Saw this article today on The Race Club website. Since we have so many Texas Exes (GO HORNS beat SC!) on here, I was wondering what the opinions were on his comments.
64.70.236.56/.../index.html
At least good for some gripping discussion, Lord knows we need a good "spirited" discussion on here...
Aquageek, I agree that we shouldn't encourage mediocrity. I get what you are saying but, I disagree with the fact that you only "win" if you come in first. You can only control what you personally do in a race. You can't help the level of your competition. I coach a summer league team in a county that is among the fastest in the nation. Our county meet is almost as fast as our state USS meet! To motivate my swimmers I give "Speed Breaker" ribbons. If they improve their time, they get recognition. The goal of summer league is to get children interested in the sport of swimming. We have a very measurable sport that allows us to know when and how much we improve individually. I know I personally would rather improve 3 seconds and get second than add 3 seconds and "win".
Aquageek, I agree that we shouldn't encourage mediocrity. I get what you are saying but, I disagree with the fact that you only "win" if you come in first. You can only control what you personally do in a race. You can't help the level of your competition. I coach a summer league team in a county that is among the fastest in the nation. Our county meet is almost as fast as our state USS meet! To motivate my swimmers I give "Speed Breaker" ribbons. If they improve their time, they get recognition. The goal of summer league is to get children interested in the sport of swimming. We have a very measurable sport that allows us to know when and how much we improve individually. I know I personally would rather improve 3 seconds and get second than add 3 seconds and "win".
