I do not want to seem/be pollyannaish, but I'm sure this will come across that way:
It's too bad that "the powers that be" do not realize that swimming, unlike football, is one of the few sports that the athletes can participate in until they die. I have never seen organized Masters football. I'm disappointed that the alum haven't stepped up to help either.
I do realize that it comes down to the almighty dollar, but for the swimmers it really is a quality of life thing. Sucks they will have to go elsewhere, but hopefully they all will be able to swim somewhere.
Providing an avenue to health and fitness for life... What a concept!
On Wednesdays, the UCI women's basketball team comes in to swim the hour before I coach the masters practice. None of them can swim with their faces down in the water.
You know me... after watching one practice, I couldn't help myself. I started talking to them while they were waiting for their instructor at the very next session.
I told them about the Beijing Olympics where all the pro b-ball players were out at The Cube watching the Team USA Swimmers. And the swimmers went to the basketball game to support them in return.
I got their attention!
The next week, I brought out a pile of swim caps (none had them) and goggles and in less than 5 minutes, they were all snap-capped - and laughing about being "professional swimmers".
I wish I could teach that class...
Course I would be an even bigger joke on the basketball court and I told them so!
They think I should show up and try it!
I've been so stoked to imagine that these women athletes have been introduced to swimming. Tough to play basketball later in life for all kinds of reasons as Karen mentions for football players.
Besides, I love basketball players. They're real athletes who have to train hard to be anywhere near good at their sport.
Great athleticism is required - but they get a lot of injuries and often need a backup activity.
Athletes and coaches need to support and educate eachother about their various sports.
It should be a school pride issue that all the teams are the best they can be - fully supported with spectators at events, active alumni, and athletes supporting athletes.
Perhaps if we begin to attend football and basketball games enmass, show gratitude for the support they do offer, and invite them to be a part of our aquatic world they may take some ownership in our program as a part of their own.
(who is the pollyanna Karen?)
I do not want to seem/be pollyannaish, but I'm sure this will come across that way:
It's too bad that "the powers that be" do not realize that swimming, unlike football, is one of the few sports that the athletes can participate in until they die. I have never seen organized Masters football. I'm disappointed that the alum haven't stepped up to help either.
I do realize that it comes down to the almighty dollar, but for the swimmers it really is a quality of life thing. Sucks they will have to go elsewhere, but hopefully they all will be able to swim somewhere.
Providing an avenue to health and fitness for life... What a concept!
On Wednesdays, the UCI women's basketball team comes in to swim the hour before I coach the masters practice. None of them can swim with their faces down in the water.
You know me... after watching one practice, I couldn't help myself. I started talking to them while they were waiting for their instructor at the very next session.
I told them about the Beijing Olympics where all the pro b-ball players were out at The Cube watching the Team USA Swimmers. And the swimmers went to the basketball game to support them in return.
I got their attention!
The next week, I brought out a pile of swim caps (none had them) and goggles and in less than 5 minutes, they were all snap-capped - and laughing about being "professional swimmers".
I wish I could teach that class...
Course I would be an even bigger joke on the basketball court and I told them so!
They think I should show up and try it!
I've been so stoked to imagine that these women athletes have been introduced to swimming. Tough to play basketball later in life for all kinds of reasons as Karen mentions for football players.
Besides, I love basketball players. They're real athletes who have to train hard to be anywhere near good at their sport.
Great athleticism is required - but they get a lot of injuries and often need a backup activity.
Athletes and coaches need to support and educate eachother about their various sports.
It should be a school pride issue that all the teams are the best they can be - fully supported with spectators at events, active alumni, and athletes supporting athletes.
Perhaps if we begin to attend football and basketball games enmass, show gratitude for the support they do offer, and invite them to be a part of our aquatic world they may take some ownership in our program as a part of their own.
(who is the pollyanna Karen?)
