Day One on Day Four

Did anyone see how the Sacramento Kings won last night?  Pretty awesome.  Personally, I enjoy watching videos like this a few times (meaning 10+ times) to look for what's going on around the star (in this case, Tyreke Evans.)  Sure the shots, both by OJ Mayo and Evans were Darien-Washington-esque, but take a look at the Sacramento Lion on roller skates looking for someone to high five.  Poor guy.  He can come be our mascot if he's looking for a friend.

10:39AM - I'm off to take Ashley to dive practice with Old Dominion - a big thank you to the ODU coaching staff for letting this occur.  I'll be back in one hour to comment on our very good morning...

11:49AM - Lauren and I have returned safely from our voyage and Ashley is in good hands. 

How does that Sacramento Kings victory relate to Bison Aquatics?  To start, how many players can you name on the Sacramento Kings?  How many of you even know the Sacramento Kings exist?  If you follow the NBA, you probably know a thing or two about the team and might understand their history.  Chances are, though, that unless you really experience their day-in and day-out preparation, the Sacramento Kings are nothing more than a 15-second clip that is streaming across televisions and websites celebrating a victory.  Yet, victories for a young, exuberant team like the Kings come everyday in practice, in career-best statistics, in sudden recognition from the small-city community, etc.  We just don't see it, nor do we truly know what they feel like from their vantage point.

I have all the confidence in the world that not all students and faculty at Howard University know there's a swimming and diving team on their campus, representing each of them.  Truthfully, that's fine with me.  We know the perks and struggles, the zeniths and abysses that come with being at Howard and know that no one can take these experiences from these student-athletes.  This experience is epitomized with the training here in Florida.   Our bodies feel a little tougher are mind is a little sharper and while hitting a buzzer-beater might not happen tomorrow, there is sure to be a moment in an upcoming meet that will turn heads.  One thing is for sure: no one on campus can handle this training like we can.

The HU swimmers and diver looked very good during their 3500 short course yards together before breaking into groups for the first time on the trip. Our day one of conferences simulation was effective on many accounts.  Some of the sets included:

500 Group - 4x300s in red - maintain consistency, followed by 4x100s pace to a turn on 1:30
200 IMers - 8x150s on 2:00 - 25 IM Order, 100 free, 25 IM order - work strengths and underwater weaknesses
50 Free - 12x100s on 1:45 - 25 Sprint, 50 Free extended, 25 Sprint (#6 and #7 = Easy)

The western sky join the lights from above to watch the Bison warm-up on Thursday morning.

The team's performance was solid...not as great as yesterday afternoon, but still enough for a pleasant return trip back on the bus.  We needed a little time to familiarize ourselves with certain sets before getting into a groove.  There were still some dynamic efforts worthy of a Prime Popcorn Practice Performer chalice.  These three newcomers to the list can take solace in knowing their name is not on this list by accident:

#3 - Aaron Sykes - quite a commendable effort from Aaron to join the more challenging lane right from the start of warm-up.  Excellent job with fly kick focus 1300 and polished off some great 75s to conclude practice (7.)
#2 - Cachanda Evans - battling injury (real injury, not "I'm tired and I think I might be Hurt" injury,) Cassie maintained good underwaters during our 2x(5x100s + 5x50s) and look particularly cagey during final 550 in the sprint group (7.5.)
#1 - Darell Hungerford - turning point in Darell's Florida trip - passing swimmers in red set - leading lane during 50 Free specialty set - fastest time in sprint 75s to conclude practice - well done (8.)

We are getting ready for this afternoon with a really fun incentive in place for this afternoon's dryland challenge.  Check back soon...