Howard Bailey ’04 – Diving Coach

While the swimmers were training in Florida, the divers decided to take a few extra days at home to prepare for a hard winter training camp at Wabash. Starting Friday, January 5 we started our daily routine of about 6 hours of working out and diving, - needless to say it was a great diving camp!

The team shared some intense training time on the boards but also experienced some tough workouts outside of the pool. During the mornings, we got off the board countless times, and practiced our synchronized diving technique to strengthen concentration. Afterwards, we headed out toSubway, “to eat fresh” For the afternoon portion of practices, the team ventured out into the fieldhouse where we practiced dives on the mats, ran around the track, played a few rounds of racquetball, and did some weight training.

I was also glad to see our team coming together as group - and learning to always be there for each other. For example, as the team began devouring sandwiches at Subway, Tom Schiltz ’08 began choking. The guys sprung into action to save Tom – and he got through the situation just fine! According to Jacob Peerman ’09, they took care of their teammate, and "…did not let that slow us down.” Coach Casares tells me there is nothing like a life-saving moment to bring a group together! Later that afternoon they proved just that by jumping right back on the boards - focused on improving diving techniques and increasing scores. Not only did they improve their techniques, but everyone learned a new dive or two. Rob Fenoglio ’09 learned a forward triple somersault on the 1 meter board. Tom learned a reverse 1.5 somersault with a .5 twist, and Jacob Peerman ’09 learned three new dives: back double somersault, reverse double somersault, and a forward 2.5 somersault! Winter training ended January 9, but the fun and crazy moments will be remembered forever. We are delighted to share the pool again with the swimmers. We've missed them!!! (Pictured above (top to bottom): Coach Bailey enjoys a refeshing cola beverage, Rob Fenoglio practices on the mats, and Tom Schiltz goes big on the leg press)

Peerman, Fenoglio, and Schiltz take to the treadmill in their suits!

Peerman and Fenoglio keep a close eye on Tom as he takes a bite of his sandwich!