It’s that time of year where the days fly past and there
is a bit more energy in the air. Championship week!
We have had some great workouts the past few weeks, but
this afternoon we really reached a tipping point where a lot of swimmers were
looking GOOD!
Between coaches, we can’t stop bringing up individual
swimmers we’re looking forward to seeing race this week. By the time we get to the meet, we will have
pretty much covered everyone.
A swim team in the run-up to a championship has many
moving pieces. Our swimmers are still—as
always—engaged and passionate students.
They’ve been laying the groundwork for weeks to be able to rest and
focus in on fast swimming this week.
Labs don’t cease, nor exams. Several of our swimmers will take exams at
our hotel on Friday, proctored by their faithful coach. I have been impressed with the great
communication I have had with faculty in recent days as we prepare for our
short time out of town. They’ve been
agreeable and supportive of their students who are traveling to represent the
College in intercollegiate competition.
Knowing we are prepared and believing in the power of the
team meet give us a lot of
confidence. The energy I’ve seen during
training raises us even higher. We’re
looking at fast races for the Pioneers!
Having gone through the run-up to a Conference
Championship nearly a dozen times as a college coach and four more as a swimmer,
I always love the way swimmers come together and revel in the energy of fast
racing. Nothing is better than a big meet
with teammates you have pushed your limits with all season. They supported you, lifted you up, drove you
to be better, and inspired you with their own commitment.
The journey of a season includes millions of
strokes. More importantly, this journey
includes some of the most meaningful experiences of a student-athlete’s
life. The Northwest Conference Championship
is not merely a goal, but a showcase for everything our team has done right
this season.
At its core, the Championship is a celebration.
Roll Pios!
