only with the number of time drops, but the amount of the drops.  I was so proud of the team  - and the swimmers should be very proud of themselves!!

 

The York meet was an exciting meet, but for me what was more exciting was the practices following that meet.  The swimmers were training very well throughout the season and the weeks leading up to the York meet.  But following the success of the meet the teams’ attitude seemed to be “If training hard helped me swim fast, what will happen if I train even harder!” (cont’d on page 4!)

We are halfway through the season and the holidays are just around the corner.  I couldn’t be happier with the team and the progress the swimmers have made.  It seems like only yesterday it was 70 degrees, the season was just starting and the practices consisted of mainly stroke drills and lectures on technique.

 

As weeks have gone by we slowly increased the intensity of the workload to where we are now during some impressive training.  I hope the swimmers are as excited as I am with their accomplishments in practice.

 

We spent a lot of time in the beginning of the season on stroke work.  As we went through the strokes I explained why we use the technique and drills for each one.  I believe a swimmer will make more of an effort to make a stroke change if they know the reason for the technique.  I believe the time spent on stroke work in the

beginning of the season was well worth it.  I’ve seen vast improvement in the swimmers mechanics at practice and at the meets.  Our practices focus more on training now, but we will continue to review technique during the workouts.

 

I have been very impressed with the way our swimmers have been practicing.  Just like the drills, I explain to the swimmers why we do the sets and what we are trying to accomplish.  Every set is designed to work on an event and to help the swimmer lean how to swim the race.  The sets are not just a hodgepodge of swims and kicks to fill the practice time.  Again, I believe if the athlete knows why they are doing a set – they are going to be more willing to do it right.

 

Our concentration on technique and hard work is already paying off.  The team’s performance at the York meet was OUTSTANDING.  Not

Bob’s Byline

Chris’s Corner

I would like to thank everyone for choosing the Wheaton Swim Club as their team of choice.  The coaching staff is privileged to have your families as members.  I am in the unique position to work with swimmers in all groups and I am having a blast getting to know and work with everyone. 

 

Bronze Group.  As the head coach of the bronze group I can tell you that I have never seen a group improve in such a short period of time.  The Bronze group is mastering the Individual Medley and has learned how to use the

pace clock during the past couple of weeks.  It was my pleasure to promote Bob Patschke, Alden Marton, Patrick Potts and Loriale Georgitisis to the Silver Group where I am sure they are already tearing up the pool at practice.

 

New Bronze Members. I would also like to welcome those swimmers promoted from the competitive lesson group from session two.  Please help welcome Julia Bergman, Blake Bond, Kendall Bond, Kevin Carney, William Gieser, Elisa Levine, Lauren Liebman, Bridget Phipott, Kelly

Potts, Nell Rosenthal, and Julia Uchlyama to our team.  I am looking forward to you first swim meet.

 

Competitive Lessons.  The Competitive Lesson Group is reloading for session #3 with 8 swimmers already signed up for the group.  The group will take a maximum of 15 swimmers for the session.  If you or someone you know is interested in participating in competitive lessons please contact us at coaches@wheatonswimming.com.

 

Tips for Bronze Swimmers (cont’d on page 4!)

THE WAVE: The Official Newsletter of the Wheaton Swim Club

December, 2004

Volume 1, Issue 1

The Wave

Items of Interest in This Issue:

· Our Team’s Practice Philosophy, Information, and Updates

· College Swimming: everything you want to know about swimming in college (the first of a multi-part story)

· How to Stay Informed: The Six Lines of Communication

· Swimming Lessons and Competitive Lessons Information

· Home Meet Information

Bob Strube receives his award for National Coach of the Year