This month’s swimmer is new to the team, but definitely not new to determination! Evan Dion joined the team at end of Spring session. He attended Sugar Bowl Academy this year and participated on the first year Cross Country Ski Team. Evan told me he wanted to stay fit over the summer and get ready for the coming ski season. What a great compliment for our sport. It can get you in shape for just about any sport. Evan did realize that swimming is just about the only thing you can do to get in shape for swimming. He has come a very long way since his first day training. I am sure it was a little overwhelming to come in at the end of short course season. He has worked hard on his strokes and is doing a great job in keeping up with the rest of the group.
Gold Swimmer of the Month-Jane Nall
Trying to pick someone from this group was very difficult. The entire Gold group deserves this recognition. They are very hard workers, determined to do better each time they swim. They listen well and do everything a coach asks. Alas I do need to select someone. This month’s cap goes to Jane Nall. Jane just celebrated her 10th birthday last week, double digits! Yahoo! Jane has qualified for her first JO’s at the May meet in Davis. Then last weekend at the Reno Gambler she qualified for the long course JO’s. We were not sure she would swim because at the Tahoe meet the first weekend of June she broke her growth plate in her heel when she slipped on the block. Talk about desire to succeed! Oh my gosh, she has it! I expect she will make more times in the short course season as well.
Silver Swimmer of the Month - Nicole Shacter
I think this one is going to have to go to Nicole Shacter, she has gone above and beyond the last few weeks. She has started to swim with the Gold one to two times a week. She may move up soon as she is definitely at home in the group and she even has some new ninjas on her team soon. Any questions, ask Laney or her to explain, it is great. She is full of enthusiasm and focused on her goals, I'm sure she has the drive to go big in the sport.
Bronze Swimmer of the Month- Annsley Akers
Annsley Akers walks into the pool and gives the biggest and longest hugs hello. What a nice way to start a practice! She started as a minnow last year and quickly learned all the strokes. Her drive to move to the "Bronze" group was evident. Since becoming a bronze swimmer she has entered swim meets and has done quite well. She is a joy to work with and we look forward to seeing her everyday in practice!
Minnow Swimmer of the Month - Brooke Saathoff
Our swimmer this month is Brooke Saathoff. Brooke comes to practice with the best attitude. She always wants to swim more. She gets along with everyone. So much so that sometimes I have to remind her and her teammates it’s time to swim. She has improved so much over the year. She is taking the summer off and I will miss her. Brooke, have a fun summer and we will see you in the fall!
May 2010
Senior: Alex Straw
What more can be said about him? He is an absolute hard worker, has a great attitude and the girls love him!! Seriously, Alex works extremely hard when he attends practice. He gives it his all without question. All his hard work pays off too. Each meet he lowers his time and even swims the 100 Fly! I look forward to the end of soccer season and swimming with him to China Cove!
Gold: Bayley Sonder
The swimmer that started to turn around his attitude and work ethic this session is the swimmer of the month. Bayley Sonder was fighting practice for awhile and now has a new perspective on the sport. It is so good to see him come to practice with a smile on his face. Bayley keep up the good work!!
Silver Group - Grace Meschery and Megan Larson
Both Megan and Grace joined the swim team in the Spring and had to dive in (literally) into a tough group of experienced swimmers. In just 4 weeks both girls have made great progress learning all the swim lingo as well as overall technique and fitness. Rarely have I not seen them smiling (even through red faces) - their determination is amazing and has been a great example for the rest of the kids! If something is new or they don't understand it, both of them never hesitate to ask for clarification. The addition of Megan and Grace has brought great new energy to the Silver Group. Congratulations girls and thanks for being a part of the team!
Bronze Group - Tessa Vandenberg
Ok mom, are you sitting down?! Yes, Tessa has earned the honor of swimmer of the month for April. While Tessa's name is called frequently throughout practice, this month it has faded to a whisper. Tessa has finally been swimming what she is capable of - a strong determined, competitive swimmer. Her transformation has come in the form of being a better listener, paying attention, and not giving up. She's also discovered a little hard work puts her in reach of out touching her brother Keefe (he's in Silver and better watch out). I'm very proud of you Tessa and believe you can do great things in and out of the pool if you want to. Congratulations!
Minnows: Dylan Cole
Dylan comes into the pool with this sly smile that makes you wonder "what is he up to now?". He has improved so much over the year. Once he starts swimming meets he will be a terror in the pool. All his strokes are legal when he focuses on them, especially the breaststroke kick. I look forward to the days he shows up at the pool! Congrats Dylan.
April 2010
This month the Senior and Gold Swimmers of the month were based on attendance only.
Seniors:Amanda Novick
Amanda has received this award within the past 6 months. She has had almost perfect attendance since the start of winter session except for a trip to the emergency room! Amanda Novick is one tough lady. Three days after that emergency room visit she swam at the JO's. Even though she is competing for the high school team she has elected to practice with TTST. Her attitude and work ethic is great and her times keep dropping at every meet! Congrats Amanda!
Golds:Kyla Burrill
returned to TTST after taking the winter off to compete on the ski team. Since returning she has been coming to the pool on the middle school bus, doing her homework poolside, participating on Tuesday and Thursday in our core work and swimming hard in practice. Kyla Burrill it is so nice to have you back training with us! I look forward to seeing you swim fast this weekend in Davis and in Carson, your first long course meet of the year! Congrats Kyla!!
Silver - Laney Rohlf
Laney finished up her x-country ski season and returned to the pool in April and has been streamlining through the water ever since. She returned fit and strong and is taking in all the technique instruction resulting in great progress. A hard worker and gentle spirit, Laney has surfaced as a leader in the Silver Group setting a great example both in and out of the water. Laney and her good pal Nicole Shacter recently taught me the finer skills of being a Ninja - I'm still trying to master the pose. Not only has Laney created a strong place for herself this past month, but she is very smart and I learn something interesting from her (and all the kids) every day. Thank you Laney for being a part of the swim team and teaching me valuable life lessons. HAPPY BIRTHDAY TOO!
Bronze - Ian Smith
The quiet one is always the one you need to look out for. Ian has been making little splashes while swimming on the team, but in the last few months the splashes have gotten bigger. He has really improved in both technique and speed. He too, has recently emerged as a leader in the Bronze fraternity (do they know how to have fun), yet Ian knows when it's time to swim. The best thing about Ian is he always has a smile and gets along with everyone (having two sisters helps him tolerate the girls in the group). Congratulations Ian and keep up the great work!
Minnows:Jacqueline Roth
Jacqueline is new to the team this year, although she has been a fixture around the pool during swim lessons. She has done a great job in learning how to work in practice. The only stroke we need to improve on is the breaststroke. That stroke seems to be the toughest for all Minnows to conquer. My goal for her is to swim a short course meet this summer and I think that will be accomplished at the SouthShore meet in June! Way to go Jacqueline!!
March 2010 Seniors:Kayla Redner. Kayla began an aggressive assault on swimming at the end of February. It really paid off at the Junior Olympics two weeks ago. Kayla not only swam to personal best times but she qualified, for the first time, for the Far Western Championships next week in Morgan Hill. This is the biggest age group meet in the Western half of the United States. swimmers from as far away as Hawaii, Guam and Alaska compete. Congrats Kayla and your goal of Western Zones is closer and closer!!!
Golds: Mikayla Sonder is once again Swimmer of the Month. Mikayla worked really hard this winter. Not only does she swim, she takes dance three times a week as well and performs in competitions. In early March she swam at the Folsom last chance meet and made Jo's in the 50 free. At the Junior Olympics she swam to another personal best in that event. As most of you know, the 50 is a tough swim to keep dropping times. Mikayla's goal now is to make long course JO's as she ages up one week before the meet. Great job Mikayla!!!
Silvers – Spencer Thomas It’s hard to say what goes through a “clever mind” when swimming, but this past month Spencer focused that sharp mind of his on really pushing himself. The result, he discovered a “feel for the water” and his natural talent in the pool. Spencer is one of the most relaxed kids in the water which has helped him develop good stroke technique. Spencer brings a genuine sense of humor to the group and gets along with everyone. I am very proud of all the progress Spencer has made in the last year and his choice to continue to swim - he is great asset to the team. Congratulations Spencer!
Bronze – Luke Lahr If there’s any kid who gives a 100% effort all the time, it’s Luke. Luke is a silent little competitor who always likes a good race from the starting block. With no fear of the noodle, he is our diving champion who holds the honors of the highest and farthest dive to date (he asked me to hold the noodle higher and farther, but I have to keep practice safe!). In between practicing starts he entertains all of us with his amazing, intelligent, creative mind. Luke is the kid every coach enjoys having on their team and watching them grow both in and out of the water. Congratulations Luke!
Minnows:Amber Hansford may be as little as a minnow but she has the might of a shark! Amber Hansford is one hard worker. She is always ready to get in the water and swim. Her improvement over the winter season has been extraordinary. From barely making a lap to swimming numerous laps and a pretty awesome breaststroke is great. Amber, keep up the great work and set that 5 o'clock group as your next goal.
February 2010
Seniors - Brittney Straw
What can I say about Brittney Straw? She works extremely hard everyday in practice. Her performances in swim meets are fantastic. She has qualified in 7 events at the Far Westerns this spring, but opted to go to the British Virgin Islands. I understand she is just as good on the soccer field and ski slope. She always comes to practice with a smile on her face and is fun to be around. Congrats Britt! Golds - Madison Monson
I know Maddie Monson has received this award before, but she exemplifies the Swimmer of the Month. Besides her training hard on the courts, she does it in the pool as well. Maddie swam her first JO's last summer in Roseville. She came away wanting to return to the Spring JO's. Unfortunately, she ages up a week before and needs her 11-12 cuts. Maddie, keep up the hard work and I think you can make it back to Roseville this summer!
Minnows - Lacey Norris
Lacey decided to swim this winter and it was certainly the right move. She has improved by leaps and bounds. She has a goal of moving up to the Bronze group and I am sure she will get there soon. Lacey and her best buddy Zoey are so much fun to have in practice, especially when they perform their songs they write themselves. Congrats Lacey!!!
***Coach Sarah asked the Silver and Bronze groups to pick the Swimmers of the Month for February****
Silvers - Anna Kates
Anna received the most votes. Here are some of the reasons why Anna should be Swimmer of the Month.
“She really works hard.”
“Hard working. Good swimmer. Fun. Always does her best.”
“I think Anna Kates should be swimmer of the month because she is getting really good at swimming and I think she could move to Gold soon.”
“Because she is a great swimmer.”
“Because she has worked really hard and been a good sport.”
“I vote for Anna Kates because she works hard everyday and is kind to everyone.”
Bronze - Chloe Gorman
Chloe received the most votes. Here are some of the reasons why Chloe should be Swimmer of the Month.
“Cas she always lissons and she is really good.”
“She is nice.”
“Cause she is a good swimmer.”
“She is nice to everyone.”
“She has ben working hard and getting better.”
Congratulations to both Anna and Chloe!
Swimmers of the month - January 2010
Senior Group - Kayla Redner
Kayla has a goal of breaking a minute in the 100 free. She is a second and a half from that goal. her determination in practice will help to make that goal become a reality. Kayla has already qualified for the JO's in 12 events. She is less than 2 seconds off in qualifying for Far Westerns in the 50 free. As soon as she finishes fixing her stroke she will make that time! Keep up the hard work Kayla and congrats!
Gold Group - Maya Willis
Maya just moved up to the Gold group and has proved that she belongs there. Maya works hard everyday and every lap that she swims. It is so good to see that quality in a team member. Our next goal for Maya is to swim a meet and the Minden meet is perfect for her. Then we can celebrate her birthday on Sunday at the meet!!! Congrats Maya!
Silver Group - Hana Schlang
In the last few months Hana has really stepped out of her comfort zone and has been very focused and is working hard in the pool. As a result, her technique has improved and she is swimming faster. She put that hard work to the test by swimming in her first swim meet at Carson City a few weeks ago. Despite first time swim meet jitters Hana did excellent and had a lot fun - she had a great cheering section from fellow teammates and family. Hana is eager to accept new challenges and set her own goals. She listens well and asks questions often (a favorite - "can we do relays", a common question among many of the kids). She is a quiet competitor with a very big spirit.
Congratulations Hana, thanks for being a part of TTST and the Silver Group.
Bronze Group - Annika Thayer
If there ever was a spark plug in the pool, it's Annika. Annika moved to the Bronze group this fall and has been on fire ever since. She puts her heart into the pool and has improved her technique and speed as well. Annika comes to practice regularly with tons of energy (along with her buddy Annsley) and that energy lasts for the full hour of practice. Annika also participated in the Carson City swim meet a few weeks ago and earned the 6 and under high point award, but I don't think she even knew what the award was or had any idea she was in contention - she just loves to swim. Keep up your determination Annika and your fun energy in and out of the pool.
Minnows Group - Calen & Sawyer Laine
This month the Minnow Swimmer of the Month is a tie. It was a very tough decision as all of the Minnows are working very hard to learn the strokes legally. It was just as hard to decide which of these boys got the award, so they both do. Calen and Sawyer Laine work hard everytime they enter the pool. They have moved up to the fast lane in a very short time. As with Maya, a swim meet would be a great experience for them. Congrats boys!
SWIMMERS OF THE MONTH - NOVEMBER
Senior group: Amanda Novick
Amanda is a changed swimmer since returning this season. She has new enegy and drive. The Carson meet results have proved that. Amanda qualified for the first time for JO's. Keep up the attitude and work Amanda! You're looking great!!
Gold Group: Meridian Donovan
Meridian has put in the effort that it takes to improve your times. At the Carson meet, she lowered her times and swam the 200 free for the first time. She is a very hard worker that is sure to improve more, especially if we can keep her from injuring herself! Congrats Meridian!!
Silver Group: Cadyn Morgan-McGregor Cadyn has quietly been making a splash in the Silver group this session improving all her strokes and is really starting to swim strong with good technique. She pays close attention to stroke instruction and works hard at applying what she is learning. Easy going, confident, and a pleasant disposition, she is emerging as a hard worker and leader in the group who likes to have fun. It is a pleasure to have Cadyn on the team.
Bronze Group: Colter Fellows Much like the ski slopes, Colter has discovered the pool can be a fun place. He is improving everyday and realizing a little effort goes a long way. When challenged to push harder, he has an inner confidence that kicks in and shows he is capable of being a strong swimmer. Always playful, but never disruptive, his swimming skills have improved considerably along with his presence in the Bronze group this session. It's great to have Colter on the team and I hope we see him back in the pool after the snow melts!
Minnows: Marea Adams
Marea is one little firecracker of a girl. Her technique has improved tremendously over the year. All of her strokes are legal for about 3/4 of a lap. She will be ready to swim a meet in 2010. She is always raring to go at the start of practice and loves being the line leader! Way to go Marea!!
