Coaches Note 11-03-09

November is a busy, busy month for us! Not only are there holidays to prepare for, but there are tons of meets and other activities to keep us busy. Here’s what’s on tap for the week:

· Pirate Night

Friday, November 6, 2009 is Pirate Night! Show up to the Whitworth Aquatic Center at 6:00 PM for the Whitworth University – Pacific Dual Meet and stay for PIZZA and hanging out afterwards. This is a great opportunity to watch some college-level swimming and get a chance to meet some of the Whitworth swimmers afterwards. This event is always a highlight of the year — don’t miss it!!!

· Developmental Meet

Saturday, November 7 is our Developmental Meet. Warm-ups begin at 4:00 PM and the meet will start at 5:00 PM. We should have everything wrapped up before 7:00 PM. MIDNIGHT TONIGHT IS THE ABSOLUTE LAST CHANCE TO ENTER THE MEET!!! We are excited that so many swimmers have signed up to participate! Parents: we are still in need of a few volunteers; click here for the Job Sign Up.

· Turkey Trot

Entries for the Turkey Trot Meet in Cheney, WA over the weekend of November 20-22 are due TOMORROW before midnight. Please go to the Events & Meets section of the website to enter the meet.

· Swimmers of the Month

We are bringing back the Swimmer of the Month award! The coaches will choose one swimmer per group, and those swimmers will receive recognition in the Coaches Note, have his or her picture posted on the record board in the pool, and receive a free "Swimmer of the Month" swim cap.

Senior: NATE ENDEBROCK

Nate has been outstanding in the month of October. Not only has he had some of the best meets of his life (Dropping close to a minute and 30 seconds in the mile) but he has been one of the most consistent and hard working swimmers at the pool. We have been working on setting goals and going after them; Nate has taken that to heart, and it is really showing in his efforts both at practice and meets.

Regional: ASHLEY CHRISTOFF

Very few swimmers started the month of October as incredibly as Ashley. She was absolutely on fire at the Fall Frenzy Meet, achieving eight lifetime best swims, including swimming the 400 IM for the first time. While the middle of the month was rough due to illness, she bounced back and swam well at the Trick or Treat Meet, achieving another four lifetime best swims. She has stepped up her practice game as well, and has been a joy to coach—congratulations!

Age Group: MARY BOYD

While numerous swimmers deserve this award, Mary won out due to her amazing no-breath kickouts in practice and at the Trick or Treat Meet. She has also been a model citizen at practice: courteous to her teammates and exceptionally respectful to her coaches. Way to go, Mary!

Ripple: PARKER THOMAS

Parker is an exceptional listener. His hard work and dedication has made his first year swimming a great success. It’s always a pleasure to see to Parker at the pool.

· Record Board Volunteer Needed!

I am looking for a few parents who wouldn’t mind helping fill the 480 slots on our brand new record board. The job will require a few hours of printing the records, cutting, and placing the records. Please e-mail [email protected] if you are interested.

· Training Tip of the Week: Goal Setting Series.

We all like to get things. Whether it is a present or some other special treat, it is satisfying to be rewarded, especially if we’ve earned it. The same applies to swimming: what do you want to get? Is it a time standard so you can attend a big meet or is it to have fun and stay in shape? What do you want to achieve? In setting goals, that is always the first question. There are always challenges to rise up and face, but when you have a goal in mind, it makes those trials easier to face. So, what do you want? Next week: DREAM BIG!!!