January 2014 - Scottsdale Aquatic Club

January 2014
SCOTTSDALE
AQUATIC CLUB
@ScottsdaleSwim
facebook.com/ScottsdaleAquaticClub
UPCOMING EVENTS:
AZM Dual Meet Champs: Jan 18-20th, PCDS pool
Austin Grand Prix: Jan 17-19th, Austin, TX
SAC Winter Invite: Jan 24-26th, Cactus pool
PHX Wintter Invite: Feb 14th-17th, Phoenix Swim Club
Important Dates to Remember
SC Regional Meet
Cactus Pool
Feb 21st-23rd, 2014
SC Regional
Supplemental meet
Cactus Pool
Feb 22nd-23rd, 2014
This is a qualifying meet!
Please see website for
details
This is an NTS meet for all
swimmers NOT qualified
for Regional’s. See
website for details!
SC Senior State
SC Age Group State
Feb 27th- March 2nd,
2014
March 6th-9th, 2014
This is a qualifying meet!
Please see your coach and
the website for more details.
This is a qualifying meet!
Please see your coach and
the website for more
details.
Did you know?
Egyptians made a picture
or symbol for swimming
as far back as 2500AD!
HAPPY SWIMMING!!
Oro Valley Pool
SAVE THE DATE:
Saturday, April 20, 2014
A note from our coaches
National Group
We just completed a fantastic fall season! There were so many great things that happened for
SAC and our swimmers, it is hard to take it all in! At the High School State Championships, SAC
Swimmers dominated the podium! All four AZ High School “Swimmers of the Meet” (Female
and Male of both Division 1 and 2) were SAC swimmers. SAC swimmers were part of several
new AZ High School State Records, both in relays and individually. Ryan Hoffer also set a
National Age Group (NAG) Record in the 50 Free!
We followed that up with an outstanding team performance at Junior Nationals. We had our
highest finish ever at that meet, the boys finishing 4th and the team finishing 6th overall in
combined team scoring. Again, many new team and state records were set. Our Boys 200 Free
Relay set a new NAG Record in the 200 Free Relay and Hoffer was at it again, resetting the
NAG 50 Free Record and breaking the 100 Free NAG Record. All in all, a great week of
swimming!
In December, SAC was named a 2014 Gold Medal Club, our first time earning this recognition
as one of the TOP 20 clubs in the country! You can read more about the Club Excellence
Program later in the newsletter.
During the school holiday break, we had some great training. The things our athletes are doing
in the pool are amazing to watch. The energy and enthusiasm we see on a daily basis will
translate into some really fast swimming this spring. I’m excited for what lays ahead!!
This past week, I was invited to spend a week with the Cal-Berkeley Men’s Swim Team at the
Olympic Training Center in Colorado Springs. It was an amazing experience working with a
great team led by Coach Dave Durden. I got to work with a great group of swimmers that
included Nathan Adrian, Anthony Ervin, Tom Shields and Natalie Coughlin, as well as the
sprinters that were part of the college team, including SAC’s own Tyler Messerschmidt. When I
wrote a workout for this group of amazing athletes, they got to work and did a fantastic job!!
It was a lot of fun to watch.
After a week of working with Cal, I am even more convinced of how well our spring is going to
be. The type of work we are doing both in and out of the pool is very much on par with what
one of the top college programs is doing day in and day out.
GO SAC!!!
Pre-National!
Procrastination - The Killer of Dreams and Goals
“But I do my best work under pressure.” Really? You do your very
best when completely unprepared and under an enormous time
crunch? If you are a serious procrastinator, thinking, “Oh, I’ll
probably work harder/ do that tomorrow,” then you’d better be
willing to accept the greater statistical probability of mediocrity. This
holds for cleaning your room, writing an English paper and
swimming. There are many clichés spelling out the cons of procrastination:
“Someday is not a day of the week.” ― Janet Dailey
“A year from now you may wish you had started today.” ― Karen Lamb
“Only put off until tomorrow what you are willing to die having left undone” ― Pablo
Picasso
“If you choose to not deal with an issue, then you give up your right of control over the
issue and it will select the path of least resistance.” ― Susan Del Gatto
“You cannot escape the responsibility of tomorrow by evading it today.” ― Abraham
Lincoln
“Following the path of least resistance never leads down the road to greatness.” -- Coach
Laurel
Some genius people said these things! 
I realize that when you do what you’re supposed to when you’re supposed to and things
don’t pan out, there is an enormous sense of ‘what happened’. At least if you’ve taken
every opportunity to get the job done right, then you won’t be wondering, ‘what could
have happened’. Ask any good scientist, the more good data one has, the better
prepared one is to make a prediction regarding the outcome in a true and meaningful
way.
One thing is for sure, leaving your bag of tricks half empty makes for a pretty boring
magic show!
Blue Group!
Character - What does it look and sound like during practice?
Our team’s motto is T.E.A.M. - Together Everyone Achieves More - but what
does that mean? Standing up for one another, supporting each other, being at
least friendly, if not a friend, to your group and teammates, cheering for
EVERYONE not just your favorites are all good examples of T.E.A.M. These
are character traits of great athletes and humans. Being polite and respectful
toward each other, but also going beyond to help each other get through a
shared experience, like, a tough race or practice, this shows character. I
recently read a quote in the ASCA Newsletter, which really rings true with
coaches.
“Character will always have talent, but talent doesn’t always have
character”.
Every coach I’ve ever spoken to about this agrees - s/he would rather have 10
less talented but hard working athletes who are super teammates than one
diva, someone with a lot of talent but maybe not so much character.
We coaches are not just in the business of teaching great swimming, but
hopefully, teaching what it is to be a great person through the teaching of
swimming. For example, it’s ok to be proud of your accomplishments, but
everyone knows who’s the fastest, there’s no reason to announce your first
place finish to the wall. Instead, reach over the lane line and shake hands at
the end of a race or tell your teammate, “Great job, WE did it!” after a
challenging set. Your efforts toward character building make you a better
swimmer and person.
Coach Laurel
Gold Groupers!
Every week, as I coach you, I stand on the deck in awe and watch all of
you train. The dynamics of this entire group is one in a million. I guess
you could say I’m a little bit partial about my opinion about all of you.
However, I’ve coached for over 20 years and this has to be one of the
greatest assembled groups of age group swimmers training together.
The talent that is in this pool together is remarkable. We have State & FW
Champions and swimmers that are top 16 in the nation in their events.
The environment and energy level spells “success” for each and every one of you. The
times all of you have achieved this season is even more impressive. I wish all of you could
have an appreciation for each and every swimmer that is in this group. All of you contribute
to the dynamics of this group. Each and every one of you is helping each other to get to the
next level in your swimming.
I know when I was training, I had some really amazing groups of swimmers to train with.
Many were tops in the US and the world. As I look back on my career, I realize that I was
blessed to have amazing teammates to push me each and every day in workouts and
coaches to give me the great workouts I needed. As a swimmer you kind of take it for
granted. As you get older, you will appreciate all of this more and more.
Holiday training is one of the greatest gifts you can give to yourself. I know that sounds
kind of crazy, but it is. Holiday training makes you mentally tough. I remember there were
times when I didn’t think that I was going to be able to do another stroke I’d be so tired and
delirious. Learning to try to do everything perfect even when you’re exhausted will make it
all come together in your races. It’s magical how it all works. The other night many of you
were complaining about the waves in the water and how rough it was to workout. I told all
of you that you were doing great, and it will make you better racers. All of you will
appreciate the smooth, calm water when you race. It should really psych you up for your
races.
Once again, we are going to have an amazing season. I think we are going to have some
amazing times and performances at States that are going to be jaw dropping. I expect
nothing less from all of you. All of you are the best! GO SAC!
Bronze group!
It has been an amazing season so far with all of you. I wish I could run a video
for all of you to watch so you could all see the transformation of this entire
group and yourself. Every week, you continue to make major strides in your
swimming. I stand in awe on the deck as you are working out, and I am so
proud of how far all of you have come. I can’t wait for the meet in a few weeks
to watch all of you race. The improvements from each and everyone should be
remarkable.
Holiday training is such an important part of your swimming. We are so
fortunate to have long course water to train in over the break. As you progress
in your swimming career, you will find that Holiday training is one of the most
important things you can do for yourself. It makes you mentally tougher and
you become a stronger swimmer.
Every week, I am decreasing your send offs on sets to make them harder and
to push you even more. All of you are stepping up to the challenge and pushing
through the sets. All of you are an inspiration to me.
It’s hard to believe that we have just a few more meets left. We have our meet
in a few weeks and our regional championship the middle of February. I am
hoping that many of you make Regional cuts at our meet.
I hope you are proud of your individual efforts. I can’t express how important it
is to give 110% and then some on every set you do. When you get up on the
blocks, I want you to feel confident and know you couldn’t have done anything
more to prepare for your races. There should be no doubt in your mind at all.
Believing in “YOU” makes all things possible.
Coach Maryanne
Pre-Senior and Silver A/B!
We spend much of our time in the water working towards
improving our strength and endurance so that we can train and
race at a higher level. But, one of the best ways we can improve
both is though reducing our resistance in the water. Over the past few weeks,
we've worked hard on improving our body position for all 4 strokes, constantly
focusing on keeping our eyes down, shoulders and hips up for Fly, Breast, and
Free, and keeping our head back, and chest and hips up on Back. You have all
been doing a great job on this!
Our next steps to reduce our resistance in the water will be to keep our improved
body position while we breathe, as well as when we rotate or press forward.
Keeping our breaths low (one goggle in the water for Free, chin right on the
surface for Breast and Fly) allows us to get back into our best body position
quicker, which will keep us in our fastest position in the water longer.
As our spring championship meets draw closer, and we push to make ourselves
race ready, be sure to stay focused on these things to reduce your resistance in
the water. These changes can make be the difference in achieving a Q-time or
best time, qualifying for finals, or even making it on the podium!
Senior Group
Hi Everyone!
I want to congratúlate you all on a successful holiday training experience and a
fantastic 2013! I saw much growth in each of you over the past year. As we begin
a new year of work at SAC, I want to encourage you to dream bigger than you
have before. Think about the goals you have set for yourself and expand them!
The power to achieve greatness is within each of you but we cannot unlock it
unless we believe we are capable of achieving those things!
Coach Tyler
Red and White groups!
It’s hard to get back into the swing of things after having two
weeks off, but everyone is doing a great job and giving their
best effort! Don’t be so hard on yourself if a stroke that you feel is “your” stroke
seems to be just a little off, often our brain will switch modes to work on
something different… be patient with the process, it always comes together in
the end!
We’ve been talking about what we can and cannot control in swimming… we
can control our positive thoughts; we can control our effort level; we can control
slowing down to work on what is being asked rather than speeding up to be first
in the lane.
We CANNOT control time, don’t worry if the time on the clock isn’t what you (or
your parents) want it to be, but reflect on if your streamline; your turn; your
stroke was better than it has been in the past.
Last year at 8 & Under champs a swimmer in the Red group was worried about
his breaststroke because he was “always getting dq’d!” I asked him to slow
down and really think about the process of the stroke and kick, “don’t rush it, just
focus on YOU and not what’s going on around you.” Wouldn’t you know it, the
rest of the kids in his heat were dq’d and he went to get a legal time in the 50
breast AND made it onto the podium for that meet. A big feat for any swimmer
and I know everyone in our groups are capable of greatness!
Trust in the process, every piece of the puzzle works together!
“Always remember that your present situation is not your final destination.
The best is yet to come!”~ Unknown.
Scottsdale Aquatic Club Named USA Swimming Gold Medal Club
USA Swimming Club Excellence Program
The Club Excellence Program is a program that identifies and recognizes USA
Swimming clubs for their commitment to performance excellence. This program
strives to meet the following objectives:

Promote the development of strong, well-rounded age group and senior
swimming programs that produce elite 18 & under athletes.

Provide recognition and resources to motivate and assist member clubs to strive
for the highest ideals of athlete performance.
The program provides grant funding and recognizes the club development
system as integral to achieving excellence in the sport.
The program recognizes up to 200 clubs as Gold, Silver or Bronze Medal clubs
according to the following parameters:
Gold Level: The top 20 point-scoring clubs eligible for the Gold level.
Silver Level: The remaining clubs ranked through #100 and not achieving Gold
status.
Bronze Level: Clubs ranked #101 through #200 and not achieving Gold or Silver
status.
The program recognizes USA Swimming clubs for their commitment to
excellence in performance. In addition to recognizing high performing teams, the
program provides grant funding for resources that enable clubs to expand and/or
enhance the services they already provide to athletes. A total of $350,000 in
grant dollars will be distributed to the 100 Gold and Silver-level clubs.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Scottsdale Aquatic Club earned Gold Medal Status for the first time in our club’s
history! Under this prestigious program, we are ranked among the TOP 20 swim
clubs in the entire United States. This is an outstanding accomplishment for our
membership. Job well done!!
Holiday training challenge winners!
Congratulations to the following swimmers who met the practice
challenge for each group during our Holiday Training!
National: ALL 16 practices: Casey Calhoun, Sam Fazio, Sam Getzen!!
15 of 16 practices: Aaron Apel, Maddy Brandt, Lilly Crewsick, Brad Dorsey,
Julie Gibson, Kaleb Gould, Ryan Hoffer, Hannah Holman, Charles Klein,
Grace Laporte, Nick Magana, Katie Shannahan, Joe Starweather
PreNational: 14 of 14 practices: Ryan Klein and Sam Milewski
13 of 14 practices: Gabby Fagan, Cassidy Kaiser, Kirstyn Kubicki, Taylor
Ruck, Jake Rusnak, Mary Schell, Ellis Speagle, Ally Yancy
Senior: Kailey Adcock, Ansel Averitte, Ellie Borst, Payton Burnett, David
Goll, Krista Goll, Taylar Jones, Nichole Kyprianou, Kelsie Lane, Shane
Layman, Kurtis Ottman, Ryan Yiu.
Pre-Senior: Vivi A, Wesley J, Faith L, Rachel R, Sam T, Amanda T
High School Development: Olivia Johnson, Grace Madura, Rob Naeckel,
Josh Paone, Nick Salazar
Gold: Reese Gould, Audrey Madura, Greer Pattison, Jessie Apel, Tierney
Phillips, Kelly Richards, Aaron Rosen, Leila Rosin, Hailey Smith, Ashley
Yancy, Kate Hostal
Silver A: Mason B, Taylor B, Ava C, Jade D, Mason E, Emily F, Jack H,
Catriona J, Kylie N, Lilly N, Kellan P, Jake R, Katie S, Jade V, Ariel V, Grace
W
Silver B: Fabi A, Cori A, Jordan B, Clare C, Aranka D, Mia O, Cody T
Bronze: Alare Averitte, Azrin Averitte, Marco Ferretti, Hannah Gross, Nicole
Horton, Ivy Wyatt, Nicholas Rooker, Jonathan Vekich
Blue: Ana Bhatti, Tess Dalby, Tristan Dalby, Maddie Foster, Hope Nolan,
Cameron Sanders
SWIMMING RESOURCE CENTER
Each month, an article will be posted about the different components that
comprise being a successful athlete and/or swimming parent. Just click on
the link below each heading for more information.
Healthier eating - No more candy before practice! Great ideas
for pre & post workout snacks
http://greatist.com/fitness/50-awesome-pre-and-post- workoutsnacks
Helping your student-athlete learn time management - love the
last John Wooden quote. It’s true for everything we do.
http://www.positivecoach.org/our-tools/ask-pca/ask-pcaquestion/?id=121
The hardest lesson to learn in swimming isn’t technique or
race strategy - it’s the acceptance of “It’s going to hurt everyday.” Learn to love the pain!
http://www.usaswimming.org/ViewNewsArticle.aspx?
TabId=0&itemid=5799&mid=8712
Faster tuck, faster turn. Video of using the core to drive the
knees up tighter. http://www.goswim.tv/entries/6544/turns-kneeyour- chin.html
***If you come across an article that you’d like to share with the
membership, please send Coach Laurel the link and she’ll look it over for
future Newsletter Editions.***
Judy’s Corner
Fundraising:
Next mail order scrip will be January 22nd.
Parent participation:
 Sign up for the Feb. 21-23 Regional Meet and the Feb. 22-23
Supplemental Meets will be posted Sat. Feb. 1 at approx. 9:00 AM.
 If you are attending an away meet, we are usually responsible for
timing a lane or two. Please offer to take a shift and then email Judy
at sac6coach@aol.com and report your hours for service hour credit.
 Our biggest meet of the year is the Cactus Classic- May 23-26th. It
has historically attracted a lot of out of state teams and takes lot of
planning up front. Our kickoff meetings will be held during warm ups
at the SAC Winter Invite- details coming. If you are interested in one
of the listed positions let Judy know at sac6coach@aol.com We are
looking to fill these key positions initially:
 2 concession chairs
 2 hospitality chairs
 Vendor chair
 Ad and Sponsorship chair
 2 setup and take down leaders
 1 additional person to get donations for goody bags
Scottsdale Aquatic Club
P.O. Box 1202
Scottsdale, AZ 85267
Friend us on Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/ScottsdaleAquaticCl
ub
www.scottsdaleswim.com
Follow us on Twitter! @ScottsdaleSwim
SAC Seniors Make College Decisions
Several of our Senior Swimmers have made their decision on where
they will be swimming next fall! This is an exciting time for our high
school seniors as they get ready to take the next step in their
swimming careers.
Maia Brundage
Maia has chosen to attend the University of British Columbia in Vancouver,
Canada, next fall and will be swimming for the Thunderbirds. Maia is a distance
freestyle specialist.
Brenna Dickson
Brenna has chosen to attend the Bringham Young University in Provo, Utah,
next fall and will be swimming for the Cougars. Brenna is a butterfly and
freestyle specialist.
Brad Dorsey
Brad has chosen to attend Southern Methodist University in Dallas, Texas,
next fall and will be swimming for the Mustangs. Brad is a sprint freestyle
specialist.
Samantha Getzen
Sam has chosen to attend the University of Arizona in Tucson, Arizona,
next fall and will be swimming for the Wildcats. Sam is a butterfly and
freestyle specialist.
Parker Greene
Parker has chosen to attend the Massachusetts Institute of Technology in
Cambridge, Massachusetts, next fall and will be swimming for the
Engineers. Parker is a freestyle specialist across all distances.
Nick Magana
Nick has chosen to attend the University of Virginia in Charlottesville,
Virginia, next fall and will be swimming for the Cavaliers. Nick is a sprint and
mid-distance freestyle specialist.
Angel Van Hofwegen
Angel has chosen to attend San Jose State University, in San Jose,
California, next fall and will be swimming for the Spartans. Angel is a sprint
freestyle and butterfly specialist.
SAC TEAM NIGHT
Periodically, SAC hosts TEAM NIGHT’s at local restaurants as a
fundraiser for the club. Grab dinner for the family on the way home
and a portion of the proceeds will go back to support SAC.
On Tuesday, January 21, SAC will host a TEAM NIGHT at NYPD Pizza
on the corner of Scottsdale Rd and Shea Blvd, from 4-9pm. Dine in or
call in and order for pickup or delivery and present the following
coupon to support SAC!!