Monday, January 3, 2011

Home...Where Our Heart Is


We've made it safely back to Washington, DC after a very speedy trip from our two drivers.  Our training in Ft. Myers officially came to an end at 11:04PM EST on Sunday evening, but every minute was memorable in its own right.  We met some great people, enjoyed terrific weather and became a stronger team physically and emotionally.

Tomorrow (Tuesday) we will continue our training, but in the familiar environment of Burr Gymnasium.  The certainly will be a different feel to the regiment we conquer, but as every practice is completed, we are that much closer to our conference championships - the greatest time of the year!

For all of the family and friends that made this trip possible, our most sincere thanks are extended your way.  These experiences will last a lifetime and they would not be possible without you.

Sunday, January 2, 2011

Combat Training - Part I

Since around 2:10PM yesterday afternoon, the Bison had engaged themselves in some of the most rigorous training of the trip.  This is always a dicey proposition as nerves have been frayed and tempers just a little shorter with the continuing workload and competitive nature of the trip.

I give the team a lot of credit, yesterday, for pushing themselves during our long course practice.  I'm a big believer that while your ingrain yourself in the training trip experience, there has to be at least one practice where you proudly remember a challenge and subsequently conquering it.  You are permitted to have several of these memories and we certainly have many qualified candidates who can lay claim to these memories.  Below was that last long course meter memorable opportunity:

ROUND ONE - no fins
3:06PM 2x200s on 3:00 / 3:15
3:12PM 4x100s on 2:00 - Stroke, descend 1-4
3:20PM 8x50s Choice on :40 - rest 1 minute after number 4

ROUND TWO with FINS
3:27PM 2x200s on 2:40 / 3:00
3:33PM 4x100s on 1:45 - Stroke, descend 1-4
3:42PM 8x50s Choice SPRINT on 1:00 - rest after number 4

When warm down concluded and the team gathered outside, it was time for our annual game of Hooverball.  Those of you aware of how Hooverball is played: we took our 10-pound medicine ball to the nearest sand volleyball court.  We made two teams, of which we decided that 7 athletes can be on the court for each time at one time.  You must catch and throw the 10-pound medicine ball over the net and try to have it hit the ground on the other side before a member of the opposite team catches it.  You may make one pass to a teammate before throwing it over, but you can only take two steps when throwing.

Darien reminds his teammates how many steps you're permitted to take after catching the Hooverball
We played best two out of three games, first team to score 15 points, win by two.

This year's epic battles were no different that last year's, complete with sore arms, legs and occasional bloody thumbnail.  In our first game, Team Fire Fist rallied from early deficits to win 15-12.  In the second contest, Team Iron Claw took no prisoners in their late-game charge to win 15-13.  In the final match, Team Fire Fist forged a 8-0 run in the middle of the contest to win the coveted Hooverball Title with a score of 15-11.

The first day of 2011 was an outstanding one!  We trained like gladiators, competed like enraged bull fighters, and glistened in the Florida sunshine like the stars from Miami Vice (please take a moment to picture your favorite Bison in each of these scenarios.)  With all of this, there were some swimmers that separated themselves from the herd with their desire to start the year with a bang.

#3 - Frank Lynch - the freshman's finest practice of Florida came by switching lanes into a harder interval and sacrificing his body on a number of occasions for the good of Team Iron Claw (7.5.)
#2 - Damjan Strbac - Damjan looked fantastic in the water in the afternoon - dominated the 50s on :40 and splitting the fastest times on the team in the 100s and 50s with fins (8.)
#1 - Omar McKenzie and Darien Washington - normally we do not split the Prime Popcorn Practice Performances, but today is an exception.  If you remember from our Gulf swim, Darien and Omar and photographed for their mettle in swimming the farthest and longest.  Additionally, they joined Frank and Damjan in having tremendous afternoon practices, bypassing lane members with great purpose and form (8.5.)
This sea creature, whom we spotted in our Gulf swim this morning, weighed-in on Omar and Darien receiving a chalice meant for champions
It's going to be a sensational 2011...more to come as our time in Fort Myers approaches its final 12 hours...

Saturday, January 1, 2011

Too Hot to Handle

Happy New Year one and all!

The last time you left us, we had just completed a Battle Royal of Capture the Flag.  Upon returning to the hotel, we managed to lick our wounds, wash our hair, doll ourselves up, and head to Fort Myers Beach to ring in the new year.

The good people at Nemo's on the Beach, welcomed us with open arms for the second December 31st in a row.  It was slightly more crowded this year, but when arrived on the beach side of the restaurant, there were seven tables ready for us with a friendly staff eager to provide us with all of the comforts of home.  We ate well, relaxed with our friends, socialized with locals and headed for the pier for Midnight Fireworks.

This morning, after a quick five-hour nap, we alertly trekked back on the bus for our second annual Sunrise Gulf Swim.  We started this tradition last year, greeting the new year on the shores of the Gulf of Mexico as we witnessed the sunrise while voluntarily airing our grievances and expressing resolutions that would improve our quality of life.  We stretched together, jogged about one mile towards the rising sun, admired the fiery clouds above, and retreated back to our belongings to prepare for our little splash-around in the Gulf. 

Now last year's tale of bravery was well documented and this year will, undoubtedly, be accompanied by more stories that will demonstrate true resolve in the face of seamless demise.

Below is a first-hand perspective from the head coach of Howard Swimming and Diving.  Please enjoy:

When I touched the Gulf after our jog, I was slightly nervous about all of the seashells that were lining the water.  Last year, I was really proud of our team following me into the sea with so many birds of prey scouring overhead.  It was best not to think about the all of those shells and to just run in the water as fast as you could until your legs gave way and the swim was on.  This year began slightly differently.  Cassy had already submerged herself about five feet from shore and she looked rather uncomfortable, almost as if she had been slugged ten times in the ribs.  Nevertheless, I knew that it was important to continue tradition by sprinting onward.

"I'm swimming for the buoy that's about 200 yards out and then making a right," I explained to the team.  "We'll go for a while and then turn back around."  Simple enough.

Off I went.  I eluded the sharp shells that inhabit the sandy terrain and made my way towards to buoy.  About seven seconds into the swim, I remember thinking, "I don't remember the Gulf tingling my skin this much.  It's not that bad...I think we'll be fine."

I plowed ahead with my out-of-shape self for about 50 yards or so until I could no longer focus my attention on the buoy.  I kept hearing these blood-curdling noises coming from behind me that writhed with such anguish and fear that I was momentarily worried that someone had been bitten, or worse, had lost their goggles.  Secretly, I think the team had a bet to see who could yell the loudest so to attract our pelican friends.  I didn't understand but found it slightly humorous.

Brewer, Monique and Cassy had met me and their faces expressed slight concern.  "I wonder if their caps are falling off," I remember thinking.  I guess that's what everyone was yelling about.  Never mind that acute sensation in your muscles.  That's just a hurdle that stands in our way of greatness - making it to the buoy and hanging a right was the prize and I know our determination would overcome all things cumbersome.

The three ladies from 329 boldly headed for the buoy, moving their arms as fast as their bodies could physically carry them.  The rest of the team appeared to hit an imaginary brick wall.  Most of them had made it into the water, but why weren't they moving?  I suppose they were nervous about jellyfish or sharks, but I am pretty sure that jellyfish and sharks take national holidays off.  Let it be noted that those jellyfish and sharks would not be allowed on our team because, at Howard University Swimming and Diving, we don't take days off for anyone!

The ladies made it to the buoy and awaited for instruction.  It sounded like they were uttering something about getting back on the bus - maybe they had left their sunscreen between the seats. I said they could head for the "yellow house with the red roof - please make sure to swim for it and not before it."  I had reached the buoy, removed my goggles and basked in the sunshine.  The sun's rays clear and welcoming and for eight seconds, I was at peace.  My eight seconds of tranquility shifted to eight minutes of glaring dismay as no one on the team was within 75 yards of the buoy.  "Knights of Columbus!" I exclaimed, "let's get going."

Some team members had already had their fill of the Gulf - probably too much salt for their liking.  Keely, Chelsea, Kelvin, Summer, Ashley, Zadok, Damjan and Frank all made it to me over the next 15 minutes.  I had drifted further and further with every minute, enjoying looking around me and not finding anyone occupying the water except for us.  It's almost as if the Gulf of Mexico had known we were coming and they didn't want anyone to ruin the experience by getting in our way.  I'm sure there was plenty of water in the Gulf to share with everyone, but the gesture was still much appreciated.

Darien, Steven, Omar and Citizen all made to me last.  It appeared they wanted to challenge themselves and swim farther than the rest of the team.  I give them a lot of credit for staying in the water as long as they did.  We pumped our arms and fired our legs as a burning sensation jolted down our backs from all of the effort we were putting into each stroke.  The men looked like they were getting hungry, so after another 300 feet of following me, they returned to the coast, which at this point, was about 0.28 miles away.  I ventured further - it's not often that I can be in the actual Gulf of Mexico all by myself.  I talked to the seagulls that graced the surface overhead.  I explored underwater in hopes of finding undiscovered species.  It was spectacular.
Off in the distance, four masculine figures emerge from the jaws of the jungle waters.  With arms clenched in triumph, their bravery is unmatched.
But I didn't want to keep the Bison waiting.  I'm sure they wanted to get back and watch some football or call their parents to explain just how magical the experience was.  Once I arrived to the shore, our team headquarters was about 20 houses ahead, so I jogged in their direction, feeling very awake and appreciative that I was a part of 2011's brief, but epic history.

Monique, Cassy and Ashley were all waiting for Darien, Steven, Omar and Citizen to return.  They were much more nostalgic about their experience, walking gingerly back, heads down in an unbelievable accomplishment.  There's a reason there is a Man's Club on our team, and now I finally understood why - for fleeting moments like this.

I know that each of the Bison that braved the salty waters will revisit these glorious memories and gladly share them, possibly from a different perspective.  I know they are each proud that 2011 is here and they have endured such harsh training.  I certainly am very thankful for them.
Nothing can stand in the way of these physical specimens. 

When the Chips are Down

Team enthusiasm seemed to be down heading into our afternoon practice at FGCU.  Since Monday afternoon, we have been on the mark with making every practice scheduled - no breaks for this crew.

In order to shake things a bit, we had a little longer warm-up than normal and then a varying Pink/Red Set totaling 1500 meters.
Here are the mighty "get-out swimmers," displaying the papers that were drawn with their names on them.  It takes a lot of talent to turn the Citizen of the Year's head, but Kelvin, Nandi and Lauren did just that.
It was about 3:05PM and it's was time for our first Get Out Swim of the year.  Displayed on each of the practices was a goal time for every Bison swimmer that they would need to achieve in a 100 meter freestyle.  We drew names from a pouch and the lucky contestants that emerged from said drawing were Kelvin, Nandi and Lauren.

Between the three of them, two had to beat their indicated goal time in order for practice to end.  If zero or one of the swimmers reached their goal time, the team would all finish the practice that included 5x500s.

I'm sure there are worse things that swimming an extra 2500 meter on the ninth practice of the week, but it's a true testament to the determination Kelvin, Nandi and Lauren displayed for going after their goal times and all beating them.  The pressure had been heightened and their teammates were relying on their skills to for an incentive.
It's because these three individuals all beat their goal times that they are the Prime Popcorn Practice Performers for the PM session:
#3 - Nandi Ross: 2.5 seconds faster than her indicated goal time in the 100 meter freestyle.
#2 - Kelvin Goodman - 3.2 seconds faster.
#1 - Lauren Anthony - 16 seconds faster!!!

Dryland commenced after our warm down, which was a cut-throat game of Capture the Flag.  Blood was spewing, collisions were plotted, and friendships were shattered as our ruthless Bison competed for a chance to go to the movies next week.  To be honest, I'm not sure how we all made it back on the bus, but after 45 minutes of hard-hitting fury, the team of Omar, Kelvin, Zadok, Darell, Keely, Lauren, Summer and Nandi emerged with a 4-3 victory.

"We were going for their hearts," said a bruised Omar McKenzie.  "When you fight to the death, there are going to be casualties."

"It really wasn't even about the movie passes, though.  It was about the will to survive," professed the Citizen of the Year.  "Look at me, I'm bleeding everywhere.  I can't feel my legs or my face.  But it's not about me; it's about everyone else."

Tomorrow is going to be fairly epic...stay turn and have a happy start to your 2011.