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Swim Meet at Taylor Pool July 21, 2010
I'm partial to swimming events of any kind. It's always fun to watch and encourage those young swimmers to keep at it, to get better, to learn how to swim faster and more efficiently. From the time I learned to swim (aged 12) until I enlisted in the Air Force (19) my summer days were spent in a swimming pool. I competed in free-style and butterfly events and took to the diving board, 3 and 1 meter heights. Still have the medals, ribbons and a trophy from those days. Eventually I graduated from participant to leader; became a life guard, ran one of the four pools in Wausau, WI and also coached a swim team. As has been said before, those were the days. Bronzed skin and a good build were prides of those young swimmers. Where ever I am living, I look for the pool in each place I reside. You can take the man out of the water, but you can't take the pool out of the boy.
What a great start. Everyone off at the same time. It's a really good graphic, and the competition was exciting too! The Payson Pikes and the Camp Verde Clippers had a really good Saturday morning at Taylor Pool, July 17.
Looking like they are passing an invisible baton, these two competitors reach for the wall in anticipation of getting there before the other. Backstroking is a tough way to swim, until you have a good technique and follow it consistantly.
What was my time? Was I the first one to hit the wall? Those are questions most dedicated competitors always ask and strive for. Colton White waits anxiously for a response from the timer before exiting the water.
The first 25 yards are easy. It's the rest of the distance that can make or break any swimmer. Matt Joerns is a real competitor, he kept to his pace and never stopped, slowed or quit.
Train them young, give them the skills when they are new and let them have fun in the water and you will grow a swimmer who will always feel at home in the pool.
Abby Ward gets off to a great start in the 50 yard breast stroke.
Terena Ward slams the wall as she finished her 50 yard backstroke with good form and a strong desire to be first.
Jared Varner attacks the water with fierce force and doesn't worry about where everyone else is as he races through his paces during the 50 yard backstroke event for his age group.
It's always great to support your team. Sophie Rocha of the Camp Verde Clippers displays her loyalty with pride.
Abby Ward comes up to the wall in the 50 yard breakstroke. Close and cup your fingers, Abby, you can draft more water that way and pull yourself further ahead faster.
When your event is finished, or you are waiting for the next heat in your event, it's always nice to have something to take your mind off of the competition. From left to right, or counter clockwise; Hayden Gibson, Jordan Varmer, Andrew Ward, and Blaine Chance indulge in a self styled game of checkers.
C'mon son, you can make it. Keeping those legs going, stroke, son, stroke. Good for you! Dad, Cameron Davis helps and encourages his son Brock as he finishes his breast stroke in the 25 yard event.
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Question of the week
Do you think new Principal Anna Van Zile has a valid idea in eliminating the Asst. Principal and replacing it with an Athletic Director position that would share her duties as Principal?
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