March 2009 Archives

Practices Changes  for Saturday, March 28th 2009

Saturday Morning:  Terrific, Incredible, and Awesome Practices are Cancelled

Saturday Evening:  Age Group and Advanced Age Group Practices are Cancelled

Practices Changes for Sunday, March 29th 2009

All Practices are Cancelled

Best Times compiled by Coach Ray.

HI MINI FAMILIES

by Coach Julie

It is with absolute pleasure that I report to you on the MINI CHAMPIONSHIP MEET, our first scored meet for the Minis this season. It was a huge success! This meet was heavily attended by FISH swimmers and they all made us so proud. There were so many swimmers scoring points with their top 16 placements that we placed an astounding 3rd place over all for the girls and 2nd place for the boys. Relays also played a key role in our success, where both, the girls and boys swam out of their minds. The excitement was palatable, and our swimmers really came together as a team; cheering for each other, helping each other get ready, looking professional during warm-ups etc..

For right now, I would just like to give you a taste of the experience. We not only had incredible star performances, where everyone was galvanized, there were quieter moments, too. For example, one swimmer was so upset and intimidated with her upcoming 50 fly event that she was in tears, but she did not let that get in her way; she sat behind the blocks waiting her turn with real courage. Then, unsolicited, another FISH swimmer sat down and put her arm around the worried swimmer and gave the best pep talk I have ever heard. With that kind of support, and of course, the courage to face her fear, this young lady had an outstanding race. I may not remember all of the races I saw, but I will always remember the kindness and maturity exhibited by these two young swimmers.

I also talked to some of our swimmers at practice after the meet feeding off residual pride in their accomplishments. One swimmer asked me if the pool in Olney was the same size as ours, and was surprised to find out that they were indeed the same. I swam the whole 25 without taking a breath, he said, and I can never do that here. Well, maybe you were excited and working for your relay and team mates, I replied. He thought for a moment and said, I think I finally kicked harder. Sometimes the youngest swimmers come up with the best coaching statements.

All in all the FISH would like to thank all the families who participated, and all the swimmers who have been working so hard to make this a Championship to remember.

The first question really should be, "Why should I help the Swim Team?"  I'm going to work on that one first, because in the five years since I wrote the first edition of "Parent, Coach, and Athlete", I have come to realize that the answer for many people is not clear, as I thought it was at that time.  In learning this, I have also come to be much more appreciative of the clubs that I have coached with, because the question never came up at either of them!

By Coach Norm

Michael has been swimming with the FISH for 8 years and he has accomplished a lot.  Michael says he was able to learn what true commitment and hard work really are once he moved into the Awesome FISH group and started training with our Head Coach Ray Benecki.  In the fall, Michael was able to sign with South Carolina University and will be receiving 70% of his tuition in scholarship money.  He was awarded these scholarships due his good grades in school and his excellent talent in the pool.  Michael was not sure where he wanted to attend college and USC was not on the top of his list. After the coaches from USC showed continued interest through phone calls and emails, they invited him on an official visit to the campus and Michael was convinced, he belonged at USC.  The USC team was everything he ever wanted.