Report by Head Coach Jackie Barck
Sponsors for this team – Sitech Solutions P/L & Clark Rubber, Penrith… Thank you for being part of this team through sponsorship. The team were delighted to receive their long sleeved designed rashie shirt 50% sun protection fabric sponsored by Sitech Solutions – noted on the left sleeve and also their signature backpacks that were sponsored by Clark Rubber, Penrith. These were all presented prior to travel.
The swim-a-thon on the morning of Sunday, 8th October was a great lead into this open water meet. All team members completed in excess of 300 laps and this gave them confidence for the challenge that lay ahead. They were rewarded at the presentation evening where the fundraising Pick-A-Box also contributed some much needed travel funds. The feeling in the team was extremely good. Seven male athletes aged between 14 and 16 years who bonded well. They had been training well over the winter season in readiness to push themselves harder once the warmer weather of October was upon us and they could then tackle some outdoor swims and waves at the beach. Training towards achieving qualifying times for State and National Open Water meets.
Unfortunately, Ellie and Michael were not able to travel to Queensland due to school commitments and university placement. However, they have both continued training and competed at the Nepean Aquatic Centre Swim Club Penrith Marine and Mercury sponsored 5km event at the Sydney International Regatta Centre, Penrith that was successfully held by our club on 28th October. Travel was easy and the team rested up well upon arrival. Everything is going well with the team at Coolum Qld. Nice sleep in – breakfast and a walk on the beach. Beautiful sunny weather. Off to the event venue for a swim then chillax this afternoon… The training session was scheduled in the competition dam. We had the facility to ourselves. All went well and the athletes were in fine form off to the beach for some fun in the sun and recovery.
Rest and recovery back at the comfortable hotel. The team shopped for supplies, prepared their own pre-race evening meal then tucked up for an early night. Next morning, it was breakfast and off in the taxi to the Oz Ski Resort for the major competition events.
Preparation is carefully planned and the boys were on top of everything… bags packed with all necessities. Sunscreen applied in readiness for the expected hot day. 5kms can be a long swim with sunburn & chaffing – so, precautions are taken. All athletes are numbered for identification to the technical officials and timing chips are worn to record the official time for each individual over the course. Warm up completed.. hydration right up to the race start… then, the rest is up to the conditions, the stamina and the fitness of the athlete.
The team performed outstandingly… 100% PB rates and goals achieved by all. Some fun in the sun and then a team dinner was earned … a night out together with supporters well deserved and then some celebrating at the hotel with a few cheat snacks and games.
Early taxi to the airport before heading home for rest before heading to training on the following morning to start the cycle off again in preparation for the home event on 28th October.
Heading home after a successful meet. 1 National Qualifying Time – Euan Woods. 5 new NSW State Qualifying Times -Julian Falzon (14); Samuel Stoneham(16); Thomas Lawson(14); Kian Willing(14); Lachlan Pryke(16).. 1 Junior Excellence Qualifying Time & 2.5km State Qualifying swim – Conner Pryke(14).
The team behaved well, looked after themselves well and performed well. It was a pleasure to travel with them.
I am so very proud of how far this group of young athletes have come….. I cannot wait to see where the season leads us and who is considered for selection on a state team…
Thank you to the club and parents for support of the team and to our sponsors for financially backing this venture. …JB