For the 2019 season, we look forward to trying a new email system, volunteer sign-up, photo sharing, and meet sign-out, all managed from this website, www.hermitagehurricanes.com!
Friday, July 27, 2018
Tuesday, July 17, 2018
The Hurricane Herald (July 17, 2018)
July 17, 2018
Meet Scores
Hermitage: 1054Lakeside: 934
Champs Qualifiers (new qualifiers in bold)
Clavio Ascari, Francesca Ascari, Charlie Bixler, Sam Bixler, Anderson Bolyard, Jacob Bradshaw, Wyatt Bradshaw, Anderson Broughton,Anna Grace Broughton, Isabelle Broughton, Will Buckbee, Cora Campbell, Riley Campbell, Amelia Chen, Gabby Chen, JD Chen, Alex Deal,
Grace Deal, Traylor DuVal, Andrew Eastep, George Faraci, Matthew Faraci, Adam Fisher, Will Fisher, Caroline Frank, Drew Frank,
Mary Cooper Frank, Isabella Glenn, Owen Gray, Pierson Gray, Charlie Harrington, Grayson Heskett, Lily Grace Heskett, Presley Hoffer,
Taylor Hoffer, Tommy Hoffer, Jack Hoffler, William Hoffler, Addison Holsten, Avery Holsten, Jackson Holsten, Harrison Hutcheson,
Mercer Hutcheson, Brooks Johnson, Nicole Makris, Evan Mangin, Rose Mangin, Katherine Martin, Sallie Martin, Ellie McComb, Jack McComb, Maddie McComb, Samantha Meadows, Rylee Miller, Ford Reams, Sawyer Reams, Avery Robbins, Jackson Robbins, Wynn Robbins, Claire Starke, Jack Starke, Annie Toole, Tucker Washburn, Lynley Whitby, and Sophie Yablonski
Quad Winners
Wyatt Bradshaw
Amelia Chen
Gabby Chen
JD Chen
Adam Fisher
Will Fisher
Ford Reams
Avery Robbins
Wynn Robbins
Amelia Chen
Gabby Chen
JD Chen
Adam Fisher
Will Fisher
Ford Reams
Avery Robbins
Wynn Robbins
Triple Winners
Francesca Ascari
Sam Bixler
Cora Campbell
Andrew Eastep
Charlie Harrington
Taylor Hoffer
Samantha Meadows
Sam Bixler
Cora Campbell
Andrew Eastep
Charlie Harrington
Taylor Hoffer
Samantha Meadows
Record-Breaking Swims
*The following swimmers broke Hermitage Swim Team Records.
Gabby Chen, 13-14 50 Free, 30.50
(Gabby also holds a faster Converted Yards Time of 30.01 from June 10, 2018)
(Gabby also holds a faster Converted Yards Time of 30.01 from June 10, 2018)
Coach's Corner
What a great way to end the season but with a win over a team that beat us by only 12 points in our second meet! This last meet was filled with many mixed emotions as we said goodbye to yet another season of summer swim and to two more seniors, Ashley Eastep and Sam Bixler. Thank you both so much for all of our hard work and commitment to the team.
On the other hand, we not only won but we also got to welcome six new Hurricanes to the team last night! It was so exciting to watch six young swimmers graduate from pre-team to the real deal swim team. They all swam a fantastic first race and as coaches we couldn’t be more excited to welcome to them to the team full-time next season.
Thank you to everyone, swimmers, parents, siblings, and volunteers, for making this one of the best seasons yet! I hope that everyone had as much fun as I did this summer and that you all come back again next season for an even greater time. Don’t forget to sign-up for the banquet next Thursday, July 26th, the day after champs, for awards, food, and so much fun!
Go Hurricanes!
Coach Lillian
On the other hand, we not only won but we also got to welcome six new Hurricanes to the team last night! It was so exciting to watch six young swimmers graduate from pre-team to the real deal swim team. They all swam a fantastic first race and as coaches we couldn’t be more excited to welcome to them to the team full-time next season.
Thank you to everyone, swimmers, parents, siblings, and volunteers, for making this one of the best seasons yet! I hope that everyone had as much fun as I did this summer and that you all come back again next season for an even greater time. Don’t forget to sign-up for the banquet next Thursday, July 26th, the day after champs, for awards, food, and so much fun!
Go Hurricanes!
Coach Lillian
Hurricanes of the Week
Sam Bixler
Sam graduated this spring from Godwin High School and will attend James Madison University in the fall, planning to study Business and Marketing. Sam has been a member of the Hermitage Hurricanes since he was five years old and always enjoys swimming freestyle. Outside of the pool, Sam is an avid lacrosse player. Last night, we enjoyed watching Sam swim his final meet as a Hermitage Hurricane (and he even scored as a triple winner!). Thank you for many years of swimming, Sam and good luck at JMU next year!
Ashley Eastep
Ashley (aka Coach Ashley) graduated from Collegiate this year and will be attending William and Mary this fall, where she plans to study Biology. Ashley has been a Hermitage Hurricane for the past eleven summers, but this summer became an invaluable member of our coaching team! Ashley has been very active in swimming, not just as a member of the Hermitage team, but as a member of the Collegiate swim team and at NOVA. It was great watching Ashley swim in her final meet as a Hurricane swimmer. Best of luck next year at W&M and thank you, Ashley!
Drew Frank
Drew Frank graduated from Freeman High School and will attend Southern Methodist University this fall, as he plans to study Business. Drew has been swimming for Hermitage since he was five years old. Outside of the pool, Drew enjoys playing baseball and golf. We enjoyed celebrating Drew as he swam in his final meet a few weeks ago. We wish Drew the best of luck and thank you for your dedication as a Hurricane swimmer!
Where are we swimming next?
JRAC CHAMPS
Wednesday, July 25, 2018
Tuesday, July 10, 2018
The Hurricane Herald (July 10, 2018)
July 10, 2018
Meet Scores
Walton Park: 1238Hermitage: 1058
Champs Qualifiers (new qualifiers in bold)
Clavio Ascari, Francesca Ascari, Charlie Bixler, Sam Bixler, Anderson Bolyard, Jacob Bradshaw, Wyatt Bradshaw, Anderson Broughton,Anna Grace Broughton, Isabelle Broughton, Will Buckbee, Cora Campbell, Riley Campbell, Amelia Chen, Gabby Chen, JD Chen, Alex Deal,
Grace Deal, Traylor DuVal, Andrew Eastep, George Faraci, Matthew Faraci, Adam Fisher, Will Fisher, Caroline Frank, Drew Frank,
Mary Cooper Frank, Isabella Glenn, Owen Gray, Pierson Gray, Charlie Harrington, Grayson Heskett, Lily Grace Heskett, Taylor Hoffer,
Tommy Hoffer, Jack Hoffler, William Hoffler, Addison Holsten, Avery Holsten, Jackson Holsten, Harrison Hutcheson, Mercer Hutcheson,
Brooks Johnson, Nicole Makris, Evan Mangin, Rose Mangin, Katherine Martin, Sallie Martin, Ellie McComb, Jack McComb, Maddie McComb, Samantha Meadows, Rylee Miller, Ford Reams, Sawyer Reams, Avery Robbins, Jackson Robbins, Wynn Robbins, Claire Starke, Jack Starke,
Annie Toole, Tucker Washburn, Lynley Whitby, and Sophie Yablonski
Quad Winners
Amelia Chen
JD Chen
Adam Fisher
Ford Reams
JD Chen
Adam Fisher
Ford Reams
Triple Winners
Cora Campbell
Will Fisher
Caroline Frank
Mary Cooper Frank
Taylor Hoffer
Avery Robbins
Jackson Robbins
Will Fisher
Caroline Frank
Mary Cooper Frank
Taylor Hoffer
Avery Robbins
Jackson Robbins
Record-Breaking Swims
*The following swimmers broke Hermitage Swim Team Records.
JD Chen, 9-10 50 Free, 31.72
JD Chen, 9-10 50 Breast, 40.75
JD Chen, 9-10 50 Fly, 35.35
(this time breaks JD's tied record with Anderson Broughton but is still slower than Anderson's CYT from 2013 of 35.23)
JD Chen, 9-10 50 Breast, 40.75
JD Chen, 9-10 50 Fly, 35.35
(this time breaks JD's tied record with Anderson Broughton but is still slower than Anderson's CYT from 2013 of 35.23)
Coach's Corner
Last night was such an incredible meet Hurricanes! So many people had huge time drops, we had many new Champs Qualifiers, and I saw so many swimmers cheering each other on even if they didn’t know the other swimmer very well. Even though we lost the meet, we lost by only a very few points which goes to show that though we are a small team, we really give it our all in the water. All the hard work in practice is paying off! I really appreciate how much enthusiasm you all bring to our meets. This meet was definitely my favorite of season because so many people were cheering for each other and our swimmers were getting excited to swim before their events! I hope all of this excitement carries into our next meet on Monday!
With this meet being our team’s second to last meet of the season and my second to last meet swimming for the Hurricanes, I feel like it’s fitting for me to reflect on my time with the Hurricanes and what this team has meant to me throughout the past eleven years of my life. As many of you all know, I am not a record-breaking swimmer, destined for the Olympics, but instead a novice swimmer still trying to get her Champs Qualifying times. In some of the other swim teams I have been on in the past, I didn’t feel like a valuable member of the team, but Hermitage has always been different for me, thanks to you all. I’ve always felt like I matter on the team and that there would be something missing if I wasn’t there. Whether it be because of the few points I earned for my team, the relationships I made with my fellow swimmers, or my enthusiasm cheering for my teammates, I have always felt important on the Hurricanes. I hope that next year when I can no longer be a swimmer, our older swimmers take my, and our other senior’s, places by forming relationships with our younger swimmers, helping them feel the importance I felt when I was younger.
I want to thank you all for making this my favorite season to be a swimmer for our team and for making all my seasons with the Hurricanes the best parts of my summers. I love our team and I will miss being a swimmer but I am looking forward to spending more time with you all as a coach during the next few summers!
Go Hurricanes!
Coach Ashley
With this meet being our team’s second to last meet of the season and my second to last meet swimming for the Hurricanes, I feel like it’s fitting for me to reflect on my time with the Hurricanes and what this team has meant to me throughout the past eleven years of my life. As many of you all know, I am not a record-breaking swimmer, destined for the Olympics, but instead a novice swimmer still trying to get her Champs Qualifying times. In some of the other swim teams I have been on in the past, I didn’t feel like a valuable member of the team, but Hermitage has always been different for me, thanks to you all. I’ve always felt like I matter on the team and that there would be something missing if I wasn’t there. Whether it be because of the few points I earned for my team, the relationships I made with my fellow swimmers, or my enthusiasm cheering for my teammates, I have always felt important on the Hurricanes. I hope that next year when I can no longer be a swimmer, our older swimmers take my, and our other senior’s, places by forming relationships with our younger swimmers, helping them feel the importance I felt when I was younger.
I want to thank you all for making this my favorite season to be a swimmer for our team and for making all my seasons with the Hurricanes the best parts of my summers. I love our team and I will miss being a swimmer but I am looking forward to spending more time with you all as a coach during the next few summers!
Go Hurricanes!
Coach Ashley
Hurricanes of the Week
Female - Grace Deal
A half of a minute... That is the total amount of time that Grace dropped last night in her races! That is completely insane!! Grace started off the meet with a 10-second drop in her 100 IM. That's 2.5-seconds per length of the pool. Most people would have been content to stop there, but Grace got back onto the blocks for her 50 Breaststroke and dropped an incredible 21-seconds off of her best time! That's 11.5-seconds per length of the pool... Talk about some clock-stopping performances - congratulations, Grace!
Male - Jacob Bradshaw
Jacob had some great swims last night, but a very memorable swim in his 50 Breaststroke. He looked strong, confident and graceful in the water. Jacob has been working incredibly hard at practice but really shined last night as he took the tips and tricks from our breaststroke clinic and put all of that learning to good use. All of this hard work and strong swimming led to a 2-second drop in that breaststroke race last night. These late season time drops are what it takes to punch the Champs QUA ticket: Jacob qualified in his breaststroke race with a very respectable 46.34. Way to go, Jacob!
Where are we swimming next?
HOME vs. Lakeside Swim & Racquet Club
Monday, July 16, 2018
Arrival: 5:15pm
Warmups: 5:45-6:00pm
Meet Start: 6:30pm
Stroke-of-the-Week
Butterfly
Tuesday, July 3, 2018
The Hurricane Herald (July 3, 2018)
July 3, 2018
Meet Scores
Three Chopt: 1156.50Hermitage: 990.50
Champs Qualifiers (new qualifiers in bold)
Clavio Ascari, Francesca Ascari, Charlie Bixler, Sam Bixler, Anderson Bolyard, Wyatt Bradshaw, Anderson Broughton, Anna Grace Broughton, Isabelle Broughton, Cora Campbell, Riley Campbell, Amelia Chen, Gabby Chen, JD Chen, Alex Deal, Grace Deal, Traylor DuVal,Andrew Eastep, George Faraci, Matthew Faraci, Adam Fisher, Will Fisher, Caroline Frank, Drew Frank, Mary Cooper Frank, Isabella Glenn,
Owen Gray, Pierson Gray, Charlie Harrington, Grayson Heskett, Lily Grace Heskett, Taylor Hoffer, Tommy Hoffer, Jack Hoffler,
William Hoffler, Addison Holsten, Avery Holsten, Jackson Holsten, Mercer Hutcheson, Nicole Makris, Evan Mangin, Rose Mangin,
Katherine Martin, Sallie Martin, Ellie McComb, Jack McComb, Maddie McComb, Samantha Meadows, Rylee Miller, Ford Reams, Sawyer Reams, Avery Robbins, Jackson Robbins, Wynn Robbins, Claire Starke, Jack Starke, Annie Toole, Tucker Washburn, Lynley Whitby, and Sophie Yablonski
Quad Winners
Cora Campbell
Amelia Chen
JD Chen
Adam Fisher
Charlie Harrington
Amelia Chen
JD Chen
Adam Fisher
Charlie Harrington
Triple Winners
Anderson Broughton
Gabby Chen
Caroline Frank
Ford Reams
Gabby Chen
Caroline Frank
Ford Reams
Record-Breaking Swims
*The following swimmers broke Hermitage Swim Team Records.
Gabby Chen, 13-14 50 Free, 30.57
(Gabby also holds a faster Converted Yards Time of 30.01 from June 10, 2018)
JD Chen, 9-10 50 Free, 32.09
Charlie Harrington, 9-10 50 Back, 37.03
Anderson Broughton, 15-18 50 Free, 26.84
Anderson Broughton, 15-18 50 Fly, 27.81
(Anderson also holds a faster Converted Yards Time of 27.18 from June 10, 2018)
(Gabby also holds a faster Converted Yards Time of 30.01 from June 10, 2018)
JD Chen, 9-10 50 Free, 32.09
Charlie Harrington, 9-10 50 Back, 37.03
Anderson Broughton, 15-18 50 Free, 26.84
Anderson Broughton, 15-18 50 Fly, 27.81
(Anderson also holds a faster Converted Yards Time of 27.18 from June 10, 2018)
Coach's Corner
I hope that everyone will enjoy the few days of rest and relaxation over this Independence Day holiday! We have all definitely earned it!
This week's meet was incredibly close, especially considering that Three Chopt had more than 25 extra swimmers on their roster for the meet! Our small and mighty Hurricane force did not back down to the waves of the Three Chopt Tsunami.
With only two weeks of meets remaining in our season, it's important to remember, the hard work continues and we constantly work to better our times and show great sportsmanship.
As I reflect on another lap around the sun on the eve of my birthday, I also think the many seasons of coaching in my past. This season has been one of the most fun and has shown some of the greatest energy from the athletes I have ever seen. You all are a truly amazing team and I cannot wait to see what awaits you at our two final meets (both on home turf!).
Best of luck, Hurricanes!
~Coach Philip
This week's meet was incredibly close, especially considering that Three Chopt had more than 25 extra swimmers on their roster for the meet! Our small and mighty Hurricane force did not back down to the waves of the Three Chopt Tsunami.
With only two weeks of meets remaining in our season, it's important to remember, the hard work continues and we constantly work to better our times and show great sportsmanship.
As I reflect on another lap around the sun on the eve of my birthday, I also think the many seasons of coaching in my past. This season has been one of the most fun and has shown some of the greatest energy from the athletes I have ever seen. You all are a truly amazing team and I cannot wait to see what awaits you at our two final meets (both on home turf!).
Best of luck, Hurricanes!
~Coach Philip
Hurricanes of the Week
Female - Catherine Makris
Catherine is one of our newest and youngest swimmers this season, having completed the Pre-Team program last summer. After a few weeks of some challenging backstroke races and a few DQs, Catherine has continued practicing and working very hard. Determined to make this week's backstroke have a good result, Catherine was off like a rocket and swam an incredibly strong and very quick backstroke race! Way to go, Catherine!
Male - Owen Gray
Owen represented his age group as the only 13-14 male swimmer last night, swimming as one of two swimmers in his 100 Freestyle and one of three swimmers in his 50 Backstroke. He won 2nd place in the freestyle and 1st place in his division for the backstroke in what was a very tight race! Having swimmers to enter into these races keeps our team competitive. Owen has shown himself to be a leader on our team and a valuable contributor to our team score! Well done, Owen!
Where are we swimming next?
HOME vs. Walton Park
Monday, July 9, 2018
Arrival: 5:15pm
Warmups: 5:45-6:00pm
Meet Start: 6:30pm
Stroke-of-the-Week
Breaststroke
***
Breaststroke Clinic Opportunity
Our 9-year-old to 12-year-old swimmers are invited to join NOVA Head Coach Geoff Brown on Monday, July 9th from 10:00-11:00am (during their normal morning practice time).
This is a great opportunity to brush up on breaststroke just in time for our meet Monday night!
(Normal practice will be held for our 13&Up swimmers during this time.)
Friday, June 29, 2018
Practice Schedule Changes (Week of July 4th) and Breaststroke Clinic Opportunity
Practice Schedule Changes - July 4th Week
In honor of Coach Philip's birthday on Wednesday (not to mention the Independence Day holiday) we will hold a modified practice schedule next week. Please see below for those changes.
Monday, July 2nd
Monday, July 2nd
- Normal morning practice schedule
- Meet (away @ Three Chopt)
Tuesday, July 3rd
- MORNING 9:30-10:30 am Team fun practice - ribbons, treats, and games!
- No afternoon practices
Wednesday, July 4th
- NO PRACTICES
Thursday, July 5th
- No morning practice
- Normal afternoon practice schedule
Friday, July 6th
- Normal morning practice schedule
- No afternoon practice (this is normal)
Breaststroke Clinic Opportunity
Our 9-year-old to 12-year-old swimmers are invited to join NOVA Head Coach Geoff Brown on Monday, July 9th from 10:00-11:00am (during their normal morning practice time).
This is a great opportunity to brush up on breaststroke just in time for our meet Monday night!
(Normal practice will be held for our 13&Up swimmers during this time.)
Wednesday, June 27, 2018
Meet #4 Stroke-of-the-Week: Backstroke
Backstroke!
It's a fan and swimmer favorite! Here are some tips!We're taking it easy today and letting the videos speak for themselves. Enjoy!
The Stroke
The Start
The turn
Tuesday, June 26, 2018
The Hurricane Herald (June 26, 2018)
June 26, 2018
Meet Scores
Hermitage: 1225Richmond: 790
Champs Qualifiers (new qualifiers in bold)
Clavio Ascari, Francesca Ascari, Charlie Bixler, Sam Bixler, Anderson Bolyard, Wyatt Bradshaw, Anderson Broughton, Anna Grace Broughton, Isabelle Broughton, Cora Campbell, Riley Campbell, Amelia Chen, Gabby Chen, JD Chen, Alex Deal, Grace Deal, Traylor DuVal,Andrew Eastep, George Faraci, Adam Fisher, Will Fisher, Caroline Frank, Drew Frank, Mary Cooper Frank, Isabella Glenn, Owen Gray,
Pierson Gray, Charlie Harrington, Grayson Heskett, Lily Grace Heskett, Taylor Hoffer, Tommy Hoffer, Jack Hoffler,
William Hoffler, Addison Holsten, Avery Holsten, Jackson Holsten, Mercer Hutcheson, Nicole Makris, Evan Mangin, Rose Mangin,
Katherine Martin, Sallie Martin, Ellie McComb, Jack McComb, Maddie McComb, Samantha Meadows, Rylee Miller, Ford Reams, Sawyer Reams, Avery Robbins, Jackson Robbins, Wynn Robbins, Claire Starke, Annie Toole, Tucker Washburn, Lynley Whitby, and Sophie Yablonski
Quad Winners
Amelia Chen
JD Chen
Caroline Frank
Charlie Harrington
Tommy Hoffer
Ford Reams
Avery Robbins
Wynn Robbins
JD Chen
Caroline Frank
Charlie Harrington
Tommy Hoffer
Ford Reams
Avery Robbins
Wynn Robbins
Triple Winners
Sam Bixler
Gabby Chen
Traylor DuVal
Adam Fisher
Mary Cooper Frank
Isabelle Glen
Gabby Chen
Traylor DuVal
Adam Fisher
Mary Cooper Frank
Isabelle Glen
Record-Breaking Swims
*The following swimmers broke Hermitage Swim Team Records.
Amelia Chen, 11-12 100 IM, 1:12.59
JD Chen, 9-10 50 Fly, 35.75
(this record ties Anderson Broughton's 2013 record; Anderson also holds a faster Converted Yards Time that is also held as a record)
JD Chen, 9-10 100 IM, 1:19.19
Sam Bixler, 15-18 50 Free, 29.77
(this record breaks William Hoffler's record from last week. Sam's new record will be held jointly with Traylor DuVal, who swam a converted yards time that also broke the record two week's ago at Glen Allen)
JD Chen, 9-10 50 Fly, 35.75
(this record ties Anderson Broughton's 2013 record; Anderson also holds a faster Converted Yards Time that is also held as a record)
JD Chen, 9-10 100 IM, 1:19.19
Sam Bixler, 15-18 50 Free, 29.77
(this record breaks William Hoffler's record from last week. Sam's new record will be held jointly with Traylor DuVal, who swam a converted yards time that also broke the record two week's ago at Glen Allen)
Coach's Corner
What a win!! I just want to start off by bragging on every single one of my Hurricanes. You all came to this meet with your game faces on ready to swim your events to the best of your ability. I was so proud to be a Hurricane last night! Being a coach for the past 3 years and a former Hurricane swimmer of 11 years, it makes my heart grow to see what this team has shaped itself to be through the years. None of that would be possible without every single swimmer bringing their best swims and attitude to both meets and practices.
Thank you to all of our swimmers who cheered on their buddies in some or all of their events last night! It is so important to have a support behind you, cheering you on in your events and picking you up after a tough race. Being the first meet that we introduced the swim buddies, I know it was a little hectic, but come next meet I want to see even more swimmers on the sidelines cheering on their buddies and other fellow teammates in their events. You never know how much it might mean to someone to see a whole crew of their teammates standing at the other end cheering them on to the finish line. If you have yet to meet your buddy, then the coaches are happy to introduce you all at any practice or meet! Let's keep up this Hurricane pride through the rest of the season!
Last night the Hermitage Hurricanes said goodbye to longtime Hurricane Drew Frank as he swam in his last home meet. Drew has been swimming for Hermitage since he was five years old… wow! While juggling a busy summer schedule, Drew always found his way to the pool to jump in, swim his events, and score some points for his team. Drew graduated this year from Douglas Freeman High School where he played baseball all four years. If he wasn’t on the field or in the pool, you would often find him on the golf course. Next year he plans to attend Southern Methodist University in Dallas, Texas to study business. Best of luck to you Drew! Thank you for your dedication to being a Hurricane for so many years!
- Coach Lillian
Thank you to all of our swimmers who cheered on their buddies in some or all of their events last night! It is so important to have a support behind you, cheering you on in your events and picking you up after a tough race. Being the first meet that we introduced the swim buddies, I know it was a little hectic, but come next meet I want to see even more swimmers on the sidelines cheering on their buddies and other fellow teammates in their events. You never know how much it might mean to someone to see a whole crew of their teammates standing at the other end cheering them on to the finish line. If you have yet to meet your buddy, then the coaches are happy to introduce you all at any practice or meet! Let's keep up this Hurricane pride through the rest of the season!
Last night the Hermitage Hurricanes said goodbye to longtime Hurricane Drew Frank as he swam in his last home meet. Drew has been swimming for Hermitage since he was five years old… wow! While juggling a busy summer schedule, Drew always found his way to the pool to jump in, swim his events, and score some points for his team. Drew graduated this year from Douglas Freeman High School where he played baseball all four years. If he wasn’t on the field or in the pool, you would often find him on the golf course. Next year he plans to attend Southern Methodist University in Dallas, Texas to study business. Best of luck to you Drew! Thank you for your dedication to being a Hurricane for so many years!
- Coach Lillian
Hurricanes of the Week
Female - Sawyer Reams
Sawyer has been working very hard in practice, and it definitely showed in the water last night. She dropped over 6 seconds in her 25 Backstroke, earning herself a Champs Qualifying time! Sawyer also made cheering for her buddy a major priority during this meet. Every time her buddy swam, Sawyer was at the side of the pool cheering and met her buddy for congratulations after. There are great things still to come for this young swimmer! Way to go Sawyer!
Male - Jack Hoffler
Jack has shown us incredible focus and dedication during this week's practices. Jack brought some power and speed to the pool as he raced the 50 Butterfly, dropping just over 5 seconds from his previous time and finishing just 0.10 seconds away from a Champs Qualifying time in the Butterfly! We have an incredibly strong group of Boys 15-18 swimmers this year, and Jack is certainly making a place for himself in that group. Well done Jack!
Where are we swimming next?
@ Three Chopt
Monday, July 2, 2018
Arrival: 5:30pm
Warmups: 6:00-6:15pm
Meet Start: 6:30pm
Stroke-of-the-Week
Backstroke
Check back on the blog tomorrow for "Weekly Wednesday" tips and tricks for Backstroke!
Wednesday, June 20, 2018
Meet #3 Stroke-of-the-Week: Butterfly
Butterfly! (dun dun dunnn....)
Many people are terrified of the butterfly. It seems so hard. But, honestly, it comes down to a few small elements...
The Kick
The most important aspect of the butterfly stroke is the kick. Think about a shark or a dolphin... their fin does so much to generate speed and power. You should be pressing with your chest and letting the kick travel like a wave all the way down to your toes. Keep your knees and ankles together and your toes pointed straight back behind you.
The butterfly kick, or often called the dolphin kick, is also used underwater in backstroke and freestyle, and even can be used as a component of the breaststroke pullout.
The butterfly kick, or often called the dolphin kick, is also used underwater in backstroke and freestyle, and even can be used as a component of the breaststroke pullout.
The Stroke
This stroke is called butterfly because the swimmer's arms look like giant butterfly wings! So think about having long, strong arms coming over the water.
The thing people complain about the most with butterfly is how tired they get when swimming it. There are a few reasons for this...
- The swimmer is keeping the head up and eyes facing forwards instead of straight down to the bottom of the pool. Relax the head and look straight down, even when breathing, to relax your shoulders and get your arms over the water easier.
- Swimmers tend to breathe too much! Unlike in breaststroke where we have to breathe every stroke, there is no reason why we breathe after every stroke in the butterfly. Keep your head down and try breathing every other stroke or every three strokes. Again, it relaxes your shoulders and makes bringing the arms around over the water even easier.
- Lastly, swimmers who don't get the timing for butterfly have a hard time getting their arms around. Be sure to start your breath as your arms pull back and finish as your arms are ready to move over the water. The butterfly also has a steady, rhythmic kick (one kick when the hands are in front and one when the hands are exiting the water behind you).
Try fixing these three things and your butterfly will begin to feel more relaxed.
P.S. Did I mention rhythm... It's important!!
The Turn/Finish
The breaststroke requires a two-hand touch on every wall, both for turns and for finishes. The breaststroke and the butterfly both utilize an open turn (not a flip turn!). Remember the phrase "elbow your brother, phone your mother" as you think about the open turn.
Putting it all together...
One of the coolest butterfly races from recent history is from Rio 2016. Joseph Schooling (who idolized Michael Phelps as a younger swimmer) wins Singapore's first gold medal in swimming. Michael Phelps, Chad Guy Bertrand Le Clos and Laszlo Cseh (three of the greatest butterfliers in recent history) all tie to win silver!! (A three-way tie with touchpads... not stopwatches... is incredible!) This is one of my favorite butterfly races to watch.
Tuesday, June 19, 2018
The Hurricane Herald (June 19, 2018)
June 19, 2018
Meet Scores
Lakeside: 981.5Hermitage: 969.5
Champs Qualifiers (new qualifiers in bold)
Clavio Ascari, Francesca Ascari, Anderson Bolyard, Wyatt Bradshaw, Anderson Broughton, Anna Grace Broughton, Isabelle Broughton,Cora Campbell, Riley Campbell, Amelia Chen, Gabby Chen, Alex Deal, Grace Deal, Traylor DuVal, Andrew Eastep, George Faraci, Adam Fisher, Will Fisher, Caroline Frank, Isabella Glenn, Pierson Gray, Grayson Heskett, Lily Grace Heskett, Taylor Hoffer, Tommy Hoffer, Jack Hoffler,
William Hoffler, Addison Holsten, Avery Holsten, Jackson Holsten, Mercer Hutcheson, Nicole Makris, Evan Mangin, Rose Mangin,
Katherine Martin, Sallie Martin, Ellie McComb, Jack McComb, Maddie McComb, Samantha Meadows, Rylee Miller, Ford Reams, Avery Robbins, Jackson Robbins, Wynn Robbins, Claire Starke, Annie Toole, Tucker Washburn, and Sophie Yablonski
Quad Winners
Cora Campbell
Riley Campbell
Adam Fisher
Ford Reams
Riley Campbell
Adam Fisher
Ford Reams
Triple Winners
Wyatt Bradshaw
Anderson Broughton
Isabelle Broughton
Andrew Eastep
Isabella Glenn
Taylor Hoffer
Tommy Hoffer
Katherine Martin
Anderson Broughton
Isabelle Broughton
Andrew Eastep
Isabella Glenn
Taylor Hoffer
Tommy Hoffer
Katherine Martin
Record-Breaking Swims
*The following swimmers broke Hermitage Swim Team Records.
Anderson Broughton, 15-18 50 Breast, 34.56
Anderson Broughton, 15-18 100 IM, 1:04.21
(the previous record was held by Alex Lutterbein since 2008!)
Jack Hoffler, 15-18 50 Free, 30.69
(this record will be held jointly with Traylor DuVal, who swam a converted yards time that also broke the record last week at Glen Allen)
Anderson Broughton, 15-18 100 IM, 1:04.21
(the previous record was held by Alex Lutterbein since 2008!)
Jack Hoffler, 15-18 50 Free, 30.69
(this record will be held jointly with Traylor DuVal, who swam a converted yards time that also broke the record last week at Glen Allen)
Coach's Corner
Wow, Hurricanes! What a meet! This meet was such an improvement from last week since the meet was so close. We lost by less than 15 points and that goes to show just how important every swim and every swimmer is. Whether you're an experienced swimmer swimming your tenth 100 IM or you're brand new to the team swimming a new event, every swimmer is so important to the team.
In addition to some amazing swims last night and some new champs qualifiers, I was so happy to see so much Hurricane spirit! I loved seeing our swimmers line up along the side of the pool and crowd around people's lanes to cheer for their teammates. I know when I swim I love it when people cheer for me because it gives me more confidence and I'm sure all our swimmers feel the same! I hope to see even more of our swimmers cheering each other on at our first home meet next week.
Overall I'm so proud of how our team did last night. Many swimmers swam breaststroke for the first time and were very successful. I'm looking forward to seeing even more great swims at our next meet!
~Coach Ashley
In addition to some amazing swims last night and some new champs qualifiers, I was so happy to see so much Hurricane spirit! I loved seeing our swimmers line up along the side of the pool and crowd around people's lanes to cheer for their teammates. I know when I swim I love it when people cheer for me because it gives me more confidence and I'm sure all our swimmers feel the same! I hope to see even more of our swimmers cheering each other on at our first home meet next week.
Overall I'm so proud of how our team did last night. Many swimmers swam breaststroke for the first time and were very successful. I'm looking forward to seeing even more great swims at our next meet!
~Coach Ashley
Hurricanes of the Week
Female - Addison Holsten
Addison is a new Hurricane this season, transferring over to our team from Kanawha. She dropped another second in her 25 Free and squeezed into a 6th place finish, earned a 2nd place in her 25 Breast, and helped her relay swim to a 3rd place finish as the freestyle leg of her team's relay. Addison added to her list of Champs qualifying swims last night and has qualified in three of the four strokes in her division. Quite an impressive second meet of the season! Addison brings hard work and dedication to practice, but also a joy and excitement to the meets. Congratulations Addison!
Male - Tucker Washburn
Tucker is another new Hurricane, having switched to Hermitage from Richmond Country Club. He works incredibly hard in practice and is really working to raise the bar each week. Tucker earned two 1st places, in the 50 Free and 50 Breast, continuing to drop time in his events. He is qualified for Champs in three events. Tucker is showing what great Hurricanes look like. Way to go Tucker!
Where are we swimming next?
HOME vs. Richmond Country Club
Monday, June 25, 2018
Arrival: TBA
Warmups: 5:45-6:00pm
Meet Start: 6:30pm
Stroke-of-the-Week
Butterfly
Check back tomorrow for "Weekly Wednesday" tips and tricks for Butterfly!
* * * * *
Happy (Belated) Birthday Coach Lillian!
It was FUN celebrating with you at practice
and our meet last night!
It was FUN celebrating with you at practice
and our meet last night!
Tuesday, June 12, 2018
Meet #2 Stroke-of-the-Week: Breaststroke
Breaststroke!
This upcoming week we will work on breaststroke. Each week the JRAC league focuses on a stroke of the week that is the open stroke for the meet. This week's meet at Lakeside Swim and Racquet Club will feature the breaststroke.The breaststroke has quite a number of things which can be problematic and earn swimmers a DQ slip (DQ = disqualified, not Dairy Queen). The following videos will hopefully help swimmers see some of the parts of the stroke that are most important to watch and which can prevent a DQ slip from being written. Many people like breaststroke because it is "easy" but strong breaststroke is anything but easy. Breaststroke is an incredibly powerful stroke that requires great technique and handling of the water. The following are some tips and tricks to be an excellent breaststroke swimmer.
The Underwater Pullout
The underwater pullout transitions the swimmer from the dive to the swimming of the stroke. Unlike in the other three swimming strokes where a swimmer may simply kick themselves to the surface, the breaststroke requires a very specific sequence. The following video explains and demonstrates the proper technique for an underwater pullout. (Note: feel free to stop at 2:25 when they begin promo for their sponsors)
The Stroke
The most common mistakes in the breaststroke are hands past the hipline and/or alternating or scissor kicks. The following video shows each component of good breaststroke swimming. (Added benefit: the transitions in the video are the swimmer doing an excellent breaststroke turn!)
The Turn/Finish
The breaststroke requires a two-hand touch on every wall, both for turns and for finishes. The breaststroke and the butterfly both utilize an open turn (not a flip turn!). Remember the phrase "elbow your brother, phone your mother" as you think about the open turn.
Putting it all together...
If you want to feel really inadequate and to be really impressed, watch Adam Peaty's race from Rio 2016 where the swimmer from Great Britain earns a new world record and demonstrates the power that is necessary to have a winning breaststroke.
Monday, June 11, 2018
The Hurricane Herald (June 11, 2018)
June 11, 2018
Meet Scores
Glen Allen: 1245Hermitage: 803
Champs Qualifiers (an incredible list for a first meet!)
Clavio Ascari, Francesca Ascari, Wyatt Bradshaw, Anderson Broughton, Anna Grace Broughton, Isabelle Broughton, Cora Campbell,Riley Campbell, Amelia Chen, Gabby Chen, Alex Deal, Grace Deal, Traylor DuVal, Andrew Eastep, Will Fisher, Caroline Frank, Isabella Glenn,
Pierson Gray, Grayson Heskett, Lily Grace Heskett, Taylor Hoffer, Tommy Hoffer, William Hoffler, Addison Holsten, Nicole Makris, Evan Mangin,
Rose Mangin, Ellie McComb, Jack McComb, Maddie McComb, Samantha Meadows, Rylee Miller, Ford Reams, Avery Robbins, Jackson Robbins,
Wynn Robbins, Claire Starke, Annie Toole, Tucker Washburn, and Sophie Yablonski
Quad Winners
Ford Reams
*There would have been many more if we had had relays for 9&up!
Triple Winners
Anderson Broughton, Riley Campbell, Amelia Chen, Gabby Chen, Traylor DuVal, Caroline Frank, Taylor Hoffer, Tommy Hoffer, and Wynn Robbins
Record-Breaking Swims
*The following swimmers broke Hermitage Swim Team Records.
**All Hermitage records are meters records. CYT = converted yards time.
Gabby Chen, 13-14 50 Free, 30.01 CYT
Traylor DuVal, 15-18 50 Free, 27.79 CYT
Anderson Broughton, 15-18 100 Free, 55.74 CYT
Anderson Broughton, 15-18 50 Breast, 35.47 CYT
Anderson Broughton, 15-18 50 Fly, 27.18 CYT
Coach's Corner
Hurricanes, you all did not disappoint yesterday! That was a fantastic way to open a season!
We had some really incredible swims from the newest and youngest swimmers to our oldest and most experienced.
It's incredible to see a list with so many Champs meet qualifiers, triple winners, and record-breaking swims in our first meet. Great things are ahead of us for the 2018 season and I am proud to be the coach of such a strong group of athletes.
Thank you, Coach Lillian and Coach Ashley, for being such fantastic coaches. You both make my job as a head coach so much easier! A special shout-out to Coach Ashley for surviving your first meet as a Hurricane coach!
If you wanted a Champs qualifying time or were bummed that your time wasn't faster, I've got good news - it's only Week One. We have five more fantastic opportunities to get out there and do our best. Practices continue on the normal schedule this week, and then morning practices begin June 18. Let's get the list of qualifiers to grow!
Great job, Hurricanes!
~Coach Philip
Hurricanes of the Week
Female - Elle Burgess
Elle is new to the Hurricane squad this year, but that isn't holding her back from some great swims! She has jumped right in and is making great waves.
Elle had a strong freestyle race, earning points for the team as she swam up* in the Regular division.
In her backstroke, Elle definitely looked like a seasoned veteran, earning a second place as she swam up* in the Regular division (the third fastest time in the event overall).
The coaches have a strong feeling that this is only the beginning of a very strong season for Elle! She works hard in practice and it definitely showed yesterday at Glen Allen.
Way to go, Elle!
Male - Alex Deal
Alex had a fantastic meet yesterday. He has moved up this year and is now competing in the 9-10 age group, taking his first crack at the 50s!
First, Alex swam a strong 50 Freestyle. It was picture perfect swimming and really showed how capable he is. He earned himself a Champs qualifying time for this race.
Then, Alex had a great, albeit interesting, 50 Backstroke. Alex did a backstroke flip-turn (see link), but without turning over onto his stomach. Despite this unorthodox maneuver, Alex still managed a fast enough swim to earn himself another QUA time for the backstroke! Judging from the looks of surrounding parents and Glen Allen coaches, it was a pretty impressive feat!
Congratulations Alex!
Where are we swimming next?
Lakeside Swim & Racquet Club
Monday, June 18, 2018
Arrival: TBA
Warmups: 6:00-6:15pm
Meet Start: 6:30pm
Welcome
Welcome to the new blog for the Hermitage Hurricanes Swim Team! We are excited to use this site to share information. We are excited to share the Hurricane Herald online following our first meet! We hope you enjoy this new page.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)