Division II

So DII's finally happened. It is a meet that I have been focusing on, worrying about, preparing for, planning around since we all got back in the pool in the beginning of January. Quite honestly I was concerned that I couldn't get the kids back in shape and more importantly back in racing shape in a little over a month. So I developed a cyclical training plan, much like the one the swimmers on the Race Club use.

But no plan can ever work without consistency and commitment from parents and kids. We had that, and for that reason we found success.

DII's was overall a very positive meet. There were best times left and right. Alot of kids keep nudging closer to JO cuts, while others are just getting into the sport and are slowly becoming "pros." Kids were cheering, parents were cheering, and kids were swimming great. On the first day of the meet 5 of our 9 swimmers made the finals. In the finals we had 5 top three finishers, which means we brought back 5 medals. On the second day of the meet there were 10 swimmers and 7 made finals. A even better day because we had 2 JO cuts, and 3 top three finishers.

I also think we learned a lot of good lessons. I know that alot of kids that made finals had to figure out how to swim fast in the morning, make adjustments, and then swim faster at night. This is probably the most important lesson for anyone that ever wants to have a lot of success in the sport. I also think kids see the importance of focusing on the small things during workout. The goal now is to spend practice time becoming efficient in areas we were not. Becoming purposeful.

We have JO's this upcoming weekend so I am very excited. The trick for those kids is to fine tune everything and not change too much. It will be my goal to decide the balance between that adjustment, and a big correction. A lot of race simulation combined with low aerobic work. I am confident regardless. Not becasue of my training plan but becasue of these swimmer's commitment to be fast. That is always the most important thing.

I would also like to give a shout out to our parents who officiated the second day of the meet. I was the other one standing in the sun all day and I must say I appreciate your efforts. It is funny that for such a small team not only are we brining home a lot of the medals, but we are also keeping the meet alive.

I want to have another parents meeting in March. I am thinking the middle of March but do not have a specific date as of yet. These next few monthes will gear us up for the summer, and things must be discussed. Keep checking for updates...see you at the pool!