Storm Forecast for December 13th, 2023

Why Are You Doing This to My Child?

Yesterday after Tropical Storm practice wrapped up, we had more than one concerned parent say, “Is my child really in the 200 freestyle?  They’ve never done that much before.”  Short answer: yes. 

Long answer: it’s extremely important for a swimmer to feel OK getting out of their comfort zone.  If they don’t, they’ll never truly be satisfied with how they do.  It’s a lesson that translates to life really well.  One of my primary goals with our younger swimmers is to encourage them to be brave.  Fear is an important part in bravery.  If they never try to get outside their comfort zone, they’ll never reach the unknown height.  But, they must acknowledge that there is some fear in it.  Not recognizing that there’s fear of failure, fear of the unknown…well that turns bravery into ignorance.  But I digress…

Yesterday before the parent questions, our Tropical Storm swam 825 yards straight.  That’s half the 1650 distance we’ll do later this month.  They were all capable of it, they all completed it.  And wouldn’t you know, after we finished a bunch wanted to do the next challenge.  That’s the kind of reaction that makes a coach beam with pride.

We will not put swimmers into situations they cannot handle.  But, when we think they’re ready, we’re certainly going to push the envelope a bit.  It’ll require a bit of trust on the end of the swimmer (and the parent) that it’s going to be ok.  If they accomplish the task in front of them—awesome.  If they don’t, we’ll be there to help pick them up, learn from it, and encourage them to try again.

All this comes as one long sales pitch: the Distance Challenge is coming up at the end of the month.  We have the Thunderstorm sit this out, but Tropical on up—every group has an event that works for them.  Each of those groups has done at least the 825, most up to 1,000 yards nonstop.  Your swimmer is ready!  Don’t let the fear of the unknown or the “I haven’t done that much before,” keep them from a brave new confidence-inspiring event.   

SP East Pool Air/Water

Those of you practicing at East have certainly noticed some wild differences in air temp from one day to the next, and I’m certain your swimmers have mentioned water temp differences.  As East looks to rectify air quality problems, they’ve been tinkering with settings for both water and air.  We’ve been in communication with facilities about both.

Meet Entry Deadlines

Meet Notes

+One last note about the Distance Challenge: I believe we’ve done this 8 times now, and to the best of my recollection only one person hasn’t finished the distance.  That person was a 40something year old man.  Every single child that I recall starting one of the races over the last 8 years has finished.  

+On the weekend of 1/12, there are a pair of meets--it’s not necessary to do both.  One or the other is fine!

+All the pertinent details are up for the 12&U travel meet to Oswego.  We’ll take exactly one bus load of children.  Currently, the bus is 50% full.

Practice Changes

Friday, Dec 15th

Morning--Normal
Evening—No PM Practice (both HS pools in use)

Saturday, Dec 16th

No practice

Tuesday, Dec 19^th
Morning--Normal
Evening—No West available (high school meet); All at East: Thunderstorm 6:05-6:55P, Tropical Storm 6:05-7:00P, Cyclone & Hurricane 7:00-8:05P; Typhoon and Senior are AM only; dryland still offered in PM

Upcoming Events
Dec 13 Mooyah Share Night
Dec 16-17 Storm Winter Classic
Dec 19 Storm Board Meeting (Rescheduled)