Greetings
I know from reading many posts that some of you have swam in college. I am the parent of an age group swimmer who has his sights set on a college scholarship. I was a sportsmed guy in a a Div 1 school in college and all of us worked many long hours and traveled a great deal to earn our way through. The athletes worked very hard of course and really paid in time for the funds they received in the form of books and tuition. I would rather pay for his schooling and see him study rather than swim. I do not want to steal his dreams though as a result of my cynical view of the system. Have any of you swam in college and what was your experience? Do you view it as a worthy goal or would you have done it differently? Any coaches out there with insight? All advice welcome. This is a great forum!
Many Thanks
Spudfin
Dear Spudfin,
You don't know how much that resonates with me. Swimming in college and the Olympics was my dream.
I was a promising age grouper back in the late 70's and early 80's. Team records, state records, etc.
I received two full swimming scholarships from two separate schools but was gently encouraged (manipulated) by my mother to stay at home because the family could not afford to send me "away" to school. That abruptly ended my career. Being the naive 18 year old, I did not see the shear stupidity of not being able to afford a full scholarship. On the other hand, my father made to much to qualify for financial aid.
My mother placed her needs above my needs, hopes, and dreams. Our relationship never recovered and now she's gone.
While I had great success in college and have been self employed for over 20 years, the decision to turn down those scholarships was the worst decision of my life and I will always regret it.
The same temptations exist on every campus. If your son has something he wants and has to work hard for it, isn't he less likely to get into trouble? If he's denied what he loves, won't he be more likely to get into trouble?
It will be a lot of hard work. It is supposed to be! It's training for life. Swimming gave me more than I can ever repay! The coach really sets the tone!!
I feel that it is far better to strive for your own goals and fail, than to strive for someone else's goals and succeed. I was a successful IT consultant for over 20 years and recently quit to go back to coaching and swimming.
I would trade everything except my partner to go back and do it again!
Best wishes to you and yours,
Allen
Dear Spudfin,
You don't know how much that resonates with me. Swimming in college and the Olympics was my dream.
I was a promising age grouper back in the late 70's and early 80's. Team records, state records, etc.
I received two full swimming scholarships from two separate schools but was gently encouraged (manipulated) by my mother to stay at home because the family could not afford to send me "away" to school. That abruptly ended my career. Being the naive 18 year old, I did not see the shear stupidity of not being able to afford a full scholarship. On the other hand, my father made to much to qualify for financial aid.
My mother placed her needs above my needs, hopes, and dreams. Our relationship never recovered and now she's gone.
While I had great success in college and have been self employed for over 20 years, the decision to turn down those scholarships was the worst decision of my life and I will always regret it.
The same temptations exist on every campus. If your son has something he wants and has to work hard for it, isn't he less likely to get into trouble? If he's denied what he loves, won't he be more likely to get into trouble?
It will be a lot of hard work. It is supposed to be! It's training for life. Swimming gave me more than I can ever repay! The coach really sets the tone!!
I feel that it is far better to strive for your own goals and fail, than to strive for someone else's goals and succeed. I was a successful IT consultant for over 20 years and recently quit to go back to coaching and swimming.
I would trade everything except my partner to go back and do it again!
Best wishes to you and yours,
Allen
