Swimming

TCA is fortunate to welcome Jimmy Phillips, a veteran coach, leading our swimmers this year.  He prides his program on three key elements: confidence, technique, and teamwork.  Emphasis is placed on achieving individual and team goals rather than winning and competitiveness.

The summer program is offered to children 18 and under and provides them with a chance to learn and perfect their aquatic skills.  In addition, meets are held throughout the summer to give swimmers an opportunity to show off what they have learned.  Group and private swim lessons are offered to children of all ages.

TCA SWIM TEAM - SUMMER 2008

Message from Jimmy Phillips

I would like to welcome everyone back for what looks to be another great summer swim season. As many of you may already know, I am taking over the head coaching position for the legendary Reed Barnitz.

When I received the phone call from him last spring inviting me to take over his position, I was simultaneously honored, excited, and scared. I was honored because the offer came from Reed Barnitz…I mean it’s Reed. As the current head coach at AHS, I am excited to have the opportunity to coach the many high-caliber swimmers that are known to come out of the TCA swim program, both in athletic ability and quality of character.  Finally, I have to admit I’m a little scared when I try to picture the HUGE shoes I will be attempting to fill.  But I’m confident that I’ll be able to continue and improve on the remarkable reputation Coach Reed worked so hard to build for TCA. 

In addition to me, there will be some other changes in the coaching staff that are not yet complete. Some of them will remain, and others will be moving on.While I would like to hold on to as much of the current coaching talent as possible, I would also like to bring in some others who I have worked with in the past.One confirmation I do have is that Andrea Campbell will not be returning.My goal is to not change too many things that Reed spent the last 8 years building, but rather to simply add my own personal touch.

As usual, the emphasis of the program is on participation.  We wish to teach and instill good technique while staying loyal to the fundamentals of training and racing.  I will be instructing them to love and respect the sport, to feel comfortable and safe in all water conditions, and to be able to continue training well into their senior years. Our aim is to continue to educate and excite kids about swimming and to prepare them for whatever level of competition they are interested in achieving.

We are busy developing the entire summer schedule, including our "team trip".  I urge everybody to try to take part in this invaluable experience.It is a great lesson in the growing up process and something they'll remember for years to come.

And now a word from our beloved Coach Reed:

“For the daily nuts and bolts of the program, all I require is that the swimmers be on time, ready to get in the water promptly, and ready to give the coaches a great effort.  I will NOT allow swimmers to stroll into practice 5, 10, and 15 minutes late.  They will be asked to sit out that practice and to try a different alarm clock setting the next day! This rule will be strictly adhered to, barring of course incredible stories relayed by tearful parents!!! This model has worked very well for the last several years and I appreciate the kids’ effort to comply and all the wonderful excuses I've heard!”

Need I say more?

Some of my high school swimmers were a little apprehensive when they heard I was taking over for Reed. During the high school season, I work them, I work them hard, and then I work them harder. I promised them I would ease up a bit, but my philosophy remains the same when it comes to practice: Be at practice, be on time, and expect to get out of it what you put in.

I hold myself and other coaches to the highest of standards.However, if at any time you feel that these standards do not live up to yours, please feel free to talk to me after practice or bring it up to Cathie. I strive to maintain an honest and open dialogue with anyone I work with, so I invite any and all communication, positive or negative.

Parents, please be prepared to volunteer for some assignments regarding the running of some meets. We will need to train some stroke judges this year as well as a few starters. Timers are always needed and with an intensive stop watch reading seminar of approximately 1 minute you can be a star!

A reminder that a swimmer's age for the summer is determined as of MAY 1.

2008 Practice Schedule

AM Stroke Correction Sessions

These sessions are designed to help primarily newer swimmers with a specific stroke problem in a smaller setting. Since we have an abundance of coaches, most issues can be handled during the regular practice times. But if there are a few swimmers experiencing a common problem we may ask them to stay around till 11:10 (the last, and smallest, lesson group) to do some tune-up work. (Till 11:40)

Coaches 2008:

Season:

We will have 7-8 dual meets, usually on Wednesday afternoons at 1:00 and a team trip.

Meet Schedule 2008 TBA

THE SUNDANCE CHAMPIONSHIPS
Weekend of JULY 17 & 19, 2008

planned to take place at the city, west side complex.  AT THIS MOMENT WE ARE AIMING FOR THE DISTRICT MEETS TO BE HELD ON THURS 7/17 AND THE FINALS ON SAT 7/19.

Lesson Instructors:

We typically need about 13 instructors (other than coaches) to help with the lesson program. Lessons will start on Tues. May 27 and continue for 6 weeks, Tues-Fri mornings from 10:00-11:45.
THERE WILL BE A MEETING FOR PROSPECTIVE INSTRUCTORS AT TCA TBA Those interested may also call Cathie at 262-1691

Participation:

Last year we were a little too large. If you're child does not plan to regularly attend practice and participate in meets, please leave that space for new people coming in to the program.