7:00 to 9:00am
• Saturday, Feb 18 - Practice @ Dow 9:00 - 11:00

Conference Meet @ Hamilton February 24 & 25

• Prelims on Friday, February 24
• Finals on Saturday, February 25 

Here is more information for parents regarding conference.