By ALASDAIR SCOTT
AS head coach, me and my wife Sam may only have been in charge of the Eumundi Swim Squad for just over a month, but we are already busy building on well-laid foundations a strong and team-based program.
Super squad swimmers have already been seeing the benefits of coaching, with personal bests aplenty in recent carnivals and several qualifying for the State Championships in December, including Troy Carlson, Caitlin Walker, Lachlan Constable and Tenaya Carmont.
A definite entry in the club’s ‘highlights of the year’ reel will be Elise Forward’s win against World Championship swimmer Jake Packard at the recent Gympie carnival. In an exhibition event, Jake swam breaststroke but was pipped at the wall by Elise.
Swim club on Thursday nights have been particularly enjoyed by the younger swimmers, with several new families joining up and enjoying the fun and friendly atmosphere each week. Individual achievements, like 8-year-old Ally Broderick’s debut 100m individual medley are celebrated.
Coming up in a couple of weeks is the Sunshine Coast Club Challenge at Cotton Tree, where many swimmers will be competing in their first carnival. Best of luck next week to Troy Carlson who will be competing at the National Age School Championships in Adelaide.
A grant from the Gambling Community Benefits Fund has enabled the club to purchase an electronic timing system. The kids love to see their times appear on the ‘big screen’; it prepares them for swim meets and will allow the club to host a carnival at Eumundi in the future.
Swim club will be hosting their Christmas break-up on 3 December, which should be a really fun night with a dive-in movie.
On Saturday 5 December the Aquatic Centre will host a pool party for the community, with swim club members running the barbecue.
