2017-2018 WHS Swimming & Diving Handbook

2017-2018 WHS Swimming & Diving Handbook

Table of Contents

Contact Info/ Philosophy……………………………………….2

Safety Information……………………………………………...3

Captain Letters………………………………………………..4-5

Team Pledge……………………………………………………6

Coach Letters…………………………………………………7-9

Parent Volunteers/Special Recognition……………..……….10-11

Equipment……………………………………………………11-12

Rules……………………...... 13-16

Meet Info/Rules……………………………………………...17-19

Injury Procedures**……………………………………………20

Strengths/Weaknesses………………………………………..21-22

Something to Think About……………………………………..23

Swimming Key Words & Tips………………………….……24-30

Diving Key Words & Tips……………………………………31-32

Mental Training/Goal Setting………………………………...33-34

Excuse List…………………………………………………….35-36

Risks………………………………………………………...…37

Health Info……………………………………………………38-39

Invisible Training for Invincible Swimmers…………………..40

Lettering & Awards Information………………………………41

District Team…………………………………………………..42

Qualifying Times………………………………………….…43-44

Middle 50………………………………………………………45

All-Americans/State Champs……….………………………….46

2017Girls Meet Schedule ………….…………………...... 47

2017-18 Boys Meet Schedule …………………………...... 48

Meet Evaluation Forms………………………………………49-59

Contact Information

Head Swimming CoachJames Elwyn663-8117 x201 (W)

393-5101 (Cell)

886-8727 (Home)

Girls Head Diving CoachNicklas Peterson607-6883

Boys Head Diving CoachMitch Thompson421-1303 (cell)

Assistant CoachMike Hartley264-3479 (Cell)

Assistant CoachKara Melton 595-3866 (Cell)

Assistant Coach Marc Norsen(206) 818-8000

What Are We All About

Swimming and diving are among the most demanding varsity sports in which a high school athlete may participate. The current level of competition is such that, in order to be successful, the Wenatchee Swimmer/Diver must commit their time to an intense training program requiring long hours. All team members are expected to train for four events, as allowed by rules. Individuals focusing on diving, are strongly encouraged to complete Tuesday and Friday swim practices, as swimming events will be their other three events, and swimming provides excellent conditioning.

Swimming/diving is both an individual and team sport. The goal of Wenatchee swimming/diving is to promote excellence in competitive swimming/diving at both the individual and team level. The program strives to foster the development of self-confidence, self-discipline, and self-motivation within each individual. The expectation is that these characteristics will carry over into the other areas of life and allow the individual to make a positive contribution to their family, school, and community. Essential components of this development are the important skills of goal setting, teamwork, and positive support. When the individual succeeds, the team succeeds. It must be stressed however, that no individual is more important than the team. Negativism, half-heartedness, and other types of behavior that detract from the team’s pursuit of excellence, cannot be tolerated.

Swimming and diving are not easy. In order to swim fast and dive your best, you must train well. When one trains well and practices with intensity, excellence is guaranteed. The Wenatchee Swimming/Diving program is structured so that the swimmers and divers may create an environment in which it is fun to train with intensity. Set goals, formulate a plan to attain those goals…..STRIVE FOR EXCELLENCE.

Safety Information

The Wenatchee High School swimming and diving program coaches take pride in providing a safe environment for all team members. As a group, we have a duty to help provide a safe aquatics environment for all.

1. Enter the pool only when directed by a coach. Follow all pool rules.
2. Do NOT run on the pool deck.
3. The swimming assessments will be given on the first day of practice for each swimmer and/or diver. No swimmer/diver is allowed to practice until they have passed the swimming test.

3. Do not throw kick boards, pull-buoys, or other equipment.

4. Starting blocks are to be used only when directed by a coach.

5. When practicing starts the guidelines below will be followed: **

-Swimmers should NEVER dive into water that is less than five feet deep.***

-The deck should be clear of kick boards, pull buoys, fins, etc.

-No “horse-play” when starts are being practiced.

-Starts will ONLY be practiced at a time designated by a coach.

-Practice starts ONLY when a coach is present and directly

observing the swimmer.

-When using the starting blocks, get onto the blocks ONLY when a coach

gives the command, “STEP UP.”

-When practicing starts, from the deck, in the pool, or the blocks, all other

swimmers must keep an adequate distance from the starting swimmer.

**All swimmers and parents need to be aware of this policy in order to reduce the risks associated with practicing starts. Any violations of this policy will result in immediate dismissal from practice.

*** Some pools, like the EastmontYMCA facility, are not 5 ft. deep. Extreme caution should be used when starting at any pool of a depth less than 6 ft.

“I think it is possible for ordinary people to choose to be extraordinary.”Elon Musk

From Your Captains

Dear incoming and returning Wenatchee High School swimmers;

Congratulations! You have decided to join the coolest team in Wenatchee (and in my humble opinion, the whole of Washington state ;)!! I think I speak for all my fellow captains when I say that it is a pleasure to welcome you all to the sisterhood that is this team, whether you are brand new to swimming and diving, or a seasoned veteran. So why, do you ask, are we the coolest team in the state? Well....

For starters, we pride ourselves on being as I mentioned before a sisterhood (or a family since I guess I have to include our wonderful male coaches...) that supports all of its members, whether we are in the swim season or not. It was so wonderful my freshman year to have friendly faces in the halls the very first day of school, and a safe place to come and get support if I needed. These four years of high school can be stressful as we all try to find ourselves in a sea of other students, and prepare for life after graduation. You by joining this team have made the excellent decision to get involved, and as captains, we hope to continue to create an atmosphere of positivity and support where we can all get to know you lovely ladies this season, and above all....HAVE FUN!!

Secondly, our team is full of girls who work hard in and out of the pool. It can sometimes be difficult to be a student athlete, but I can say from experience that it is one of the most rewarding things I have ever done. I have grown not only in the pool, but as a person. I promise that the same will happen to you if you put the work in and come to practice everyday with a positive attitude. If you're worried about staying on top of homework don't fret!! I guarantee that someone on the team is either currently enrolled or has taken the same classes that you are in and are willing to help.

Last, but certainly not least, this team has an amazing coaching staff (and I'm not just saying that because one of them is my dad)!! James Elwyn, Mike Hartley, Marc Norsen, Kara Melton, and Nick Peterson make every lane and dive practice both a challenge and a joy to be apart of. I think I speak for the coaching staff and all the returning swimmers when I say that I can't wait to see what all the new faces and talented freshman class season will bring to the pool and to the season, and all the new memories and jokes we will create together!! For all returning swimmers, you know that our team is the powerhouse of the Big 9 district, and has placed in the top four at state the last four years. That being said, don't be afraid to set lofty goals for yourself and reach for the stars!! No achievement is too small and no dream is too big. This team is your tool for success, so take advantage and push yourself to new heights.

So, without further ado, let the season commence!!!

Sincerely,

JordanHartley on behalf of the 2017-2018 WHS swim and dive captains: Hannah VanHeyningen, Amy Graves, KaylieWulf, Natalee Aalgaard, Aleah Bucknum, EmmaYenney

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Pat Summitt’s Definite Dozen

Respect yourself and others

Take Full Responsibility

Develop and demonstrate loyalty

Learn to be a great communicator

Discipline yourself so no one else has to

Make hard work your passion

Don’t just work hard, work smart

Put the team before yourself

Make winning an attitude

Be a competitor

Change is a must

Handle success like you handle failure

WHS Team Pledge

To Be the Best, We Must Follow the PATH!

Purpose – the pursuit of excellence in swimming requires the greatest degree of sacrifice. We must remember our purpose: achieving excellence, through constant improvement of technique, training and mental aspects of the sport. Unconditionally commit ourselves to the team goals in order to create an atmosphere which breeds success.

Accountability – We are more than individuals! As a team we need to give our best so the team can reach maximum potential! Help each other to be the best by holding yourself and your teammates accountable!

Teamwork – Swimming is both an individual and team sport. How hard each team member works directly influences how we perform as a team. Believe in your teammates! Help them to achieve by challenging them to be the best they can be.

Honor - Honor the sport, your teammates, parents, coaches, and athletes and coaches we compete against. The lessons we learn through being on a swim/dive team are lessons we can draw from for the rest of our lives.

IF we remember our purpose, practice accountability and teamwork, and honor our sport, we can reach team and individual goals.

“I told myself there was no way I was going to let this training go to waste. It was my time and I was ready to go.” Katie Hoff, former world record holder, 400 IM

“The things you learn from sports - setting goals, being part of a team, confidence - that’s invaluable. It’s not about the trophies and ribbons. It’s about being on time for practice, accepting challenges and being fearful of the elements.” Summer Sanders, 2 X Olympic gold medalist

“Don’t put a limit on anything. The more you dream, the further you get.” Michael Phelps

From Your Coaches

Dear WHS Swim Team and Parents:

I am excited to return as your head coach as we look to retain our league and district titles! We lost several great teammates off of last season’s team, including two All-Americans, Isabelle and Jessie, who was also the only two time individual state champ in school history! In addition, “Boom Boom” was one of the top swimmers in school history while Alyssa was a top 10 State diver and Cindy was the nicest teammate ever. Seeing them leave may be a let down, but, it means there are many opportunities! In addition, we return many key performers, from a team that placed 2nd at the State Meet,including school record holdersJordan “Jojo” Hartley, Hannah “Bull” Van Heyningen, as well as an impressive group of hard working state scorers and performers like KailieWulf, Aleah Bucknum, Rae Ann Dressel, Hadassah Lurbur, Alice Eifert, and Emily Brault! In addition, we have one of the best freshmen classes, in school history, joining our team. We will work hard, improve, and be in position to again challenge for a state title!

Equally important, we will work hard, improve, and become better swimmers and better people. The challenges of swimming are an important preparation for the challenges of life. How we face them, and overcome them is of utmost importance. Be resilient! Prepare for the best season yet.

This is my thirteenth year coaching the Girls Swim Team and my fourteenth year as the Boys Head Coach. Swimming is a great sport, which I have been involved with nearly all of my life. I began my competitive swimming life when I was four years young and have been at it ever since. From high school state meets, USA swimming zones, to collegiate and masters nationals I have been a part of many teams. Along the way, I have had the pleasure of coaching at many levels and was a part of a state championship team with the legendary Mel Roberts. Coach Robert’s teams have won numerous state championships and I look forward to bringing more of his ideas to Wenatchee.

This season many of you will step up and fill the roles vacated by an outstanding group of graduates. In addition, we have a great chance keep our new league championship and to win our 11th district title in the last 13 years. Our time is NOW! Hard work, dedication to team goals, and following the PATH will help us reach our destination! WHS swimming ROCKS!

Go Purple and Gold!

Coach James Elwyn

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Panther Athletes and Parents,

It is an amazing experience we all get to share when seeking out athleticism and competition. Whether your goals are to progress your personal abilities and fitness or to compete at higher levels, swimming and diving provides the stepping stones for not only athletic development but also skills of respect, responsibility, honor, and commitment. With all that said let’s try to work hard, but most importantly have fun!

This is my second year of coaching and we have an unbelievable amount of returning experience this season for diving. I am even more excited this year than last to grow as a team and expand upon all the hard work we devoted ourselves to last season. I encourage anyone interested in diving to come join us and see if the exciting world of falling with style is for you! While being serious has its place, I try and emphasize a relaxed and fun atmosphere for all our athletes and love to focus on coaching with encouragement and instilling a sense of self confidence. I welcome everyone part of the Panther team (divers, swimmers, family members and staff alike) to approach me with any questions or request at any time and I will help however I can!

WHS Swim and Dive Girls are a powerhouse to be reckoned with and Washington knows it! I see another shot at a State Title in November, and these claws feel ready to engrave our name onto that trophy!

Go Panthers!

Nicklas Peterson

WHS Girls Dive Coach

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Welcome Panthers!

The time is upon us, to do something great! I can’t express how excited I am for this upcoming swim and diveseason.The lastfewyears have been Wenatchee’s best and we wouldn’t have had the success without the hard work, dedication, and the team camaraderie that you all give.All the coaches agree that we can be even better; however, it will take 100% from every single member on this special group to make it happen. For those who don’t know me, I am, Mitchell Thompson the Wenatchee High School boys dive coach. I have been around pools most of my life; I was a state competitor in high school and an AAU athlete and coach afterword’s. There is no better single, or team, competition in high school sports than Swimming and Diving. As you work hard to achieve your individual goals, you also help the team achieve their goals. What is a goal? The object of a person’s ambition or effort; an aim or desired result. Know your goals first. Come into the season setting high expectations for yourself and the team. Visualize yourself achieving those goals and then making them a reality. The season will come and go fast, so my three challenges to you all are: #1 Give the team your very best, from every swim stroke, to every dive! When it seems difficult, push yourself even harder because that is where greatness happens. #2 Become a family and support one another in the good times and the bad times, if we cannot support each other than how are we going to achieve greatness. Every single person matters to thisteam.And #3 the most important challenge of them all,Have FUN! And enjoy these times in your lives. I hope for you all to look back one day and remember that you were a part of something very special. Now let us go out and do something remarkable this Swim and Dive season!

Go Panthers!!!

Coach Thompson

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This will be my 13th year as assistant girls swim coach at WSH. Coach Elwyn and I started out to build a top tier program that prepares athletes to perform at the highest levels possible. Every year, it is our continued commitment to provide the best possible opportunity for all of our athletes to reach their individual and team goals. We have a very strong group of freshman to add to an already very talented team of returning athletes. I am anxious to see what this group of Lady Panthers can accomplish. I believe that with hard work, this team is capable of repeating as District Champions and reaching the podium at state… again.

I coach all of the athletes, but my specialty is breaststroke. I generally lead much of the dry land training as well. We will be working hard, in and out of the pool again this year to build strength and conditioning during what often feels like a very short 12-week season. If the girls come to each practice with a positive attitude, ready and willing to push themselves, they can expect to drop time and have fun in the process.

Thank you all for choosing to join the swim and dive team! I encourage each and every one of you to conduct yourselves like champions. We have enjoyed success over the years and have earned a reputation for excellence in the pool. I am proud of that success, but what impresses me most is seeing young people commitment to doing the best they can in ALL that they do. This team impresses me every year and I can hardly wait to get started.