My son is a 10th grader. He is the best swimmer on his team, he is struggling with continuing on. At times he likes it, other times he really dislikes it. Small school Div 3 in Michigan. He is not a phenom swimmer, could maybe swim in college which he does not want to do (which I understand, especially for a walkon or a partial scholarship, you need to really love the sport). Not likely he will be involved in any other sport in HS. He likes weight lifting so he will stay in shape via personal work outs lifting and some running. He has a life guard job (very part time) but will be around the water.
He swam club from 3rd to 7th grade taking springs off. Took 8th grade off and then swam HS for 9th. He is a big kid. 6' 3" 215 pounds with size 16 flippers. Mostly a sprinter but can swim all strokes any distance. 23.39 50 SCY is his best time. No prep for this season, just weight lifiting and some running this past summer. No club swimming.
Team and Coaches would miss him. Coaches are very understanding and are very flexible in dealing with swimmers as individuals. They really look at swimmers as individuals and customize their program to the type of team and swimmers they have.
I am thinking he will not be back next year. I think he will regret it later. But in the end he must want to do it.
Any thoughts on how you felt about HS swimming? any motivating tips?
I say let him do what he wants to do. If he likes swimming enough to stay on the team...support him and his decision. If he feels that it's not the sport for him...regardless of how good he is...then let him walk away (with one caveat I'll explain in a second) but support him in that decision too. I didn't swim in HS, I ran track and CC all four years. I loved running (still do) and loved the camaraderie of being on the team. The caveat...which I always made my kids go by From youth sports all the way through HS...if you join a team NO QUITING! You're on it through the entire season. Even if you're injured you'll still go to all events and support the team.
Dan
I say let him do what he wants to do. If he likes swimming enough to stay on the team...support him and his decision. If he feels that it's not the sport for him...regardless of how good he is...then let him walk away (with one caveat I'll explain in a second) but support him in that decision too. I didn't swim in HS, I ran track and CC all four years. I loved running (still do) and loved the camaraderie of being on the team. The caveat...which I always made my kids go by From youth sports all the way through HS...if you join a team NO QUITING! You're on it through the entire season. Even if you're injured you'll still go to all events and support the team.
Dan
