Athletes Recognized at Age Group Awards Banquet

Several NAC Age Group athletes were recognized at this year's Age Group Awards Banquet, held at Dave and Busters on Sunday, April 7th.

The Age Group High Point Award Winners, recognized for scoring the most points at SES Championships, were:

Chas Morton Award:

10 & Under Girls – Kallie Chelsvig

10 & Under Boys – Jackson Alford

Nick Nevid Award:

11-12 Girls – Ophelia PIlkinton

11-12 Boys – David Brooks

The Age group awards are based on Coach John Wooden's Pyramid of Success - and award winners were recognized for their commitment to the concepts and ideals put forth as described for each award.  The NAC coaching staff believes these characteristics are ones that are critical to long-term success in swimming.

Congratulations to all of our award winners!

Green Group

Enthusiasm Award

Enthusiasm is to love what you do. Your heart must be in it. If your heart is not in it you cannot prepare adn perform at your highest level. An enthusiastic swimmer will brush off on those they come into contact with on a daily basis. The Enthusiasm Award goes to the person who has a real love for the sport of swimming, so much so that they have mad ea positive impact on teh other swimmers in the group.

Award goes to: Michael Kong

Friendship Award

The two most important qualities of true friendship are respect and camaraderie. In this sense, friendship does not mean winning another's affection or seeking to becom buddies. At the Green Group level, friendship means demonstrating a general sense of goodwilla nd mutual respect fo rthe other swimmers. The Friendship Award goes to the person who is supportive and couteous to all of their teammates.

Award goes to: Maya Torky

Loyalty Award

Loyalty to your team first starts with being loyal to yourself and your values. At the Green Group level it means being interested and attuned to the other swimmers around you. The result of showing loyalty to your team is that you become a positive influence on tehm. The Loyalty Award goes to the person who is courageoud, dependable and unwilling to compromise their values.

Award goes to: Ali Jones

White Group

The founding characteristics of the White Group awards are remaining open and having a willingness to adapt to new ideas, situations, and experiences.  One of the most important things the swimmers develop is a sense of ownership and independence in their desire and capabilities as a swimmer. They also learn to embrace the competitive culture of the sport and stimulate a sense of camaraderie amongst teammates.

Cooperation Award

In order to reach your full potential as an athlete, you must learn cooperation – working together to accomplish the common goal.  At the White Group level it requires the sharing of information, responsibilities, and tasks for the good of the entire group.  The Cooperation Award goes to the person who derives pride from the efforts, achievements, and successes of the entire group.

Award goes to: David Koziak

Enthusiasm Award

Enthusiasm, simply put, is to love what you do.  Your heart must be in it.  If your heart is not in it you cannot prepare and perform at your highest level.  An enthusiastic swimmer in practice will brush off on those they come into contact with on a daily basis.  The Enthusiasm Award goes to the person who has a real love for the sport of swimming, so much so that they have made an impact on other swimmers in the group.

Award goes to: Michael Kong

Industriousness Award

At every practice you have a choice: you can go through the motions or you can be industrious – working to the fullest extent of your abilities and pushing yourself to be better.  Industriousness means putting forth your best physical and mental effort, enabling you to get stronger, as well as learn and develop the skills needed to be a better swimmer.  The Industriousness Award goes to the person who not only consistently works hard, but who is also dedicated to correcting and improving their technique.

Award goes to: Annie Schiedemeyer

Camaraderie Award

Camaraderie is the spirit of goodwill that exists between members of a group and it is one of the most noteworthy characteristics of true friendship.  In the White Group it is important that the swimmers build a sense of mutual respect and camaraderie for one another.  As the swimmers carry this characteristic with them, they end up strengthening the entire team, from the bottom up.    The Camaraderie Award goes to the person who demonstrates mutual respect and friendship with every member of the group.

Award goes to: Lee Loving

Red Group

The founding characteristics of all Red Group awards are based upon being consistent and properly focused in your physical and mental efforts.  They are also focused on having a sincere approach to goal setting, as well as the ambition and drive to achieve success. 

Self Control

Self Control is most essential for discipline and mastery of emotions.  You cannot function effectively unless your emotions are under control and properly focused.  In the Red Group it is important that swimmers learn to control their emotions along with their physical bodies.  In doing so, they will ultimately gain a decisive advantage in competition.  The Self-Control Award goes to the person who has the ability to focus and direct their energy appropriately for success.

 Award goes to: John Theiu

Alertness

Alertness is the awareness that there is something going on around us at all times from which we can learn.  Over the course of a swimmer’s career, they will never stop hearing about adjustments that need to be made to what they are doing in the water.  As a swimmer it is important to be aware of your weaknesses and to have the desire and consistency with which to improve upon those weaknesses.  The Alertness Award goes to the person who is constantly observing, quick to spot a weakness and dedicated to correcting it. 

Award goes to: Jackson Alford

Intentness

Intentness is one of the most important skills to learn as an athlete.  It does not involve wanting something, but involves doing something correctly for a very long time.  At the Red Group level, Intentness involves developing a consistent concentration on your objective, and striving for it with determination and resolve.  The road to real achievement is usually bumpy and long, but the Intentness Award goes to the person who does not give up.  They are persistent and determined and willing to do anything it takes to reach their goals.

Award goes to: Ian Marshall

Blue Group

 Founding characteristics of all Blue Group awards are based upon honesty and adaptability in all situations. Being willing to try new things and overcoming adversity. staying calm and staying the course. And lastly, being honest, not only in what you say, but what you do. Your efforts and enthusiasm are honest.

Skill

Skill is not just coming to practice, but its making the most out of being there. It’s not just showing up for a swim meet, it’s giving everything you have on that day, at that moment, for that race. It’s as equally selfless as it is selfish. You want to give as much as you can to get the most out of your ability and efforts.

Award goes to: Millie Oldham

Condition

Condition means being a mental, moral and physical athlete. Living a championship lifestyle and representing leadership and maturity in every aspect of your life, both at and away from the pool.  Ability may get you to the top, but character keeps you there.

Award goes to: Ella Nelson

Team Spirit

Be eager to help your teammates and gracious at times of glory, for the glory of the team is not you, it is the team as a whole.  The star of the team is the team.

Award goes to: Lettie Williams