Coaches Note 10-27-09

Happy Tuesday Waves Families! We’ve had a busy week, and we just get busier from here for the next month or so. 

 
First, click here to see a picture of little Miss Lily, Coach Kevin and Serena’s new baby girl! 

Here what’s happening:

Trick or Treat Recap

This year’s meet turned out surprisingly well. For the most part, the younger swimmers are continuing to turn in solid improvements, while the older swimmers are taking small steps in the right direction. A quick word to parents and swimmers: these solid improvements may not be time related, but related to stroke technique or skills--be patient, and continue to think long term. All in all, there was a lot to be proud of. Check your results here; I will let the statistics speak for themselves:
3rd Place Team Trophy: Josh Millet-5th place highpoint (8&U); Matt Stapleton-2nd place highpoint (11-12); Faith Barr-2nd place highpoint (13-14); Maddy Lydig-3rd place highpoint (13-14); Kaylee Beck 5th place highpoint (13-14); Kyle O’Malley-4th place highpoint (13-14); Nate Endebrock-5th place highpoint (13-14); Rachel Millet-1st place highpoint (15-18); Carlie McGregor-4th place highpoint (15-18).
9 Individual Team Records: Matthew Stapleton (11-12 Boys: 50 back, 100 back, 100 IM, 200 IM); Faith Barr (13-14 Girls: 50 breast); Nate Endebrock (13-14 Boys: 1650 free); Kyle O’Malley (13-14 Boys: 200 IM); Mitchell Beck (15-18 Boys: 50 breast, 100 IM).
3 Relay Team Records: Girls 200 Free Relay (Maddy Lydig, Taylor McGregor, Carlie McGregor, Rachel Millet); Girls 200 Medley Relay (Maddy Lydig, Faith Barr, Carlie McGregor, Rachel Millet); Boys 200 Medley Relay (Jacob White, Mitchell Beck, Kyle O’Malley, Nate Endebrock)
There were an insane number of Lifetime Best swims, especially from the younger swimmers. We are looking better in the water in every way: stronger technique, faster turns, longer kickouts, and higher quality breakouts. We are not perfect, but we are moving in the right direction.
But the most important and impressive achievement of the weekend was our incredible mental toughness. We overcame bad swims, we challenged ourselves physically and emotionally, and we rose above our adversity.
That will lead to success when it matters: at our Championship Meets in February and March. Those traits will lead to long term success in this sport, and that will always be the focus of this team. Thank you so much to everyone who made the drive down to Moscow--it was a fantastic weekend!

Developmental Meet

Entries for the Developmental Meet are due by NEXT MONDAY, NOVEMBER 2nd before midnight! Please get your entries in--this is a fantastic opportunity to swim races in the friendly confines of the Whitworth Aquatic Center, so don’t miss out! Our goal is to have every swimmer in the Age Group, Regional Group, and Senior Group participate. Ripples are highly encouraged to participate as well. Sign up via the Events & Meets section of the website.

Turkey Trot

Entries for the Turkey Trot Meet in Cheney, WA are due NEXT TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 3rd before midnight! This is an excellent opportunity to experience competition with other local teams, but without having to travel too far. We highly recommend that all Age Group, Regional, and Senior swimmers participate in this meet; Ripples are encouraged to talk with their coaches if they feel they’d like to try it out (unless you’ve done meets like this before). Again, sign up at the Events & Meets section of the website.

Sylvia’s Order Update

Suits and apparel items should be in early next week, with equipment coming in 10 days or so later. Any questions, let us know.

Training Tip of the Week

I think we’ve hit this one already, but we really want to hammer it home: we want to have the best turns, kickouts, and breakouts in Northwest (breakouts are the first few strokes after a turn). In practice, try and spend the least amount of time possible on the wall. After you push off, force yourself to dolphin kick to the flags on fly, back, and free; for breaststroke, get in a long and powerful pulldown. Finally, breakout with intensity, trying to carry as much speed as possible into your swimming. Force yourself on freestyle and butterfly to take 1 or more strokes before you breathe; on breaststroke, keep your eyes on your hands so you don’t get too vertical; on backstroke, arch your back slightly to keep your hips from dropping too low. These 3 components make up 40% of every race, so make sure that you are setting yourself up for success by working on turns, kickouts, and breakouts every lap, every day.

Again, keep thinking of Coach Kevin and his family this week as they adjust.  Let us know if there is anything you may need help with or have questions about.  Thanks, and have a great week!

Keddy