Sunday, December 12, 2010

These are (were) correct at the start of the season. Two girls' records have fallen so far this season.

Saturday, December 11, 2010

MISD Invite Recap

Our girls were 15th in team scoring, while the boys were 13th.

We had fourteen (14) new season Top Tens.

Finishing in the top twenty for the Wolves were:

G 200 Medley Relay - 19th - Mayrena H., Sierra M., Melyssa T., Catie N.

B 200 Medley Relay - 13th - Devin S., Parker S., Jamie P., Stephan C.
B 200 Medley Relay - 15th - Caleb B., Kyle S., Henry I., Pedro S.

G 200 Individual Medley - 9th - Kirsten B.

B 200 Individual Medley - 12th - Stephan C.

G 50 Freestyle - 20th - Alyssa L.

B 1m Diving (11) - 15th - Travis B.

B 100 Butterfly - 11th - Parker S., 14th - Jamie P., 16th - Henry I.

G 100 Freestyle - 14th - Kirsten B.

G 200 Freestyle Relay - 15th - Kirsten B., Alyssa L., Melyssa T., Sierra M.

B 200 Freestyle Relay - 19th - Henry I., Pedro S., Kyle S., Devin S.

B 100 Backstroke - 10th - Stephan C., 16th - Jamie P.

G 100 Breaststroke - 15th - Alyssa L.

G 400 Freestyle Relay - 15th - Alyssa L., Kirsten B., Melyssa T., Sierra M.

B 400 Freestyle Relay - 14th - Parker S., Caleb B., Jamie P., Stephan C.

Notes:

We did a nice job in finals of either holding our positions or moving up. We only dropped places in three (3) races.

We stayed tough all the way through the meet. We had some swim lifetime bests on their eighth swim within a twenty-four hour period.

We are doing a great job of supporting one another.

We are taking care of business during the meet by warming up/down and reporting to the blocks with time to spare.

We are closing in on some team records. Christmas training will make or break our shots at taking down several THS school records.

We are one-for-one in swim-offs!

Friday, December 3, 2010

A Few Notes

We regained our focus Monday and had some very good workouts this week. Keep it going, group!

Your shirts are in. You can pay for them ($15) and pick them up Monday.

If you can get in a dry-land/run workout on your own this afternoon and Sunday, that would be great.

Jerome, Sports Authority has our shoes on sale - ten bucks off.

You may recall me mentioning something called "deliberate practice". Geoff Colvin, author of "Talent is Overrated" describes eight (8) characteristics of deliberate practice:

An Understanding of Deliberate Practice
A summarization of Colvin’s eight characteristics of deliberate practice follow below. Readers will find a more in-depth explanation as well as a number of examples in Colvin’s original article.

“Deliberate practice is designed specifically to improve performance with the key word being ‘designed.’ The essence of deliberate practice is continually stretching an individual just beyond his or her current abilities. By contrast, deliberate practice requires that one identify certain sharply defined elements of performance that need to be improved, and then work intently on them. The great performers isolate remarkably specific aspects of what they do and focus on just those things until they’re improved; then it’s on to the next aspect.”

“Deliberate practice can be repeated. High repetition is the most important difference between deliberate practice of a task and performing the task for real, when it counts. One is the choice of a properly demanding activity just beyond our current abilities. The other is the amount of repetition.”

“Feedback on results is continuously available.” Though this is obvious, it is “not nearly as simple as it might seem, especially when results require interpretation. In many important situations, a teacher, coach, or mentor is vital for providing crucial feedback.”

“It’s highly demanding mentally. Deliberate practice is above all an effort of focus and concentration. That is what makes it ‘deliberate.’ Continually seeking exactly those elements of performance that are unsatisfactory and then trying one’s hardest to make them better places enormous strains on anyone’s mental abilities. The work is so great that it seems no one can sustain it for very long.”

“It’s hard. This follows inescapably from the other characteristics of deliberate practice, which could be described as a recipe for not having fun. Doing things we know how to do well is enjoyable, and that’s exactly the opposite of what deliberate practice demands. Instead of doing what we’re good at, we insistently seek out what we’re not good at.”

There is a definitive ‘before the work’ component. “Self-regulation begins with setting goals – not big, life-directing goals, but more immediate goals for what you’re going to be doing today. In the research, the poorest performers don’t set goals at all; they just slog through their work. Mediocre performers set goals that are general and are often focused on simply achieving a good outcome. The best performers set goals that are not about the outcome but rather about the process of reaching the outcome.”

There is a ‘during the work’ phase. “The most important self-regulatory skill that top performers in every field use during their work is self-observation. Even in purely mental work, the best performers observe themselves closely. They are able to monitor what is happening in their own minds and ask how it’s going. Researchers call this metacognition – knowledge about your own knowledge, thinking about your own thinking. Top performers do this much more systematically than others do; it’s an established part of their routine.”

There is an ‘after the work’ component as well. “Practice activities are worthless without useful feedback about the results. These must be self-evaluations” and “the best performers judge themselves against a standard that’s relevant for what they’re trying to achieve. Sometimes they compare their performance with their own personal best; sometimes they compare it with the performance of competitors they’re facing or expect to face; sometimes they compare it with the best known performance by anyone in the field.”

Sunday, November 21, 2010

Why Underwater?

When it's done correctly, underwater kicking is faster than swimming on the surface.


We're doing better underwater this year. Let's keep working on it!

Finishing Races: Dana Vollmer



Embedding is disabled, so you'll have to click on links to watch vids.

At this past summer's national championships, former Granbury HS/FAST standout Dana Vollmer had a great swim in the 100 free. Watch the race here.

Go back and compare Vollmer's last five meters to Jessica Hardy's. Note that Vollmer appears to make an adjustment in her last few strokes - stretches them out - while Hardy's stroke length doesn't change. By stretching each of those last four (4) strokes out just a bit, Vollmer took the win by just two tenths of a second.

Later in the summer at Pan Pacs (same pool), Vollmer had a poor start in the 100 fly. She wasn't in the top three at the fifty, but she continued to swim her race and it all worked out. Watch the video here.

Another great finish for the Olympic gold medalist who grew up just down the road...

TISCA Recap

While we didn't get anyone back for Saturday's finals, we did swim well. We trained through this one and still had swims that were right at lifetime bests.

Complete results are here.

Sunday, November 14, 2010

Non-TISCA Recap



Even though we trained through this meet, we still managed nineteen (19) new season Top Ten swims Saturday!

We've been working on our underwater work and we look much better off the walls. Keep working on this in practice and it will continue to carry over to our meet performances.

We finished 12th in girls' team scoring, ninth in boys' team scoring, and tenth in combined team scoring.

Mr. Shaft has posted pics and vids from the meet here.

Take a look at this nice swim by Henry I. He does a great job both into and out of his walls. Note that "Hank" gets into a 1 up - 1 down breathing pattern early in his race and holds that throughout the race. Also note that he didn't take a breath on his first stroke off any of the walls.

Of the four guys in the field of view for most of the race, Henry was clearly 4th at the first turn. See where he was at the finish...

Saturday, November 6, 2010

Next Week

Monday is team picture day. Please remember to have your warm-ups and dry-land shirts for your individual and team pictures.

We don't have a meet on Tuesday, so plan to be at the natatorium for the Legacy vs. Mansfield vs. Martin meet. They'll need timers and would appreciate your help.

Friday is the non-TISCA meet. I will send out an email to THS teachers to release morning group swimmers after 3rd block that day.

Those with their own transportation will drive up to the natatorium. Those without transportation will ride the afternoon bus that brings 4th block swimmers and divers to the natatorium.

Those not competing in the meet will help out as timers.

The second six week grading period ends on Friday, the 12th. If you've been shooting for A's and B's, you needn't worry, right?

In January, the A&M vs. SMU men's dual meet came down to the last relay. The Aggies needed a 1-3 finish to win the meet by a point:

Wednesday, November 3, 2010

Arlington Dual Recap

Even after a tough couple of days of training, we still managed twenty-one (21) new season Top Ten times at last night's dual meet against Arlington.

A summary has been submitted for tomorrow morning's announcements.


The girls came away with an 85-63 victory to improve to 3 - 2 on the season.

Individual event winners against Arlington were:

Sierra M. (200 free)
Alyssa L. (50 free & 100 breast)
Melyssa T. (100 fly)
Mayrena H. (500 free & 100 back)

Mayrena, Alyssa, Melyssa, and Memory H. combined for a win in the 200 medley relay and Melyssa, Megan N., Savanna C., and Alyssa teamed to take top honors in the 200 free relay.


The boys went to 4 - 1 on the season with a 111 - 52 win.

Individual winners against Arlington were:

Pedro S. (200 free)
Kyle S. (200 i.m.)
Stephan C. (50 free & 100 fly)
Nate F. (1 m diving)
Jamie P. (100 back)
Parker S. (100 breast)

Jamie, Parker, Stephan, and Caleb B. won the 200 medley relay, while Pedro, Parker, Henry I., and Richard M. took the 200 free relay.

Most of our athletes will be competing in the non-TISCA invite we're hosting on November 12.

Pics and vids from the meet can be found here.

Thursday, October 28, 2010

Pics & Vids

Don S. has posted several sets of pictures and videos from recent meets here.






After that spill on the bus to The Colony, I expect you computer whiz-kids to photoshop out the stain on my shirt. While you're at it, go ahead and slim me down by about twenty pounds...

The Colony Recap

We had twenty-nine (29) new season Top Ten times Tuesday.

The girls fell in a tough meet, 134-121. Event winners were:

Melyssa T. (200 i.m.), Alyssa L. (50 free & 100 breast), Kirsten B. (100 fly & 100 back), and Mayrena H. (100 free).

Relays of Kirsten, Alyssa, Melyssa, & Sierra M. too the 200 medley and 200 free relays.

The girls battled back from a double-digit deficit to get within one point before falling short in the last relay.

Our girls won eight of eleven events, and went 1-2 in the 200 free relay, 100 fly, and 100 back.

The boys won their meet by a score of 159-123.

First place finishers for the guys were:

Stephan C. (200 free & 100 back) and Jamie P. (200 i.m.).

Stephan, Jamie, Parker S., and Pedro S. took the 200 medley relay. Parker, Jamie, Stephan, and Caleb B. took the 400 free relay.

I'm very proud of the way we raced. We had a great effort across the board.

Sunday, October 24, 2010

Arlington Invite Recap

Of twenty teams in yesterday's AISD Invite, Timberview's girls were tenth in team scoring. The boys were sixth.

Scores for the top ten teams:

Girls

Martin - 326
Grapevine - 282
Mansfield - 197
Lamar - 182
Colleyville Heritage - 166
Legacy - 151
Nolan Catholic - 147
Richland - 117
Bryron Nelson - 104
Timberview - 101

Boys

Martin - 327
Grapevine - 251
Legacy - 246
Colleyville Heritage - 199
Mansfield - 182
Timberview - 164
Byron Nelson - 140.5
Nolan Catholic - 137
Summit - 125.5
Northwest - 122

Combined

Martin - 653
Grapevine - 533
Legacy - 397
Mansfield - 379
Colleyville Heritage - 365
Nolan Catholic - 284
Timberview - 265
Byron Nelson - 244.5
Lamar & Northwest - 204

Top sixteen finishers for the Wolves were:

B 200 medley relay - 12th/Devin S., Henry I., Zabdiel E., Jerome D.
G 200 free - 11th/Melyssa T., 13th Mayrena H.
G 200 individual medley - 8th/Alyssa L.
B 200 individual medley - 1st/Stephan C.
G 50 free - 16th/Melyssa T.
B 50 free - 10th/Pedro S.
B 100 butterfly - 7th/Henry I.
B 100 free - 5th/Stephan C., 12th/Caleb B.
B 500 free - 8th/Caleb B., 15th Taylor W.
G 200 free relay - 5th/Sierra M., Melyssa T., Mayrena H., Alyssa L.
B 200 free relay - 6th/Henry I., Caleb B., Pedro S., Stephan C., 9th/Zabdiel E., Jerome D., Kyle S., Devin S.
G 100 backstroke - 11th/Mayrena H.
B 100 backstroke - 8th/Devin S.
G 100 breaststroke - 4th/Alyssa L.
B 100 breaststroke - 13th/Kyle Shaft
G 400 free relay - 4th/Alyssa L., Melyssa T., Sierra M., Catie N.
B 400 free relay - 6th/Kyle S., Pedro S., Caleb B., Stephan C.

They were unable to get awards ready by the end of the meet. Be patient. We'll get them soon.

Thursday, October 21, 2010

Reminder V

Remember to:

Make technique a practice priority (quality relay starts, 1 up/1 down breathing on fly, breathe every 3 on free, minimize resistance, maximize streamline speed/distance, improve distance per stroke, attack first and last 5 yards, emphasize kicking and breath control, etc.).

We've had the T's in for each workout this week and it seems to be making a difference. Keep working on getting out past the flags (underwater & quickly!) off each and every wall.

Breaststrokers need to hold their streamline a little longer and get a little more out of your pull-outs.

Butterflyers, backstrokers, and freestylers should go with at least 5DK (five quality dolphin kicks) off each wall.

High elbows on freestyle recovery is essential. We do a lot of zipper drill for a reason...

Looking Ahead (edited 10/23/10)

The MISD Natatorium will host a Division-I men's college swimming and diving meet next Friday (29th) and Saturday (30th).

Start time for Friday's meet is 6:00 p.m. The competition on Saturday begins at noon. There is no charge for admission.

Teams competing will be Missouri, Southern Methodist, Texas, Texas A&M, and Texas Christian.

Area swimmers who will be competing are listed below. Click on the school to view complete rosters.



Mizzou - Jordan Hawley (Plano), Jeff Hendricks (Southlake), & John Hunt (Plano)



SMU - Fernando Lara Carillo (Dallas), Hugo Martinez (Allen), & Matt Roney (Lewisville)



UT - Bobby Button (Mansfield, THS '10) & Andrew Tran (Frisco)



A&M - Nick Han (Grapevine) & John McClure (Mansfield, MHS '09)



TCU - Rourke Barrett (Athens), Jeff Gettel (Plano), & Garrett Weaver (Richardson)

Wednesday, October 20, 2010

Lamar Recap & Arlington ISD Invite Preview

The girls won a very hard-fought meet against Lamar last night. The final score was 80 - 72.

Event winners against Lamar for the ladies were:

Kirsten B. - 200 individual medley*
Sierra M. - 100 butterfly
Kirsten, Sierra, Melyssa T., & Alyssa L. - 200 freestyle relay

Lamar was short-handed and the Wolves took a one-sided win. Both the girls' and boys' teams are now 2 - 1 in dual meet competition.

Event winners against Lamar for the guys were:

Devin S., Ian B., Henry I., & Pedro S. - 200 medley relay
Parker S. - 200 freestyle & 500 freestyle
Caleb B. - 200 individual medley & 100 backstroke
Stephan C. - 50 freestyle & 100 freestyle
Jamie P. - 100 butterfly
Jamie, Pedro, Henry, & Stephan - 200 freestyle relay
Henry - 100 breaststroke
Parker, Caleb, Stephan, & Jamie - 400 freestyle relay

Our next meet will be this Saturday as we compete in the Arlington ISD Invite. Each swimmer was entered in the two individual events they requested. I will let you know about relays Saturday morning.

We have early warm-up for the meet. Please be at the pool no later than 7:45 a.m. to stretch. Our warm-up session will be from 8:00 to 8:45 a.m. The meet starts at 9:45 a.m.

*Kirsten's time of 2:19.65 was more than two seconds under the previous school record (Barbara S./2:21.67/2005)!

Sunday, October 17, 2010

Dragon Hunt Recap

We had a great team effort yesterday at the Dragon Hunt Invite.

Link to results is here.

Girls' top ten teams:

Carroll - 927
Mansfield - 532
Frisco - 256.5
Wakeland - 180
Carroll JV - 171.5
Liberty - 164
Legacy - 144
Timberview - 139
Lovejoy - 132
Centennial - 90

Top ten boys' teams:

Carroll - 839.5
Wakeland - 311
Summit - 303
Mansfield - 301
Frisco - 253.5
Carroll JV - 213
Timberview - 208
Legacy - 148
Centennial - 127.5
Liberty - 109.5

Top ten combined team scores:

Carroll - 1,766.5
Mansfield - 833
Frisco - 510
Wakeland - 491
Carroll JV - 384.5
Summit - 353
Timberview - 347
Legacy - 292
Liberty - 273.5
Centennial 217.5

Kirsten B. broke her 100 back school record with a 1:03.60 lead-off leg on the 400 medley relay.

We had too many excellent swims to list here, so here are top eight finishers for Timberview:

G 400 medley relay - 7th (Kirsten B., Alyssa L., Melyssa T., Catie N.)
B 400 medley relay - 8th (Jamie P., Parker S., Henry I., Jerome D.)
G 100 individual medley - 3rd - Kirsten B.
B 100 individual medley - 6th - Jamie P.
G 200 butterfly - 5th - Melyssa T.
B 200 butterfly - 4th - Parker S., 5th - Henry I.
G 200 backstroke - 5th - Kirsten B.
B 200 backstroke - 4th - Jamie P., 6th - Stephan C.
B 200 breaststroke - 6th - Parker S.
G 200 free relay - 5th (Mayrena H., Kirsten B., Melyssa T., Alyssa L.)
B 400 free relay - 8th (Jamie P., Pedro S., Parker S., Stephan C.)

Friday, October 15, 2010

Coppell Recap

Corrected results from Tuesday's meet are in. We don't have splits, but we do have times/places.

Our girls fell by a score of 110-63.

Event winners for the gals were Kirsten B. (200 free & 500 free) and Alyssa L. (50 free & 100 breast).

The boys fell by a score of 107-66.

Event winners for the guys were Parker S. (100 fly) and Devin S. (100 back).

Those on Janet Sheppard's email list can view the Dragon Hunt psych sheet. I'll let y'all know about relays in the morning.

Wednesday, October 13, 2010

Updates

We swam well against Coppell last night, but fell short on the team scores. Results are still in the "correcting" stage. Alyssa L. did win the 50 free, but was shown second. This and a couple of other corrections are being made. I'll pass final results along when I get them.

Coach Henry noted that our girls are doing a better job underwater. Let's keep working on this important aspect of our races.

Thanks to all the parents, grandparents, and siblings that attended our meet last night. There were plenty of close races and it definitely got loud. The kids appreciated the support!

If you check the THS athletics academic scoreboard, you'll see we're doing pretty well:

THS Girls' Swimming

Team GPA - 97

Rank - 1(t)

THS Boys' Swimming

Team GPA - 92

Rank - 2(t)

Let's keep doing the job in the classroom, group!

We'll be sharing rides to the Dragon Hunt Invite with Legacy and Summit. The buses will roll Saturday morning from the MISD Natatorium at 7:30 a.m.

In addition to the usual (suits, goggles, towels, etc.), you will want to include snacks/drinks and/or money for concessions. Due to the number of teams/swimmers and additional events, this meet will go well into the afternoon.

If you'll be riding home after the meet with your parents, please remember to get a release form filled out in advance.

After this weekend, I'll try to put together a season top ten list, just like last year's. Instead of posting it, though, we'll just print one copy and have the seniors make sure everyone gets a look.

Most of you know that, when it comes to picking up after ourselves, we've not been doing the job this week. A few swimmers took care of our area after last night's meet at the Coppell YMCA, but they shouldn't have had to. Please make it a point to:

Leave it better than you found it!

Let's have some great workout swims Thursday and Friday, then some fast swims Saturday.

Wednesday, October 6, 2010

Reminder IV

Remember to:

Focus on academics: Don’t put off homework, getting help, and/or studying for tests/quizzes. Be the most respectful student in each class.

Don't put off assignments and studying until the last minute. Instead, try to stay ahead of schedule.

Being on a block schedule gives you at least 46 1/2 hours between the time you leave a teacher's class and the time you return to them. This is more than enough time to complete assignments, study for quizzes/exams, and get any help you might need.

We have several seniors who will likely qualify for the NISCA Academic All-America list this year. Ask them for help!

Note: If you did not pass all classes this past six weeks, you will not be able to compete in the next five (5) meets.

Bowie Dual Recap

Girls:

Timberview 93 - Bowie 63

Event winners vs. Bowie for the girls were:

200 medley relay - Kirsten B., Sierra M., Alyssa L., and Catie N.
200 individual medley - Alyssa L.
100 butterfly - Alyssa L.
100 free - Kirsten B.
100 backstroke - Kirsten B.*
400 free relay - Alyssa L., Melyssa T., Sierra M., and Kirsten B.

*Kirsten broke her old 100 backstroke school record (1:04.49/2010) with a time of 1:03.83

Boys:

Timberview 110 - Bowie 62

Event winners vs. Bowie for the boys were:

200 i.m. - Parker S.
1 m diving - Travis B.
100 butterfly - Parker S.
500 free - Caleb B.
100 back - Stephan C.
100 breast - Kyle S.
400 free relay - Caleb B., Parker S., Pedro S., and Stephan C.

Next meet will be on Tuesday, the 12th, at Coppell.

Saturday, October 2, 2010

Maroon 133 - Black 110

Maroon/Black results:

Girls' 100 medley relay - 1) Maroon A, 2) Black A
Boys' 100 medley relay - 1) Black A, 2) Maroon A

Girls' 100 freestyle - 1) Catie N., 2) Savannah C.
Boys' 100 freestyle - 1) Caleb B., 2) Parker S., 3) Pedro S., 4) Ian B., 5) Taylor W., 6) Cameron N.

Girls' 100 individual medley - 1) Kirsten B., 2) Mayrena H.
Boys' 100 individual medley -1) Jamie P., 2) Parker S., 3) Henry I., 4) Devin S., 5) Kyle S.

Girls' 25 freestyle - 1) Alyssa L., 2) Melyssa T., 3) Sierra M., 4) Catie N.
Boys' 25 freestyle - 1) Stephan C., 2) Richard M., 3) Tim D., 4) E'Mari G.

Girls' 50 butterfly - 1) Alyssa L., 2) Melyssa T.
Boys' 50 butterfly - 1) Henry I., 2) Zabdiel E., 3) Pedro S., 4) Forres M., 5) Tim D., 6) E'Mari G.

Girls' 50 freestyle - 1) Megan N., 2) Memory H.
Boys' 50 freestyle - 1) Stephan, 2) Caleb B., 3) Jerome D., 4) Chandler R., 5) Forres M., 6) Richard M.

Girls' 250 freestyle - 1) Mayrena H., 2) Megan N.
Boys' 250 freestyle - 1) Jamie P., 2) Kyle S., 3) Zabdiel E., 4) Ryan B.

Girls' 100 freestyle relay - 1) Maroon A, 2) Black A
Boys' 100 freestyle relay - 1) Maroon A, 2) Maroon B, 3) Black B, 4) Black A

Girls' 50 backstroke - 1) Kirsten B., 2) Memory H., 3) Savannah C.
Boys' 50 backstroke - 1) Devin S., 2) Jerome D.

Girls' 50 breaststroke - 1) Sierra M.
Boys' 50 breaststroke - 1) Ian B., 2) Taylor W., 3) Ryan B., 4) Chandler R., 5) Cameron N.

Girls' 200 freestyle relay - 1) Maroon A, 2) Black A
Boys' 200 freestyle relay - 1) Maroon A, 2) Black B, 3) Black A

Sunday, September 26, 2010

Reminder III

Remember to:

Lead your lane at least once each week.

Pretty simple, right?

Everyone is learning our terminology, using the pace clock, etc.

Therefore, everyone is capable of taking charge and leading out their lane at least once weekly.

500 Freestyle Counters

Counters have a very important job. The rule on lap counters reads something like this:

When a visual lap counting system is used, one person shall be designated by each coach/competitor in the 500-yard freestyle to operate the visual lap counting system. The lap counters shall be positioned on the deck at the end of the pool opposite the starting end within the lateral limits of the lane of the competitor for whom each is counting. The lap counter changes the visual counter to the next higher odd number, or fluorescent orange card, as the competitor makes each turn at the starting end. The solid fluorescent orange card is shown to indicate the final length of the race. The visual count may be supplemented by a verbal count.

PENALTY: For the lap counter aiding the swimmer, violating deck position, or interfering in any manner with the competition, the competitor in that lane shall be disqualified.

Distance swimmers should make sure they have a reliable counter lined up before their races. The rule states that counters will change numbers when swimmers turn at the starting end.

This has been the rule since I was a swimmer. This method is best, as it keeps the person counting focused on the swimmer and reduces the chance of a miscount.

Also, counters should not hold their numbers in the middle of the lane, as swimmers need to see the target (cross) on the end wall. Instead, hold the numbers to either side of the end wall target.

Maroon/Black

Seniors will be prepping their squads for Saturday's intrasquad practice meet. We plan to start the meet at 10:00 a.m.

Seniors, y'all need to let your swimmers know what time you'd like them to report for warm-up. Also, you'll be responsible for selecting your swimmers' events as well as setting up/staffing/tearing down for the meet.

Wednesday, September 15, 2010

Reminder II

Remember to:

Stay healthy (don’t share water bottles, get plenty of sleep, eat right, use stretch cord for shoulder maintenance, report injuries/follow trainer recommendations, etc.).

In addition to the Maroon/Black intrasquad practice meet, we have six (6) meets in October. Remember, if you're not healthy enough to train, you're not healthy enough to compete.

We will begin heavy training next week. If you're not eating right, sleeping enough, etc., you will have trouble staying healthy.

Morning athletes have been issued water bottles. Fill them up with sports drinks or water before workout.

If you don't already have a stretch cord, I've ordered more tubing and will get you one soon. If you don't know what exercises to do for shoulder maintenance, I will show you and we'll include them in our morning stretching routine.

Tuesday, September 14, 2010

Maroon/Black Rosters

Maroon Team

Girls

Kirsten B.
Courtney K.
Alyssa L. (C)
Catie N. (C)
Megan N.


Boys

Caleb B.
Ryan B.
Stephan C. (C)
Zabdiel E.
Forres M.
Caleb M.
Cameron N.
Kyle S.
Parker S.

Black Team

Girls

Savanna C.
Mayrena H.
Memory H.
Sierra M. (C)
Melyssa T. (C)

Boys

Ian B. (C)
Tim D.
E'Mari G.
Henry I.
Richard M. (C)
Jamie P.
Chandler R.
Pedro S.
Devin S.
Taylor W.

Tuesday, September 7, 2010

Reminder

Remember to:

Behave in the locker room (keep your locker locked, keep your hands to yourself, clean up after yourself, minimize time spent, etc.).

Your parents and I expect our swimmers and divers to set a high standard for behavior in the locker rooms.

There is no excuse for misbehaving in the locker room.

Please remember to:

Minimize the time you spend in the locker room.

Pick up after yourselves.

Secure your belongings.

Leave other athletes - and their belongings - alone.

Report problems to a coach immediately.

Wednesday, September 1, 2010

Alumni on Facebook

Former THS swimmers and divers are encouraged to join the Facebook group being set up for our swim and dive alumni. Sydney Cruz ('09) has agreed to get it off the ground for us.

The site is here.

The word is slowly getting out and there are fourteen (14) members so far. If you're in touch with any of our ex-Wolves, please share the info with them.

Thanks!!


Friday, August 27, 2010

Afternoon Transportation

MISD transports swimmers and divers from THS to the natatorium each day after third block.

We are scheduled to practice from 1:30 to 3:15 each afternoon.

We expect each swimmer/diver to be on their way home by 3:45 p.m.

Janet Sheppard is preparing an email group that will make it easier for parents to communicate and line up carpools for after practice transportation.

Thursday, August 26, 2010

Reminders

The official site has been updated again. View it here.

The schedule link (near the top of the official site page) will take you to the tentative 2010-2011 meet schedule. Go directly to it here.

Quick note: If you want to get automatic notifications of any schedule changes, that option can be found toward the bottom of the schedule page.

Dive parent meeting is tonight at 5:30 p.m. in the MISD Natatorium classroom.

Swim parent meeting is tonight at 6:30 p.m. in the THS PAC.

We start working out at the natatorium next week. The morning group will splash at 6:45 a.m. (be ready to stretch at 6:30 a.m.). The afternoon group will board the bus right after third block.

Monday, June 28, 2010

Top 50 Times

The TISCA All Time Top 50 lists have been updated. Three Wolves (Barbara S., Bobby B., and Osnar P.) are on the 4A list. See it here.

Mansfield HS swimmers making the 5A list were John M. and Melanie M. See that list here.

Alumni Site

Sydney Cruz ('09) has volunteered to start a Timberview Swimming & Diving Alumni page on Facebook. She will want help maintaining it, though.

If we have a returning senior who's interested in getting involved, please let me know and I'll put you in touch with one another.
Once it's up and running, I'll add the link to this site.

Monday, June 14, 2010

Weekly Quote

I have always been delighted at the prospect
of a new day, a fresh try, one more start,
with perhaps a bit of magic waiting
somewhere behind the morning.



Joseph Priestley

Monday, June 7, 2010

Injured Swimmer & Family Need Support

If you were at the state meet in February, you'll recall what a talented group of athletes Kingwood Park HS sent to Austin this year.

Their boys' team dominated the 4A meet. Their top swimmer, Joseph Stanton, touched out Bobby by a slim margin to claim victory in the 100 free. Earlier, Stanton had finished fourth in the 200 free. After his win in the 100 free, Joseph anchored Kingwood Park's first-place 200 and 400 freestyle relays.


Today, Joseph Stanton is in the ICU unit at Memorial Hermann Hospital in Houston. He was seriously injured in a skateboarding accident a few days ago. Please take a few minutes to read his story here.

Hundreds of people have expressed their support for the Stanton's in recent days through the Guestbook link to his site. Read their messages of hope here.

Friday, June 4, 2010

MAC

Y'all may have heard by now, but for those of you that haven't:

I've resigned my coaching position with MAC.

Although I'll no longer be coaching with the club program, I fully support it and strongly encourage you to train with our year-round program.

Middle school and high school conditioning opportunities are available this summer. If you're not training and competing with MAC, you should try to join the conditioning group.

I'll post a try-out schedule shortly. Try-out sets have already been posted. Get/stay in shape so you can qualify for the workout group you're trying out for.

Wednesday, May 26, 2010

Caution!!

If you're planning to swim in college, please stay up on new NCAA rulings regarding nontraditional coursework in high school.

The NCAA has begun identifying nontraditional courses from various secondary education programs that do not meet the parameters of recently adopted Division I legislation regulating such courses.

Nontraditional courses include online, virtual, independent study, correspondence, individualized instruction and courses taught through similar means, which would also include software-based credit recovery courses.

Courses identified thus far as insufficient include those from BYU Independent Study and American School (two of the programs most frequently submitted to the NCAA Eligibility Center). Courses that meet (as well as those that do not meet) core-course requirements for eligibility purposes are updated on the NCAA Eligibility Center Web site.

Read the entire article here.

Monday, May 24, 2010

Weekly Quote

Enjoying success requires the ability to adapt.
Only by being open to change will you have a
true opportunity to get the most from your talent.



Lynn Nolan Ryan, Jr.

Monday, May 17, 2010

Weekly Quote

Today I will do what others won't, so tomorrow
I can accomplish what others can't.



Jerry Lee Rice

Wednesday, May 12, 2010

2010 Timberview Swimming Awards

Here are all the post-season award winners since the program's inception:

Newcomer

Girls

2005 - A. Cortez
2006 - N. Newcomb
2007 - R. Shannon
2008 - L. Schenck
2009 - M. Hernandez
2010 - K. Brown

Boys

2005 - H. Nguyen
2006 - V. Michel
2007 - F. O'Lenick
2008 - L. Arredondo
2009 - A. Molnar
2010 - K. Shaft

Fighting Wolf

Girls

2005 - J. Jones
2006 - J. Jones
2007 - J. Dinh
2008 - S. Cruz
2009 - H. Melconian
2010 - C. Newcomb

Boys

2005 - P. Bagley
2006 - N. Tillman
2007 - J. Ibarra
2008 - O. Pena
2009 - S. Colpaert
2010 - O. Pena

Outstanding Swimmer

Girls

2005 - B. Stitt
2006 - B. Stitt
2007 - B. Hajicek
2008 - B. Hajicek
2009 - S. Cruz
2010 - K. Brown

Boys

2005 - C. Ditzler
2006 - C. Conlin
2007 - C. Conlin
2008 - F. O'Lenick
2009 - B. Button
2010 - B. Button

MISD Diving

Girls Newcomer

2007 - L. Gardner
2008 - D. Abdullah-Smoot


Boys Newcomer

2007 - J. Thomay

Girls Outstanding Diver

2007 - D. McClockey
2008 - L. Gardner
2009 - L. Gardner

Boys Outstanding Diver

2007 - A. Doerge

Tuesday, May 11, 2010

Shirts and Programs

We have just five (5) programs left. They're $3 each. Might want to get one or two before they're gone.

We're still selling shirts at a discount. This year's gray with "Who's afraid of the big, bad wolf?" ($8) - and last year - maroon with "No speed limit" ($5).

We're out of XL, but have at least a few in the other sizes.

Monday, May 10, 2010

Weekly Quote

Success isn't measured by money or power
or social rank. Success is measured by
your discipline and inner peace.



Michael Keller Ditka, Jr.

Thursday, May 6, 2010

Time to Answer the Call!

MAC is hosting a BB meet this weekend and we're in need of volunteers.

We especially need timers and runners. Please contact Mrs. McKinley to volunteer for these jobs.

Also, manning the concession stand will be important during the long course season. We've got home meets that need concession stand workers on the following weekends this summer:

May 7-9
June 11-13
July 16-18

Remember, we must help out at these meets. Our team travel trip will be a "no-go" if we can't get Timberview volunteers out there to help. We've got a core group of parents that have been carrying the load. Please step up and give them a hand! Contact Mrs. Tipton to sign up.

Monday, May 3, 2010

Weekly Quote

There are only two distinct classes of
people on this earth; those who espouse
enthusiasm and those who despise it.



Anne Louise Germaine de Staël-Holstein

Monday, April 26, 2010

Weekly Quote

If we value the pursuit of knowledge, we must
be free to follow wherever that search may
lead us. The free mind is not a barking
dog, to be tethered to a ten-foot chain.



Adlai Ewing Stevenson II

Saturday, April 24, 2010

Tuesday, April 20, 2010

Morning Bus Riders

Attention morning group bus riders:

Seems some of you are catching rides to campus with other students.

You know this is prohibited.

If you do not drive yourself to campus, you must ride the morning bus shuttle.

This simple policy that's been in place at the natatorium for years:

Drivers do not take passengers.

Riders board the bus on time and ride to campus on the transportation provided by MISD.

Referrals will be written if you violate this policy!

Monday, April 19, 2010

Weekly Quote

The path of least resistance
is the path of the loser.



Herbert George "H.G." Wells

Friday, April 16, 2010

Seniors Signing Monday

Our two senior swimmers will sign in the Timberview HS library at 9:00 a.m. on Monday the 19th.

Osnar P.will be going to Henderson State University in Arkadelphia, Arkansas. He'll swim for Coak Matthews & Matt Schneider.

Bobby B. will be going to the University of Texas in Austin. He'll swim for Eddie Reese & Kris Kubik.

A release list has been sent to your teachers. Please report to class at the start of 2nd block for attendance, then make your way to the library. Make sure you make up any work you miss.

Brianna B
Kirsten B
Josh B
Ian B
Caleb J-B
Bobby B
Stephan C
Tim D
Jason D
Mayrena H
Max L
Alyssa L
Donggeun L
Nikki L
Sierra M
Richard M
Forres M
Caleb M
Catie N
Megan N
Cameron N
Carla O
Osnar P-M
Paige P
Lindsey S
Kyle S
Pedro S
Devin S
Melyssa T
Taylor W

Tuesday, April 13, 2010

Pictures

If you'd like to order prints from last fall's team and individual shots, here's how you can find them:
  1. Go to Top of Texas Photography
  2. Click on Mansfield ISD pictures
  3. Click on the blue link
  4. Type "11/19/2009" in for date and click Find
  5. Click on THS swim 09
  6. Enter password "wolves" and click Go
  7. Click Continue

Monday, April 12, 2010

Weekly Quote

To win without risk is to triumph without glory.



Pierre Corneille

Monday, April 5, 2010

Weekly Quote

A mind troubled by doubt cannot
focus on the course to victory.



Arthur Golden

Saturday, April 3, 2010

New District & Region

See the entire 5A alignment here.

Region III-5A

District 9-5A

Cedar Hill
Duncanville
Grand Prairie
Mansfield
Mansfield Legacy
Mansfield Timberview
South Grand Prairie

District 10-5A

Dallas Jesuit
Dallas Samuell
Dallas Skyline
Dallas Sunset
Dallas White
Richardson
Richardson Berkner
Richardson Lake
Highlands

District 11-5A

De Soto
Longview
Mesquite
Mesquite Horn
North Mesquite
Tyler Lee

District 12-5A

Belton
Bryan
College Station A&M Consolidated
Copperas Cove
Killeen Ellison
Killeen Harker Heights
Killeen Shoemaker
Temple

Friday, March 12, 2010

Spring/Summer Club Training


As you know, Timberview will return to the UIL's 5A classification starting in the fall of 2010. While we're unsure of our new swimming/diving alignment (what district/region will we be in?), one thing is certain:

We need to be prepared to compete at a higher level!

We have some very talented athletes in our high school program that can take their swimming to another level in the next year.

To help you "get there", I want you to focus on some things that make the best in our sport...well, the best in our sport!



These athletes:

  1. train year-round,
  2. compete year-round,
  3. swim workouts at high intensity,
  4. swim both mornings and afternoons during the week,
  5. train on Saturday's,
  6. pay close attention to nutrition,
  7. follow a strenuous dry-land regimen,
  8. maintain shoulder stability with specific exercises,
  9. make flexibility a part of their daily routine, and
  10. find ways to train/compete - rather than find excuses not to.



If you'd like to take your swimming to the next level, MAC has a proven program to make it happen.

The 2010 MAC spring practice schedule is here.

Fee information is here.

More info - including the new online registration link - is on the MAC home page here.

Updates are often posted on the MAC blog here.

Monday, March 8, 2010

State Meet Pics

State meet pics are posted on the 1st Photo Texas site.

4A Action

4A Awards

5A Action

5A Awards

Weekly Quote

Popularity? It is glory's small change.



Victor-Marie Hugo

Tuesday, March 2, 2010

Monday, March 1, 2010

Weekly Quote

When we long for life without difficulties,
remind us that oaks grow strong in contrary
winds and diamonds are made under pressure.



Ralph Pierre LaCock (a.k.a. Peter Marshall)

Sunday, February 28, 2010

State Meet Wrap-Up

Timberview had a great showing at this year's state meet. Results are here.

Of the 54 teams at the state meet, the Wolves were 13th in team scoring with 59 points.

The relay of Bobby B., Osnar P., Stephan C., and Josh K. swam to a 12th place finish (3:23.20) in the 400 free relay.

Osnar had a great prelim swim in the 500 free (4:55.41) and qualified for championship finals, where he finished 8th in finals. Osnar also finished 16th in the 200 free (1:49.82).

Bobby broke the state record in winning the 200 free (1:39.81). Later, he finished 2nd in the 100 free (:46.05). Both were new school records and earned him automatic All-American rankings. 2010 All American time standards are here.

Bobby was also named the Texas 4A male swimmer of the year.

State meet pics and vids from Don S. will be posted later this week.

Monday, February 22, 2010

Weekly Quote

Learn from the mistakes of others. You can't
live long enough to make them all yourself.



Anna Eleanor Roosevelt

Thursday, February 18, 2010

State Meet Preview

This year's state meet schedule has 4A swimming/diving in the morning and 5A in the afternoon.

For the complete schedule and ticket information, visit the UIL State Swim Meet page here.

Directions to the swim center are here.

Parking is often a problem. The closest parking is directly across MLK from the swim center. A link to a map showing the swim center (in orange) and nearby parking (in blue) is here.

A preliminary psych sheet for 4A is here.

I'll get an itinerary out to parents and swimmers as soon as possible.

Wednesday, February 17, 2010

If you'll remind me...


...I'll get y'all your region ribbons and medal labels tomorrow.

Thanks!!

Special thanks to parents for working the concession stand at Monday's 5A region meet.

The work you do for our kids if greatly appreciated.

Tuesday, February 16, 2010

Region Results...and more!!!

Complete results from the region meet are here.

It will take a day or two for the new top ten to be posted.

I am working on an announcement for tomorrow.

Tomorrow is the SALC meeting. Bobby B. and Alyssa L. need to wear SALC shirts and meet in room 1304 at 10:00 a.m.

We will participate in Thursday's pep rally. Please wear a team shirt.

More pics from Don S. are on the way. Here's Sierra M. in the 200 I.M.:

Our girls finished 4th in team scoring and the boys were third.

Timberview medal winners were:

200 free (g) - Kirsten B. (2)
200 free (b) - Bobby B. (1) & Osnar P. (2)
200 i.m. (b) - Stephan C. (3)
100 free (b) - Bobby B. (1)
500 free (b) - Osnar P. (1)
200 free relay (g) - Alyssa L., Lindsey S., Melyssa T., & Kirsten B. (2)
200 free relay (b) - Bobby B., Stephan C., Josh K., & Osnar P. (2)
100 back (g) - Kirsten B. (3)
100 back (b) - Stephan C. (2)
400 free relay (b) - Bobby B., Osnar P., Stephan C., & Josh K. (1)

Wolves advancing to the state meet are:

200 free - Bobby B. & Osnar P.
100 free - Bobby B.
500 free - Osnar P.
400 free relay - Bobby B., Osnar P., Stephan C., & Josh K.

The tentative psych sheet for the state meet is here.

Check out MHS and SHS region results here.

Monday, February 15, 2010

Weekly Quote

The eight laws of learning are explanation,
demonstration, imitation, repetition, repetition
repetition, repetition, and repetition.



John Robert Wooden

Monday, February 8, 2010

Weekly Quote

Life always gets harder toward the summit -
the cold increases, the responsibility increases.



Friedrich Wilhelm Nietzsche

Saturday, February 6, 2010

Holy Guacamole!

Just had a chance to watch the DVD Don S. gave me.

He put pics from the THS vs. CHS dual, CISD vs. MISD dual, and the 8-4A District Champs together for a great slide show.

Very, very cool stuff!!!

Friday, February 5, 2010

Region Meet Week

Our morning workout schedule next week:

Monday - Splash at 6:15 a.m.
Tuesday - Splash at 6:30 a.m.
Wednesday - Splash at 6:45 a.m.
Thursday - Splash at 7:00 a.m.
Friday - Wake-up swim at 7:30 a.m.

The afternoon group's schedule for next week is:

Monday - Finish at 2:45 p.m.
Tuesday - Finish at 2:30 p.m.
Wednesday - Finish at 2:15 p.m.
Thursday - Meet in room 2122 until 2:30 p.m.
Friday - Wake-up swim at 7:30 a.m. for region swimmers, all others report to room 2122 until 2:30 p.m.

The bus for prelims will leave the MISD Natatorium at 9:00 a.m. Friday. The bus for finals will leave at 8:30 a.m. Saturday.

When resting for the region meet, remember to:
  • Cut back on the caloric intake (you'll be burning fewer calories than you did in heavy training)
  • Cut back on outside activities (we'll rest at the pool, make sure you rest while away from it)
  • Pay more attention to the "little things" (intervals will be easier and you'll be able to "sharpen" while getting more rest)
  • Conserve energy (you'll have excess energy you've not had for months - don't waste it)
  • Stay positive (both about your upcoming races and your teammates')
  • Visualize races (take yourself through your races from prior to the start to after the finish)

If you're shaving for the region meet, here are a few hints:

  • Don't rush (allow plenty of time and include breaks)
  • Use razors (electric shavers and Nair are not used in this process)
  • Plan ahead (have plenty of new blades/razors available before you begin)
  • Clip first (use hair clippers on exposed body hair)
  • Shave (carefully shave exposed body hair)
  • Be careful (especially around shins, wrists, elbows, knees, forearms, & ankles)
  • Change blades/razors often (don't drag a dull razor across your skin)

Everyone swimming at the region meet should have a black cap. They're silicone caps with our logo on both sides. Since they're a special order, we have to charge $5 each.

Programs are still available for $3 each.

We still have team shirts available at $13 each.