Week 2 - Gettin' into a little rhythm

“Believe in yourself. You are braver than you think, more talented than you know, and capable of more than you imagine.” ~ Roy T. Bennett

A GOOD FULL WEEK OF PRACTICE

I have been impressed, so far, with this team's overall fitness and willingness to take what is thrown at them. We really are starting to get into a bit of a rhythm.

 

That's not to say that there hasn't been some difficulties. For some, the work load is a difficulty simply because they've been off the boards or out of water for a longtime (or never). For others, the work load may not be "difficult" but is different than what they have been accustomed to which creates a different kind of challenge. Despite that, the boys are working hard, pushing themselves and making good progress.

I've said more than once already this season, "Taper starts TODAY!" The idea is that the work that is done today and everyday builds the base for their end of season taper. This group seems to be taking that idea to heart. However, I want to remind everyone that it requires diligence. Diligence to be at practice everyday. Diligence to work through every set. Diligence to pay attention to your health and what it takes to remain healthy (coats, hats, etc.). Diligence to eat right and get sufficient sleep.

Our first measuring stick of the season will be on Tuesday evening verses West Ottawa. When I say "measuring stick," I mean just that. I love to win. I hate to lose. However, my ultimate goal for our dual meets is to measure where our fitness is and what areas we need to focus or refocus on. 

COMMUNICATION 
Please continue to communicate questions you might have. I am committed to ongoing communication but don't want to inundate you with emails. If you follow this blog, it is a great way to stay up to date. This blog gets updated weekly (Saturday or Sunday) and sends emails out the next day. I usually include important information for the upcoming week or two in the blog.

You can also follow HC Aquatics on Instagram and Twitter

THE UPCOMING WEEK

We start our dual meet competitions this week
Tuesday, December 7th - Meet vs West Ottawa (Dress up @ School)

• The meet begins at 6:30pm.
• Athletes need to be on deck ready for warm up by 5:15.

PRACTICE TIMES

    Mo, Wed-Fr - Normal Practice 3:20-5:30

    Saturday - Dryland 7:15 at HCMS

                      In the Water @ HAC 8:15-10:00

                      Breakfast @ HCMS 10:20 - 11:00

A LOOK AHEAD

Thursday, December 16th - Home Meet vs Grand Rapids Christian (Dress up @ School)

This is our Legacy Meet in honor and memory of Riley Hoeksema and his legacy of kindness and the connection the Hoeksema's have with both schools.

• Athletes need to be on deck by 5:15. 
• The meet starts at 6:30

Tuesday, December 27th & 28th - Jenison Invitational 

• Diving on the 27th - Warmup @ 4:30pm / Competition begins @ 6:00
• Swimming on the 28th - Warmup @ 10:00am / Competition begins @ 11:00am

PARENT HELP 

Here is a  link for you to volunteer to help this season be as successful as it can be. Thanks in advance for the help.

CHRISTMAS BREAK
As we look ahead, we need to look at our CHRISTMAS BREAK PRACTICES - We will practice during most of the Christmas break from 7:00-10:00 during the first week and 9:00-12:00 during the second week. Remember, these are required practices unless excused by a parent for family vacations. If you have a family vacation planned, please let me know the dates you will be gone.