YMCA National Swimming and Diving Championships

 

Reports of WSY National Team

YMCA Nationals in Fort Lauderdale

written by Coach Mike

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Hit Counter

Saturday, April 5 (11pm)  Here is some of the video from our final Team Meeting of the Nationals 2008 experience

Saturday, April 5 (12:18pm)  OK, so yes I slept in today after a long evening of fast swimming, and then we had the swimmers and their parents get together here are our team hotel.  After a long week of swimming it was great to relax and have the parents stop by our hotel.  I must again thank the WSY parents that came down to the meet for all of their support.  I hear their are plans in the works for some parent training sessions to prepare for the Parent Relay at next years National Meet (here again is this years video).  Right now all of the swimmers are down on the beach taking advantage of their "free day", and in a few hours we will have our final team meeting where we will have our graduating seniors talk about their last national experience, and then it will be time to recognize our current Juniors who will be the leaders of this team next year as we again come back here to Fort Lauderdale.  Later tonight we will then have annual trip to Dave and Busters........now on to the fast swimming from last night:

We started off the night with the girls mile (video).  Last year Leah set the National record with a very tight race for the entire mile, no such luck this year.  She knew should would have a race for the first 500, and actually it turned out that her closest competitor stay with her for about 900 yards, and then Leah cruised for the final 650 yards for the National Championship.  Claire got 9th place from her great swim earlier in the day.  As Leah will be graduating we will be looking to Claire and other WSY swimmers that are willing to step up to hold down the 500 plus events at Nationals, so congratulations to Claire for her efforts.  After the mile it was on to the sprint relays. WSY had both a men's and women's relay in the top 8 (Video in bit) (Women's Results - Men's Results).  Always a fun relay, the WSY swimmers scored very well in this event.  Leah and Emily were up next in the 200 Fly.  This was Emily's first Top 8 swim at Short Course Nationals and WOW did she step up and keep with our (Last Day-Fast Day).  Em went 2:05.07, improving to a lifetime best from her time at prelims.  We will be counting on Emily and others to continue our scoring on the 200 fly event over the next few years, so GREAT JOB EM!!!  Leah had a great race again in this event, (video) here last individual event at Y Nationals in her career.  She had already swim the mile and the 200 free relay, but as we all know she loves this "double", and always rises to the challenge.  As a coach, there was no doubt she would be under this National record.  She had some great competition and after 8 lengths, dropped a 1:56.75 on the scoreboard (old National Record 1:57.91).  Leah now holds the 200 fly, 400 IM, and Mile Y National record).  On the Men's side we had Harry swim a great 200 fly as well.  Harry went 1:56, not quite as fast as his 1:53 from the morning, however his best time coming into the meet was 1:57, so this was a success to Harry.  Next up was Alie Zelenky in her first National final at night in the 100 breastroke.  In the AM, Alie swam a lifetimes best in the 100 breastroke, and WSY was on a roll right now with best times.  Alie stepped it up and went another lifetime best time of 1:06.41.  I can not tell you what it does to a swimmers confidence when you can come to this four day meet, and on the last night of finals jump in the water and swim your life time best time.  Alie was determined, had the confidence of her team behind her, and showed herself what continued focus and hard work can do for you.  Final events of the meet were the 400 Medley Relays.  Guys were in the consol heat (Video), and swim faster that we did in the AM to finish 11th, and the girls finished 5th.  Overall we finished 4th as a team (scores) with the girls finishing 4th, and the boys 11th. 

As a team we accomplished on of our goals of having 10 relays swim at night, and the meet really became much more competitive this year (in comparison to other years).  We had many lifetime best times, many confidence builders, as well as countless memories that will last a lifetimes of these athletes.  Special Thanks to Coach Scott and Kristin for all of their help this week, as well as all of the swimmers and parents back home for your countless emails and texts to help your team here in Fort Lauderdale.  We are less that 360 days until we return to Fort Lauderdale for another WSY National Meet experience.  What swimmers will join us for this experience??  The challenge is out to all of you.  Thanks again for following............as we move on!!!  GO WSY!!!!!!  See you all at the WSY Awards Banquet next Sunday

Friday, April 4 (2:18pm)  Remember what I said last night????  Last Day - Fast Day......WOW is all I can saw.  WSY made some serious ground in the positioning for Top 3 in the Team Standings.  Claire swam a lifetime best in here mile (17:03, which will score Top 16, and possibly Top 8).  Leah will swim her mile tonight, an event where she currently hold the National record.  Both the Men's and Women's 200 free relays made the Top 8,  Emily had a SUPER 200 fly where she placed herself in the Top 8, as well as Leah's "favorite double", swimming the mile and 200 fly within 90 minutes.  Harry went his lifetime best by about 6 seconds in the 200 fly, and he will swim tonight.  Alie Zelenky swam a faster time that she did at High School States to secure the 16th place spot for tonight (her first individual evening swim at Y Nationals).  The Girls Medley (where we are the defending National Champion) will swim in the Top 8, and the Boy's Medley is the first seed in the bottom 8 for tonight.  Today was our most successful day to date.  After our wake-up swim at the pool, we said the four important WSY words LAST DAY-FAST DAY, and your team mates responded so well, when many other teams at this meet are fading fast.  We have one more session tonight, where traditionally we have our best performances.  The team spirit will be high as we move to accomplish our Team Goal of a Top 3 finish.  Remember, Real Time Results are here.  The team is mentally ready, and psyched for tonight.  Those that are not swimming will be providing the support for those that are swimming.  This will be a 100% team effort, and we will be prepared.  I will get the results and video up as soon as possible tonight...........GO WSY!!!!

Received this email from Erin today:

Hey Mike,
 
Just wanted to wish everyone good luck on your last day at nationals.  Looks like there have been a lot of really awesome swims.  WSY is doing great.
 
They just took the cover off of the outdoor pool at Penn State this week.  We'll be swimming in it "as soon as it's warm enough."  I hafta say, I wouldn't mind swimming in florida right now.
 
I can't believe that you got the van towed...no wait, actually, I can believe it.  I had to laugh when I read that.  Anyways, enjoy the last few days in florida.
 
GO WSY!

Erin

Thursday, April 3 (11:48pm)  Can't say I have any type of drama tonight such as towed vans, and I got smart and put on my headphones and my IPod, so now I do not have to listed to Coach Scott (I am certain my lawn mower makes less noise that Coach Scott's snoring......).  TODAY, WSY came to the meet to race.  We had some super swims, and not just in the actual meet.  In the time trial session between prelims and finals, Julia Brownrigg went a 2:10.99, (previous best time 2:17.05) and Jess Feldish went 2:12.79 (previous best time 2:13.06) in the 200 backstroke.  The morning was filled with some awesome swims, from relays to some lifetime bests in the 200 backstrokes, as well as 400 IM's and 100 free's.  Full Results of today (prelims and finals) may be found here.  Swimming in tonight's finals were Lauren Schmittle in the 100 free,(video) Steven (video) and Leah in the 400 IM.  Leah had a great race in the 400 IM finishing with her best time of 4:13.00 and breaking the national record in the process.  Here is the Floswimming.org video.  We have the video from both the WSY video staff (James Buck, and Adam Wenner) and FloSwimming.org throughout the night.

We had some exciting races in the 800 free relays (which most WSY Alum, and current WSY swimmers know is my all time favorite relay).  The girls got 2nd with some outstanding splits (video), and the WSY Men's 800 free (video) was equally as impressive at 5th place.  The 800 free relays takes not only great swimming but a good amount of mental toughness.  In the end WSY swimmers swam very well in both relays under the lights here in Fort Lauderdale.  After three days of competition, we are in 4th place as a team (scores here), and 3rd place is very attainable.  As all WSY Alumni from the last 6-8 years know, we have saying at this meet Last Day - Fast Day.  WSY ALWAYS swims lights out on the last day.  We have two relays for both the men's team and women's team, plus the mile, 200 fly, and the 100 breastroke.  Tomorrow is 100% mental.  If you put the work in over the last 27 weeks, that will account for 50% of your success tomorrow, BUT the remainder will be totally mental.  You must be mentally tough on Friday.  No room to doubt yourself, and just how deep can you dig within yourself for the results we need as a team.  Stay with us for one more day, as these 17 swimmers need every bit of your support.  We have always been able to finish off the meet with faster swims than we started.  We have some big swims tomorrow, and the expectation is high of our swimmers. 

I really need to thank all of the WSY parents that are down here providing support, taking pictures for me to post as well as having fun with the swimmers. Keep up the great cheering!!  I will do my best to make a mid day Friday post on here.  As always results and video will be updated as we get them.  Here is a great email from Allison Luttermosr (Queen WSY Relay swimmer)

Hello, 2008 National Team! I am jealous to hear that the weather is so freaking warm down there. Blacksburg weather is kind of nuts. Yesterday it was 77 and today it is around 45 degrees. I am loving hearing about getting there bright and early for the wake-up swims, and the pictures are awesome! I saw the "Run, Forrest, Run" signs and I laughed because I was just there a few months ago while on Training Trip. The exact restaurant! Mike, you always were great with that kind of stuff. Speaking for myself and other WSY Alumni, it is so nice to be able to watch you guys as the week goes on. I'm 21 years old, the last time I swam in Fort Lauderdale was three years ago. To this day, I've still been in contact with many other WSY swimmers that have gone off to college. Just the other day, Tricia and I were talking and she said to me, "I wish we were there, those were the good old days!" You guys are so lucky and talented. If you have a bad swim, dust it off. Go out there and show them all what you are made of. Do it for the people sitting behind computer screens watching as the action goes on in Fort Lauderdale. I wish I was there in person to watch all of you as the success unfolds. GOOD LUCK AND GO GET 'EM!!!!!!

Allison Luttermoser                 P.S. GO HOKIES!

Wednesday, April 2 (11:45pm)  First lesson of the evening.....Do not park a van in an area that says "tow away zone".  OK, some of you are saying "Mike will never learn"  as yes this happened to me before, but as Coach Scott and I were out searching for my van (yes we found it), Coach Kristin took care of getting the athletes dinner, and in their rooms.  All is well, everyone is asleep, and as usual, Coach Scott is snoring away behind me as I type this.

We had another awesome day for the WSY Swimmers.  We had some learning experiences during the prelim session today as we had a few "missed opportunities" for finals this evening.  Two items we talked about in our team meeting were the two areas that you must have to compete at the remainder of this meet (2 days).  Number 1 - Honesty.  Have you been honest with yourself over the last 27 weeks in training.  Did you put in all of the work at practice or did you "cut corners".  It will all come out over the next few days if you did.  Number 2 is Mental - If you were honest with yourself in practices than you must have the mental confidence to finish this grueling meet.  At no time can you doubt yourself, nor can you question anything you are doing.  You must "lay it on the line" and give every race everything you have.....there is no room for any doubts.  Keeping these two items in mind your WSY swimmers will continue to swim well over the next two days.  In tonight's finals both Harry (who swam a lifetime best time in his 100 fly) and Emily swam well in their 100 fly's.  Claire scored in the 1000 free (with another lifetime best time), The girls relay got 2nd (after a very powerful Sarasota team), and the men after "laying on the line" and giving everything they had, swimming a very fast 3:07, got DQ'd for an early takeoff.  This is part of this meet.  Starts are important and at times we are "a bit quick".  No worries.....we will move on.  At the time I am typing this entry, the meet website is down, and that is where I am "linking" for all of the results, so I am not even sure how we are doing team wise.  I feel confident we are still in the Top 5-6 in the overall team score.  We still have two big days remaining, and the West Shore YMCA swimmers are bonding well down here and continue to get faster as each day passes.  It was a bit warmer today (86 degrees), and the forecast calls for close to 90's the remainder of the week, so hydration, and sunscreen are a big priority.

We had some special guests at the meet tonight, so I could not resist spending some time with 3-time Olympian Gary Hall Jr.  As you can see he is a fan of the long side burns.  He is always great to talk with, and after I got done talking with him he was hounded for many autographs.  Here is to wishing Gary luck on his quest for 4th Olympic Team this Summer.

We also had the Annual Parents 100 Yard Medley Relay, and the video is here.  The relay consisted of Kim Kinsey, Tina Gingrich, Forrest Kinsey, and Paula Loht as the anchor on the end.  The video is being uploaded over night, and you will all be impressed with the swimming skills of these four WSY parents.  I am signing off for now, as again it is up at 4:30am for me.........more as soon as I can

Tuesday, April 1 (11:58pm)  Quick Blog update here as it is very late and my 4:30am wake up call come very fast.  We had an AWESOME night #1 at the 2008 Y Nationals.  We saw some "Step Up" swims by all of your WSY teammates representing your team in Ft Lauderdale.  Full Results of today are here, and as you can see we have a tight race for one of our goals (Top 3) in the Team Scoring.  Everyone is sleeping now ( including Coach Scott....right behind me, and let me tell you he snores loud......hope he does not read this.  Wednesday is another big day for us, and after our team meeting today all of the athletes are ready to once again show their WSY pride.  I will try to be more detailed tomorrow after prelims.  I have uploaded video from Day 1 finals here.  Garrett at FloSwimming is also capturing video of each of the races at finals.  You can view that site here.    Here are some emails I have received in the last few hours:

Hey everybody!!!!
 
This is going to be short and sweet.... MAN UP (as sammie would say) and swim your fastest. I love you all and wish I was there cheering you on! Good luck with your upcoming swims and represent the team well!!!
 
Love always,
Ashy
 
2-4-6-8-WEST SHORE Y

Dear awesome Nats team,

I am so jealous of you right now...not being able to be in Florida or Y nats...its depressing! Yall did well this morning and I know ya will be able to keep it up throughout the week...you are all so very strong mentally and physically! The moments and swims you have here are ones you will remember for the rest of your life...so have fun and enjoy!

I will tell you that I have been swimming for a long time and this year I have learned so much about swimming. It's so mental you will learn this if you have not already. And ya just need to go out there and have confidence in knowing you can rock it, and you will!

Good Luck to each and everyone of you! GOOOOOO WSY!

Kayla Renee (Xena)

PS-Don't let Mike get to you if hes on your back, he just wants the best for each and every one of you!

HI EVERYONE

I have been thinking about you guys a lot....I wish I was there with you.  I hope you are having fun and swimming great. I will check the results later. GOOD LUCK TO EVERYONE!!! See you when you get home.

Love ya,

Karlee

Tuesday, April 1 (2pm)  It was very important for us to start this first prelim session off with a HUGE spark, and the WSY swimmers lived up to it.  From the time we arrived at the pool at 5:45am today, WSY swimmers were on fire.  In 10 years I can't remember a first day prelim that we positioned ourselves so well for finals.  As I mentioned previously, this meet is so mental, and if we have a great first day prelim session, the ball continues to roll, and WSY swimmers will continue to swim well.  There is so much team support at this meet, and that is what keeps the team going.  Eric started the day off with a lifetime best in the 500 free.....one of the best swims of the AM.  Leah and Claire (first time in big final for Claire) had super swims and set up the team for a good amount of points in the Championship heat of the 500 free.  Steph and Kevin made it back in the 100 backstroke, and Steven made it back in the 200 IM.  Sprinter Lauren, after coming off a double gold medal winning performance at high school states, made it back for a night swim in the 50 free.  In looking forward to our main goal for the week of 10 relays swimming at night, both boys and girls 200 medley's made it back in the big final.

As we will be discussing at our team meeting at 3pm, the importance of setting the tone on Day 1 is HUGE!!!!  Mentally the team is on fire right now, and it is very important that we keep that momentum going.  Thanks again for all of the emails, and texts.  I do get the texts, however it is tough for me to answer them during the meet.  Finals start this evening at 6pm.  As always, real time results are here.  More Later.  GO WSY!!!!!  Here is an email from a current WSY parent

I had to send out a e-mail just saying THANKS to you and your coaches. Since my oldest daughter was 5 I had the chance to be part of several different programs that you have had over the years. I have heard advice that you have given not just to your swimmers but to us parents as well. I will remember one important statement that you made, "I don't want to see a superstar at 8, I want to see a kid who loves the sport and wants to swim when they are 16 or older" I may not have the exact words but I'm sure you get the jest. You certainly have a group of great swimmers that truly are superstars and still love to swim. Congratulations!
Tell your swimmers that everyone back here is rooting hard for them. People that they may not even know are praying for them to do their best. Good Luck WSY and make Central Pa Proud!!!!!

Monday, March 31 (9:30pm)  Received a great email from Tricia.  I will read this to the team in the AM:

National Team,

I'm so sad that I can't be there in sunny Fort Lauderdale with yall right now. This morning while I was swimming outside I thought of you guys and how yall were probably bobbing up and down or doing some WSY cheer that I miss. I still cant believe that I'm not there. I went to nationals for five years and every time I had so much fun. Even though some years I didn't do as well I wanted, I still had the time of my life. Every single one of you should do the same. You know that when you have fun you will swim better...you will swim more relaxed and with ease. I can't really recall every swim that I had but I do remember some fun times. For example Alutts pushing Sam in the shower, NATASHA, the numerous trips to Dave and Busters, and our 400 medley relay was the bomb.

I think one big thing I learned at Tennessee this year was to swim with determination, belief, and confidence. Stand up straight and be proud that you're apart of this National Team. West Shore is known for their presence on the pool deck down there in FL. Carry yourself with the up most dignity because you are representing THE west shore y. Give it your all and if it doesn't work out as planned, shake it off and don't dwell on it; put your focus back on the team and be ready for your next race.

If anytime you have any doubts in yourself look towards the team to help you. Look to the person next to you now and know they will give their all. Remember that look and when you're behind the blocks and do it for your team. Your team will always be behind you...literally and figuratively. Know that this team will bring their all to the pool everyday and know that this team swims for the past, present and future of West Shore Y.

I'll be looking forward to see how yall are doing in Fort Lauderdale. I will be there in spirit.

Finally to the seniors on this team...this is it!...your last shot at Y nats!! Live it up!!! Go out with a bang! (Maybe even a cannon..do it Mike BAWOOOSSHH!!)

But really....Lets go West Shore!!! and as my favorite cheer says...

2-4-6-8 WEST SHORE Y!!!

Best of luck,

TEW

P.S. Be good because if you don't, Mike will hire a security guard to watch you guys. annnddd One little shout out...Be one fast Weaner, Emily.

Monday, March 31 (8pm)  Today was it......final day of preparation before we begin in the morning.  We had a great workout in the morning.  Today we swam the warm-up that we will be swimming every morning during the competition.  We are in the water by 6am, and swim until about 7am.  Then it is back to the hotel for breakfast until 8:30am.  Prelims begin at 9am each day.  After we had breakfast today we saw another South Florida rain storm come through.  No thunder and lightning, simply a 45 minute downpour.  Coach Scott got caught while he was on his morning run.  We had a great team meeting today where we heard Steven and Eric give great "Thoughts of the Day.  We went over a few technical aspects of the meet, talked about possible "pitfalls" that could happen, and how best to plan for them.  We discussed how important it is for all WSY swimmers to get up and swim fast the first morning.  We need to set the tone of the meet with the very first prelim session.  The 100 back and 500 free are the first events, and this meet is no place for slow swims in the morning (if you want to get a night swim).  We discussed plans for heavy rain, and how important hydration and protein are at this meet.  I think as I type this, I have 15 cases of water sitting here, all of which will be gone by Wednesday (hotel water down here is not the best, so we need to plan for that).  Dinner tonight was from Dough Boys, where we order our meals each evening.  Everyone had a great dinner, and is now relaxing prior to the first big day.  I must admit, the team is very relaxed and is "ready for the show".  90% of having great swims down here is mental.  You need to remain positive, and mentally sharp for 4 days.  There is no room to doubt your training or your strengths.  As I mention at many meets, the "power of team" is very important.  There is nothing more motivational than having one of your WSY teammates give you a pat on the back after a swim.  Having said that, I am going to sign off for the evening.  Coach Kristin arrives from Mechanicsburg later this evening (she had to teach today), so I will go to the airport about midnight to pick her up, and then our coaching staff and swimmers are complete.  We awake at 5am on Tuesday ready for the great challenges that lie before us.  As I mention every year, there is so much greatness in this meet.  Many memories and friendships are made and developed at this meet, and every WSY swimmer leaves the meet with a new view on what it means to be part of this team.  I will leave you with a few emails I have received over the last day:

Good luck to everyone. I hope you swim fast and get good times. Anna Banana Schmittle
 
Hope you're having a good time. I wish I was in Florida. It's cold and raining here. Good luck and swim fast. GO WSY! Emily Schmittle

Hi Coach Mike,

 
Hope that everyone is nice and warm in South Florida... it's raining and in the 40's here this morning!  Wanted to wish all West Shore Y swimmers  the best of luck !  Go for your PR's and know that we are thinking of you and that we are very proud of all of you!
 
Try to keep Coach Mike and Coach Scott out of trouble this week as well!
 
See you soon,
 
Coach Alyson and all of AGA !
 I found this saying and i know that Julia will know it. but its a really good saying and I was wondering if that maybe sometime this week you could mention it?
Tell the kids i said good luck and swim fast. WEAR SUNSCREEN and make sure they wear it on there face. haha
anyways here is the saying

"People don't play sports because it's fun. Ask any athlete, most of them hate it, but they couldn't imagine their life without it. It's part of them, the love-hate relationship. It's what they live for. They live for the practices, the attention, the criticism, parties, cheers, long bus rides, countless pairs of different types of shoes, under the lights, water, Gatorade, & coaches you hate but appreciate. They live for the way it feels when you beat the swimmer next to you by .01, & you know those 2 extra sprints you swam in practice and those extra sets in the weight room were worth it. They live for the way you become a family with your team, they live for the countless songs you sing in your head when your swimming all those laps. They live for the competition, they live for the friends, the practices, the memories, the pain, its who they are. It's who we are. It's who I am."

thank you,
Puddy

Sunday, March 30 (9pm)  We had a simple yet great evening workout.  We were on the final part of the workout when a South Florida storm rolled through.  It looks like we may have some problems with weather issues this week.  It has been a few years since we have had to deal with weather issues, but all of the WSY swimmers are ready for it.  We ended workout about 10 minutes early, and then went back to the hotel to get ready for our Team Dinner at Bubba Gumps.  Everyone had fun and we had a good amount to eat.  The athletes are now in their rooms resting up for another day.  We have one more "prep day" on Monday before the meet begins.  We will again have two workouts on Monday, and after that.......the meet will be in full gear on Tuesday AM.  Wake Up call is 5:20am, so I am going to sign off for the evening.  Thanks for all of the emails to the team.  We read them each day at the Team Meetings.  More tomorrow

Sunday, March 30 (9am)  6am.......WSY was the first team in the water.  Those WSY Alum should  be proud to know that this tradition remains alive.  We had a super workout today.  Coach Scott commented to me how fast the teams looks.  We even saw Harry drop a 1:47 200 freestyle on one of the sets we did in our AM workout today.  It was a very warm morning in South Florida.  After a few cups of coffee, I walked out on our sun deck of the hotel at 4:55am and it felt like it was Summer.  Before we departed Pennsylvania we talked about how cool the South Florida mornings can be, so all of the team members planned accordingly with fleece jackets, and wool hats, however most were not needed today.  The sun continues to shine.  Our plan for the day is here

Saturday, March 29, 2008  After an 8am flight we arrived in Fort Lauderdale at 11am, jumped in the vans, and were on our way to the hotel.  After we arrived at the hotel, we had Subway subs waiting, which was great as most of the team had not eaten since they left home earlier today.  The temperature here is about 88 degrees, and sunny.  We had a brief team meeting where we heard Claire and Alie give the Thought for the Day.  After the team meeting, the team went to the pool for a 90 minute workout.

Our first order from Dough Boys was great for dinner.  The team is slowly "winding down" as we have a 6am wake up swim in the morning.  We still have two more days of training until the meet begins on Tuesday........hope the weather Pennsylvania is warm!!

 

Sunday, March 23, 2008  Well another YMCA Short Course Nationals is almost here.  We are less than a week away from one of the most exciting times of the year.  Most of the major meets throughout the USA have been completed for the year including all of the High School and College conference and National meets.  All of our WSY Alumni are now looking to following (from their dorm rooms) the YMCA National Short Course Championships.  I talk to WSY alumni that are now out of college and they still talk about their remembrances of the Y National meet.  I was at a meet over the weekend where one of our WSY Alum's who is now 28 years old, and he could still remember Y Nationals like it was yesterday.  It is amazing the effect this meet leaves on our swimmers.  The week fill be filled with fun memories that I will attempt to capture for you each evening as I fill you in on the days highlights.  This year we have 17 WSY athletes that are part of our 2008 WSY National Team.  Each one of these athletes will be working toward our team goals.  One of the goals I gave to the athletes was all 10 relays (5 men's and 5 women's) swim at night.  We came close last year to accomplishing this, but came up a bit short.......so the goal is back on the table.  We have set the bar high this year, and I know every athlete on this trip will raise their level to meet the challenge

We have one week of practice remaining until we depart on Saturday (3/29).  As expected, the meet looks to be very fast, and your WSY teammates will do everything they can to represent your team well.  This meet will be the last Y Nationals for several of our WSY swimmers who will be moving on to college in the fall.  HOWEVER before we can call it their final meet, We have some fast swimming to do. We will keep everyone posted with as much blogging, pictures, and video as possible in order to capture the fun this week will provide.

Feel free to email us while we are at the meet, as those of you that have been here before know, we read all of those emails in our daily team meetings.  If you have not yet seen the psych sheets, they are available here.  If we can meet the goal of all 10 relays having night swims, we should be able to score in the Top 3 as a team.  The swimmers are ready.  There is a certain level of expectation when you are representing WSY at a National Level meet, and all of the swimmers understand that expectation.

GO WSY!!!!!