Reports from Swim International 2007

Brantford, Ontario

Canada

written by Coach Mike

 

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Sunday 11/11/07  11:30pm

Swim International 2007 has come to an end.  We finished today with some great swims, some lifetime best times, and some Top 3 finishes.  Carrigan Eckels swam to a first place finish in the 100 freestyle.  We had many time drops in the 12 and under session, which is great as most of these swimmers are now very tired and looking forward to a good night of rest.  After this evenings finals, where Steph Kinsey swam the 100 breastroke and 100 backstroke, we ventured to Moose Winooskies for our Annual team dinner.  It is amazing to hear just how many new things each person learned about each other.  Many of these swimmers (and parents for that matter) did not know each other well prior to this trip.  At our team dinner each swimmer was asked to stand up in front of the group (a big task in itself) and give one example of some thing they learned about one of their WSY team mates.  We had some interesting conversation.  We gave out the awards earned by all swimmers, handed out the pins handed out by the meet host, and had a great dinner. 

Tomorrow (Monday) will be a quick trip to the Canadian side of Niagara Falls, a quick lunch and then back to Camp Hill.  Not sure what customs will bring on the way home.  On the ride into Canada, it was easy.  Everyone had their proper documentation, and we got through in about 15 minutes.  We shall see if we get back into the USA with the same.  Most will sleep on the bus ride back home, some will take care of some homework, and others will think about all of the great times they had on this trip.  We are planning a 2008 trip, and gave that commitment to our meet hosts.  Another Swim International is in the books, and many memories were made.  As one WSY parent commented (who did not have someone on the trip....just a good luck email to the team)  "no matter what good swim or bad always make sure you are having fun and learn something from every swim - good and especially bad. Good luck on the last day and have a blast, there will be things that you remember that won't have anything to do with swimming."

Thanks to Coach Kim and Louise for their great support on the trip, thanks to all of the WSY parents for their support, and how could we forget Bus Driver Bob who was willing to do anything we needed.......signing off from another successful WSY Travel Meet.........Mike

Saturday 11/10/07  9:30pm

Hello to everyone.  We had some great swims today, with most of the team being at the meet for the first time.  The day began at 6:30am, when the 13 and over group got up, had breakfast in the "Team Room", and then was off to warm-ups and ready for an 8am meet start.  Today's swims were good, with lessons learned in every race.  Part of the Swim International meet is the new friendships that are developed within the team.  During the AM session, Garrett, Jeremy, Matt, Zack, Julia, Steph, Kim, Karlee, and Megan supported each other with every race.  It was great to see the team support within this group.  As the AM session would down, in came the 12 and under session.  Overall this session saw some of the 10 & Unders swim 200's of strokes for the first times, and many WSY swimmers achieving best meter times in their events.  The meet moves along very fast, so it is important to race hard, get in the warm-down pool, and then get back up for your next event.  At the conclusion of the day, we had a brief team meeting in the WSY Team room, where we discussed individual goals that were achieved, talked about hydration (even in the cold north you need to keep hydrated), and getting your rest.  One of my goals as a coach is for each swimmer to return home and not get sick in anyway, which is always hard in the early winter being in a close group for 3-4 days, but with taking care of yourself, eating properly, and lots of liquids, we can do it.

Tomorrow brings another day of accomplishing goals.  We will end the day with our annual visit to Moose Winooskies......more later

Friday 11/9/07  2:30pm

Well we made it.  Great bus ride, and we have an hour to relax before our first team meeting.  Almost reminds me of Seattle up here.  Temperature is in the low 40's and very grey sky's.  Team meeting at 3pm, and depart for warm-ups at 3:30pm......more later

Thursday evening 11/8/07  10:45pm

Well here we are again, the night before another Canada meet.  As I sit here (and all of you that have been on this trip know....yes Mike always waits until the last minute to do his packing, and then has to get his coffee ready for the morning), it seems like just yesterday that we were back in Brantford last year.  I honestly can not believe that another year has gone past as we are once again getting ready for another trip up north.  I was trying to figure out exactly how many trips I have made to the Swim International.  I feel certain that this will be at least my 15th trip (one or two of them as a swimmer at WSY), and each trip seems to get better.  I was looking through very old pictures today from Canada trips of the 90's where most of those kids are now out of college and in the "professional world".  In talking with those "WSY Alum", each has their own story about Canada.  I get many offers for chaperone's from those kids.  Found a few old pictures from those trips, that I thought you may enjoy:

 

Anyway, we will be departing at 5am in the morning for the great bus ride to Brantford.  Yes....we still stop at the same places.  The meet looks very fast this year, and we hope to bring the USA spirit to Brantford........more later