The OA Senior Group just finished their Theme Week training for the summer. Each workout centered around a particular theme, such as "Go the Distance", or "I.M. Awesome".

Congratulations to Steven Stumph for finishing 9th overall in the 200M breaststroke at the Conoco Phillips Nationals/World Championship trials in Indianapolis. Swimming next to Olympian Scott Weltz, Steven posted a 2:15.09 to finsh 2nd in the B final. Nice Job Steven! Steven also competed in the 50 breast (29.32), 100 breast (1:03.81), and the 200 IM (2:06.47) earning best times in each event. Congratulations Steven!

Thirty-five young leaders, role models, and high-character athletes attended the Orinda Aquatics Character Camp this past week. For four days the 11-14 year olds learned about leadership and integrity in sports and life.

Represent! Kick off the 2013-14 OA Swim Season by participating in the NorCal Kids Triathlon on Saturday, August 31st at Miramonte High School. Orinda Aquatics will be sponsoring the swim leg of this Triathlon, a community event to promote health in youth. The Orinda Foundation organizes the NCKT with proceeds given back to the community to support events such as the annual 4th of July Parade, Summer Concert Series, Rides for Seniors, Orinda Idol and much more. This is a great way to have both a great time, reconnect with...

ASCA (The American Swimming Coaches Association) is moving forward with a manual that has evolved from the (Character First) presentations that Ronnie and Donnie have given at both National and International clinics. Their hope is that this manual (donated to ASCA), and the example that OA swimmers have set, can add value to the swimming community and to youth sports in general. This development is purely a testament to the extraordinary OA group and the great leaders and role models who have come before. The coaches thank the team for...

On Sunday, June 9, twelve OA swimmers from both the Junior and Senior groups participated in the Lake Del Valle Open Water event. The water in the Livermore reservoir was a balmy 76 degrees and the sunny weather made for a great morning for both the swimmers and the spectators. All the swimmers participated in the 1-mile swim around the lake. Congratulations to Cameron Hoyh, who came in first in the Youth division for the second year in a row! Participating swimmers: Mary Ashby, Mitchell Carlson, Nathan Carlson, Lizzie Follmer,...

Eighty-five members of Orinda Aquatics ventured the (mild) rapids on the American River this past Friday. It was a perfect day to be on the river and a great team event which blended Junior and Senior swimmers. Thanks to Kathryn Van Steyn and all those who helped make this a special event.

Dean Ottati recently interviewed Donnie re: Character First (and how it can translate to success in the pool) along with "The Race" and coaching two of the three record breaking swimmers despite being on competing high school teams. SwimSwam: June 7, 2013

After a blazing fast prelims session, some lightning times were anticipated in finals… but one particular race stole the show and for now, may just be the most competitive and the fastest high school race ever. In the boys 100 breast, three different swimmers were under the old public and independent national records. Future USC Trojan Stephen Stumph of OA but swimming for Campolindo High School came out on top, touching in an absurd 53.39. Senior Charlie Wiser of Miramonte HS (heading to Stanford to swim and play waterpolo) and...

Ronnie and Donnie, PCA Double Goal Coach National Award Recipients, with Phil Jackson, winner of the Lifetime Achievement Award Menlo Park, Ca For their positive impact on youth athletes, the Heidarys were awarded the coveted “Double-Goal” Coach award at Positive Coaching Alliance’s 12th Annual National Youth Sports Awards sponsored by Deloitte and Liberty Mutual. It is presented to coaches who strive to win while pursuing the more important goal of teaching life lessons through sports. The Heidarys are the co-founders/head coaches of Orinda Aquatics and coach Campolindo and Miramonte, respectively....