By Philip Rushton
Hinton Parklander
With regionals Aug. 6-7 in St Albert, the Hinton Water Devils coaches are clocking improvement every day.
"The kids have been working their tails off and growing flippers or something," said coach Andrew Clarke.Conditioning and skills in the club have really motored up according to Clarke since last year when he first started coaching the Water Devils as the cross-training for winter sports is evident.
"We encourage them to become well rounded athletes, said Clarke, there's lots of sports you can do in the water."
There are 54 members in the club, aged 5-16, and the competitiveness starts to show in their teens.
"Seeing the determination to improve on their times," said Leanie Drayer, one of the assistant coaches who is learning patience from training.
"They're quick learners and I even see a bit of improvement in the kids after one lap of the pool."
Swimmers become highly competitive and winning at regionals lets them challenge others from across the province in Calgary on the weekend of August 12-14. A select group makes the nationals if they make the qualifying times.
"Looks like some of the team have a really good shot at regionals," said Clarke.
The summer club wraps up with a celebration party of their successes before school starts.
"A loss is still a win to me," said Clark.
"When only one guy in the pool wins the race, but if others are beating their individual times, it's great."
Clarke talked about how much the team has gelled together.
"Everyone supports and pushes each other to go harder in the pool," said Clarke.
Drayer pointed out that swimming is a life-long exercise and great skill, but has a bonus of being fun.
"Sometimes they splash me and sometimes I splash them," said Clarke.
"I'd would rather be in the water and let my mind go free," said Drayer.
"If you're having a bad day it all stops when you get into the pool."
PS Had to get the lil'un who wants only two things for Christmas! her gapped smile too priceless
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