
Eight swimmers from the Charger Aquatics – Los Alamos swim team attended a unique competitive swim camp June 16-24 at Bates College in Lewiston, Maine.
Swimmers include Maria Venneri, 15, Connor Schultz, 16, Sam Harris, 15, Sarah Lott, 14, Isabelle Runde, 14, Kaan Unal, 13, Radhika Iyer, 12 and Sara Shiina, 12.
The camp offered the swimmers the latest information in training, stroke technique, core development and mental preparation for successful racing.
Each day of camp at Tarbell Pool included two water sessions, group and individual instruction, dry-land routines and valuable information from several guest lecturers.
The camp also offered each high school camper, 15 years and older, a chance to gain knowledge about the college recruiting process through evening lectures including what opportunities exist at each level (Division I, Division II, Division III); creating a swimming resume and recruiting plan; academic interests and college majors; and what college coaches want from recruits.
The camp staff included top college coaches who were on deck to lead the training and technique sessions throughout the week – including Head Coach Abby Brethauer at University Mary Washington, Head Coach Brad Burnham at Bowdoin College, Assistant Coach Carlos Vega at Wellesey College and Head Coach Peter Casares at Bates College.
Utilizing video cameras both above and below the surface of the water, swimmers worked with these coaches to identify weaknesses in their strokes, and also how to correct these problems employing the latest trends in stroke instruction.
Not only did these coaches help to sharpen campers’ attitudes about proper training and competition, but also helped the participants focus their short and long-term goals to help them reach their absolute potential.
The sole mission of the camp’s coaching staff each day was to take every step possible to stimulate every swimmer’s love for the sport – and they succeeded!
The Charger Aquatics–Los Alamos swimmers impressed the college coaches who stated they would like to see these kids return again next year.
Our local swimmers made new friends and amazed the other kids at camp, from around the New England area, with their fast swimming and work ethic.