Dear Swimmers and Parents -- to the PAWW squad

July 25, 1985 Dear Swimmers and Parents, This letter contains important information which requires your special attention. Let me share good news, bad news, my personal comments and also present a chance for you to offer your reactions. As a hard-driving coach with team aspirations, I am presently of two emotions; frustration and optimism. I am frustrated at the swimming in the summer, but, on the other hand, I am super optimistic about September and the months ahead. First, I realize our summer had its share of accomplishments. These include great double workouts, state records, a successful 42nd Journal Star Meet, a new PASS Meet, and more swimmers than last summer. Some individuals have improved dramatically. However generally speaking, it is my personal belief that the summer season for Peoria Area swimmers is "a wasted time." I feel and wish a hundred times every day that the summer seasons would become better. The PAWW team deteriorates every summer. We are not in a position to go to nationals and have 20 or more swimmers at J.0.'s, Seniors and Zones. Attendance has been low, techniques have faded, races are lost. In summer meets we have seen countless mistakes which allow for mediocre performances to become acceptable standards. All sorts of people tell me, "It is summer vacation and not to worry because everyone is out just having fun." So, I have not put pressure on the swimmers. But in turn the looseness has shown and it has affected the champions which can not afford to waste valuable time. As for the fun and enjoyment, that comes when reaching goals too. In the fall when we strive for excellence we are now faced with the task of breaking bad habits. I've thought a great deal on the subject and my reactions accordingly. My best ideas for solving the problem of slow swimming in the future summers is a three-week training trip starting when school has ended. We could criss-cross the nation, avoid distractions and start qualifying our team for the 1989 Olympic Trials. In July, we could taper. In August, we would swim up to our potential, like we do in the winters. Then we would be moving ahead and not losing time. A rich experience like this would be extremely valuable to everyones future. The lessons of the present summer are not as clear to comprehend. But, next summer is a long time away and things are going to change dramatically in the near future. The Winning Swimming Rookie Camp starts August 12. Sign-up for the five weeks of instructions and conditioning in every stroke for $35. Plus get a free T-shirt if you finish. The 3rd Annual Meet the Coach Night, is from 7:00-10:00 p.m. on Sunday, August 25 at Aprils in the Ramada Hotel. It will be a - blast with great dancing, Socializing and motivational for the up coming season of excitement and excellence. Our new brochures and program details will be presented. Mark will answer questions and describe the program throughout the evening in a seperate conference room while a downtown party with dancing occurs in the lounge. Everyone is invited. Bring your summer friends too. The special event, "A Swimmers Celebration," is sponsored by the Ramada Hotel as part of Take Pride in Peoria. Our swim program, a proven success, will not be a complete re-run of the last year's activities. We are expanding the innovation, scientific and motivational principles. And as always, the fundamentals of the sport will be stressed over and over again by the teaching-coaching staff. If, and that is a very big if, we get everybody to return and if those new swimmers we expect to join do so, then we will put PAWW as #1 in not only the Lincolnland, but in the state. We could win J.O.'s, and we could win Seniors. Everyone is needed. We will have to stay fired-up, dedicated and make "if" happen. As we have said last year, the victories and talk of winning is possible only because our program is a success for all of the swimmers throughout the team. Reaching your potential will result in victory. When the PAWW team reaches its potential, it is unbeatable. We can make it happen in the future months. If you have any questions about re-joining this winter, just reflect and remember last winter. A meeting concerning the winter PAWW program will be held on Wednesday, August 7 at 5:00 to 6:00 p.m. Parents are asked to attend and discuss the specific planning of the future season. This meeting will be a steering session for the winter season and anyone can attend and offer their suggestions. Finally, the summer program evaluation is included. This needs to be completed and returned to pool by 5:00 p.m. Wednesday August 7, just prior to the steering session with the parents and coach. A parent and a swimmer should each complete their own seperate evaluation form. Names do not have to be included. Additional comments are welcome. In the past, less than 25 percent of parents and swimmers have returned the evaluations. With this very low percentage rate, the findings are suspect. Please return your evaluations to Central Park Pool, 415 W. Richmond Ave., Peoria, IL 61604. The evaluation process is an important function. The August-September schedule is also included. We hope to see some parents and all the swimmers getting in shape to race the Triathlon or Biathlon in September. Review: Mark has summer-season blues but highest of hopes for winter season. Return the evaluation. Steering meeting Wed. August 7 at 5:00 pom. Rookie Camp starts August 12. Meet the Coach Celebration on Sunday, August 25 at 7:00 at the Ramada. GO PAWW! Thank you, Mark Rauterkus PAWW SWIM COACH