Newspaper story on a masters team

We try to subtly influence those swimmers who do not want to compete, by letting them know how much fun the meets and post meet get togethers can be. We are slowly winning them over. There are plenty of other options for swimmers who do not want to compete, but rather than chasing them away with ultimatums, we choose to do what we can to grow the sport 1 swimmer at a time. I doubt that Mr. Fetter's policy brings in alot of new swimmers, but probably somewhat enhances the experience of existing competitive swimmers by increasing the importance of the competition itself. This is how our team operates, and how I was encouraged to move from lap swimmer to first time competitive swimmer. In all honesty I would never had attempted this type of team. I had a ski coach like this in high school, and at 47 I am too old to be yelled at or berated - esp after a stressful day at work. I like our laid back style - it may never get me to World Level but the past year has been a joy competing.

We try to subtly influence those swimmers who do not want to compete, by letting them know how much fun the meets and post meet get togethers can be. We are slowly winning them over. There are plenty of other options for swimmers who do not want to compete, but rather than chasing them away with ultimatums, we choose to do what we can to grow the sport 1 swimmer at a time. I doubt that Mr. Fetter's policy brings in alot of new swimmers, but probably somewhat enhances the experience of existing competitive swimmers by increasing the importance of the competition itself. This is how our team operates, and how I was encouraged to move from lap swimmer to first time competitive swimmer. In all honesty I would never had attempted this type of team. I had a ski coach like this in high school, and at 47 I am too old to be yelled at or berated - esp after a stressful day at work. I like our laid back style - it may never get me to World Level but the past year has been a joy competing.