I don't know if you have seen any of the stories on Swimming World web site about ASA and CU.
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Anyway, it is a fairly funny situation. I have no idea who Keith Bell is, but ASA seems like an odd organization. They create rules that are supposed to be fun, but then they kick out a team for having fun or poking fun at the organization. Maybe there are more details about why they were kicked-out of the organization that are more sinister, but on the surface this sounds like one family on a power trip which doesn't make for much of an "organization".
I was wondering whether USMS might consider sponsoring a college club championship next year. It would grow membership and it would introduce young swimmers to our organization. Anyone out there from USMS listening?
I have swum in a meet with the CU swimmers and I have to say there are a very nice bunch and I thought they were very respectful. They were as serious about swimming as your average masters competitor. I hate to see them without an alternative for college club swimming because one guy doesn't want them in his "organization". If Keith Bell makes money from a college club championship, I bet USMS could as well and it might increase future USMS membership.
Some of Dr. Bell's ideas do sound fun though. I would love to be able to do any type of turn I wanted and one hand touches.
Just a thought for USMS.....college club swimming.
Tim
The students want to be fit too, but a huge reason they swim is for socializing. They are usually not as serious in the water. They do compete a lot: against other club teams. They are not at all interested in masters meets, not even in the city. Half of their posts on the team listserv (I am the faculty advisor so I am copied) concern parties.
USMS should definitely try to reach out to these people -- if only to remind them that opportunities for swimming in a fun environment exist post-college -- but it is not simply a matter of getting them to send in their membership fees. Mostly what they want is an opportunity to swim with other young people, not with old farts like me.
OK, so we offer to let them swim in the suits, hold a kegger afterward, and promise them that their old fart faculty advisor won't be there to embarass them by beating them soundly?
The students want to be fit too, but a huge reason they swim is for socializing. They are usually not as serious in the water. They do compete a lot: against other club teams. They are not at all interested in masters meets, not even in the city. Half of their posts on the team listserv (I am the faculty advisor so I am copied) concern parties.
USMS should definitely try to reach out to these people -- if only to remind them that opportunities for swimming in a fun environment exist post-college -- but it is not simply a matter of getting them to send in their membership fees. Mostly what they want is an opportunity to swim with other young people, not with old farts like me.
OK, so we offer to let them swim in the suits, hold a kegger afterward, and promise them that their old fart faculty advisor won't be there to embarass them by beating them soundly?
