Well, i am a student at Canisius College in Buffalo, NY that had the football team cut from the athletic program and instead had a swim team and a few other sports put in the program in its place. One day as i was working out in the gym this past september, the coach of the swim team saw me working out and asked me if i wanted to swim. He needed numbers more than anything since the collegiate competitive requirements are 11 participants a team. Mind you i am 5'7", 185 lbs, broad chest and shoulders with large legs. A running back figure. I have never swam before and i agreed to be on the swim team. The coach wants me to swim the 50 and 100 free and i like that for it is a fast twitch race more than slow twitch, and since i am a senior i don't really have time to increase my endurance and slow twitch. I was wondering if any of you had advice for me in my endeavour to become an excellent swimmer by february 2004, and hopefully win an event at the MAAC nationals. In my first meet on Oct. 11, i swam a 27.88 in the 50 free at Duquesne. If you couldn't tell by my hunting for a discussion ring and post, i am very intense and competitive, and am taking this very seriously. Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thank you and hope to have some replies soon!
Ian and Lefty, I agree that the task will be very difficult. In my first post I thought I tried to diplomatically aproach the subject. Not setting realistic goals leads to disappointment and sometimes withdrawal from the sport. It should be avoided. I was impressed with Joeys response, to use the comments those of us that doubt the ability of someone to drop that much time, as a motivator. It shows maturity. I live in the area (Western New York) and will follow developments in Joeys progress. His team mate also is very encouraging. In general terms I would tell you that the majority of students at this college (Canisius) are a highly intelligent and motivated group. But 22 seconds in the fifty free is a number that only very elite athletes can achieve after many years of training. If this young man can do it I am going to try to contact his coach to help train me. Heck I swam 25:88 at the last meet and my goal is to break 25 in the next year or two if ever. Good Luck Joey!
Ian and Lefty, I agree that the task will be very difficult. In my first post I thought I tried to diplomatically aproach the subject. Not setting realistic goals leads to disappointment and sometimes withdrawal from the sport. It should be avoided. I was impressed with Joeys response, to use the comments those of us that doubt the ability of someone to drop that much time, as a motivator. It shows maturity. I live in the area (Western New York) and will follow developments in Joeys progress. His team mate also is very encouraging. In general terms I would tell you that the majority of students at this college (Canisius) are a highly intelligent and motivated group. But 22 seconds in the fifty free is a number that only very elite athletes can achieve after many years of training. If this young man can do it I am going to try to contact his coach to help train me. Heck I swam 25:88 at the last meet and my goal is to break 25 in the next year or two if ever. Good Luck Joey!
