First Semester Wrap Up:

In what has been one of the strongest semesters in recent history for the Wabash Swimming and Diving Team we now find ourselves heading into exam week, winter break, and my favorite time of the year, Florida Training! As usual we will be in Deerfield Beach, Florida training at the Deerfield Aquatic Center (The DAC is a brand new facility!), and staying at the Carriage House Inn and Resort. The location, facility, and overall environment is perfect for relaxing. Well, there is no avoiding how difficult training will be that week, but the gains made both physically and mentally are undeniable and exciting.

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I want to say a few quick thank you's as I wrap up the semester and reflect on what has happened. First off, our Alums have been awesome. From the countless good luck emails, to the visits from guys like Jim Rusnak '95 and Ron Zimmerman '93, to our inspirational talks from Coach Pebworth and Coach Vandivier, it has been a very motivational year for the guys on the team. I must also thank our parents for coming to all the meets. Wherever we go we always have a crowd of parents following - and a sense of family supporting us. I just couldn't ask for a better environment.

This has been a year that has truly connected the guys to the history and tradition of this program (btw, check out our new All Time Top 15 performances!). We have experienced†first hand how important this type of support is to a program, and also to a coach - especially as we get ready to compete against the best out there. Simply put, the Wabash Swimming and Diving family has made the risk-taking and "dreaming big" always seem like the right thing to do - even if the chance of failure is looming larger than ever

Finally, our swimmers and divers have been challenged a great deal this year by a Head Swim Coach that isn't into fun and games - mostly just training and large doses of pain. I applaud them for their perseverance and vision - and I hope they understand what is motivating me right now. A chance to shock the conference (and possibly arrive at the national level), is something I am not taking lightly. Hopefully the victories and team accomplishments along the way are motivating enough to get through the hard training - and the demand for a higher level of commitment and sacrifice.

The light at the end of the tunnel is brighter than ever - and after a quick break, a quick training trip, and a quick taper, our athletes will be behind both the blocks and the boards in position to perform at their best - with a level of self-confidence that is unparalleled. I find it a great honor to lead these fine young men into battle this year - and have the utmost respect and faith in them (something I've noticed that is missing from most of my swimming colleagues).

These young men learn quickly from mistakes, do what is right, and understand their role in making this year unforgettable. That is special. That is Wabash.

- PHC

(Pictured Above (from top to bottom): The Team at The Carriage House Resort last year, the DAC, Rob Fenoglio spinning to a 10, and Kyle O'Keefe bringing home his race)