CSA/USA Swimming Pep Rally

Dave Thomas, Director of Sport Development for USA Swimming spent a great day with the swimmers, parents and coaches of Cullman Swim Association. The team now in its third year and second at the new facility has a mission of quality and doing things the right way. Everyone was excited about having Dave coming in from Colorado Springs and discuss our team and educate us on becoming successful.

The day started with a coaches meeting at Cracker Barrel. Coaches Allison, Glen and Carson discussed many topics including ways to get more pool time, high school swimming and better participation at practice and meets.

Never enough time! Just as the coaches meeting got warmed up it was time for afternoon practice. Below Dave is talking to the swimmers before they hit the water about the importance of nutrition, sleep and hydration.

Dave Thomas also brought something special for show and tell. A Gold Medal from the Olympic Trials. Since he is based out of the Olympic training facility he probably sees a few of those. A very special motivation for our swimmers. Pretty cool to wear it even if its two at a time.

After practice we all moved to the front meeting rooms for a pizza party and a talk for the 65 swimmers and parents who attended. Dave discussed why children swim, why they quit, the benefits of swimming, college swimming, responsibilities of the team and many other topics. The swimmers having fun tied all these topics together as critical for success of the swimmer and the team.

It was a fantastic day for Cullman Swim Association and we had a great turnout for the event. Everyone left the CWAC Friday night excited about competitive swimming.

CSA Strong at Baylor

CSA took a small but very strong team to The Nike Winter Invitational at Baylor School this weekend. Participating were Clay McAlpin, Sara Peel, Neil Norris, Chris McAlpin and Bennett Glasscock.

Neil Norris led the team with an incredible 5 first places, proving why he is a premier 10 and under in SES. Sara Peel (11) dropped 2 seconds in 50 breast barely missing the SES cut and finishing a strong 3rd overall. Bennett Glasscock finished 5th in 100 back after a very good 200 IM. Brothers Clay and Chris McAlpin both had best times in several events.

Coach Allison giving some pre race instructions to Sara and Neil following warm ups. It was early mornings being eastern time zone, we must love swimming!

Baylor 50 Free Senior from Carson Glasscock on Vimeo.

Bennett Lane 2 in the Senior Mens 50 Freestyle.