Before we left for Florida we were split up into 4 teams to go up against each other in numerous competitions to take place during our trip. The first challenge was to create a team name and cheer. The 4 teams (as I will refer to them throughout this blog) are as follows: “Splash Mob” (senior captains: Myles Poster and Blair Cross,) “Victorious Secret” (Mitchell Challacombe & Stephanie Parker,) “Shark Bate” (Annie Fittin and Matt Gruszecki) and “X-blade” (Rodger Dent and Jessalyn Crawford.)
So, the trivia challenge gave us all an extra boost of energy as we tried to get the most points for our respective teams while swimming in between. Here is an example question just so you can get a feel of the game: “What do these three things have in common… A handsome man, a beautiful woman and a banana?” The answer- They all have A-PEEL (aka- appeal.) Coach John Ponce did a great job of finding these questions and really making us rack our brains for the answers.
Unfortunately after practice the skies were a combination of sunny and cloudy all afternoon so not many made it out to the beach; however, I think it was a good excuse for people to stay in a take a nap or watch some bowl games, which may not have been the most exciting afternoon activity for any Michigan State fans on the team. The hotel we’re staying in also has a nice pool where I saw a lot of the team lounging in the hot tub.
Night practice was different for each training group, sprint group got to swim out a little and do some recovery work, while mid-distance worked on pace, and distance did an intense kick set, but the training in the pool may not prepare everyone for tomorrow morning….
Everyone has been talking about the mile long, ocean swim we are competing in tomorrow. The swim takes place at Delray Beach and there will be a fair amount of people entered in it besides our team. It will be a unique experience because we have a wide range of ocean swimming expertise from Annie and Pete Fittin who are beach life guards in the summer to one of our typical sprinters like Blair Cross who isn’t too keen on the long distance racing. Regardless it will be an experience for us all, and I doubt anyone will be holding back due to the points earned for your personal team with a high placing finish.
The night came to a close pretty early for everyone after grabbing dinner, many settling in to watch the Capital’s great performance against the Penguins in the Winter Classic. It’s obvious everyone is a little tired, but the morning off from practice tomorrow will be a good change for the team.
On that note, stay tuned for the results of Terps vs. ocean tomorrow. :)
No comments:
Post a Comment