Geauga Otters Swim Team
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Tuesday, September 29, 2009
As week two pours down upon us, here is whats going on and what to look forward to...

Week 2: Backstroke, we will be busy doing a lot of backstroke drills to make our stroke more efficient. Here are some helpful reminders. 1)Head back, our heads should be back with our eyes looking straight up, not looking at our toes. 2) Belly Button Up, our backs should be arched upward so that our belly buttons are out of  the water (Belly button island). 3) arms should be straight on the recovery and bent while under water pulling.

Reminder: Please make sure all paper work is in ASAP. THERE WILL BE NO PRACTICE AT PERRY NEXT MONDAY!!! Make sure to get the proper suits, and caps so that we practice in proper attire.Calling out to the Mussels: Please attempt to attend and on time the practices at the YMCA at 3:00pm. I know school gets out at 2:30pm, giving you ample time to get to the Y for practice. Also for those attending or plan on attending Tues dry land practice. This is a great opportunity to focus some energy on non pool practices and tuning, please make it there and focus on the awesome exercises Judy has planned for you.

Thanks and stay focused, last week was a great step in our goal of improvement, keep up the good work, attendence and concentration.

Coach Matt
5:30 pm edt          Comments

Tuesday, September 22, 2009

 Welcome to the Geauga Otters
Welcome to the Geauga Otters Swim Team. As coaches, we look forward to a wonderful year. I am very excited with the amount of new swimmers we have signed up for the team. Please make sure to read the handbook, and feel free to approach us with any questions.
As the year begins make sure to check the website for updates, scheduled meets, and practice times. Please make sure your paper is in by Friday the 25th.
Remember for practice: girls should be wearing caps to keep hair out of eyes and mouth, everyone should be wearing goggles, and boys should get the jammer suits instead of the baggy board shorts/trunks.
Matt and Jennifer will be in the pool office at the YMCA, on Tuesdays from 5-6pm for any questions or concerns.
The first few weeks we will be working on refining our strokes. I am a big fan of being efficent in the water, so as we are "drilling" the strokes be sure to listen intently and ask questions if you dont understand. As we drill, our stamina and endurance will also be getting better, so that in a few weeks time we will be in better shape. Then the harder training will begin. Do not fear though, by that time the swimming will seem easier and you will be more accustomed to swimming and be in better swimming shape.
thanks and again its good to see everyone. Again we look forward to an exciting year.

Coach Matt
5:29 pm edt          Comments
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Our Coaches

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Matt Parrish- Head Swim Team Coach

Matt started swimming competetively when he was 6 years old. At the age of 10 he started winning state titles. During his youth swimming years Matt held multiple age group swimming state records in the state of Michigan. He was a 21 time All American in High School and set 5 state records and one national record in the 200 Freestyle Relay.

Matt attended the University of Tennessee on a swimming scholarship and during his senior year earned All American honors twice.

Matt has been coaching for 14 years. He has coached teams with as few as 20 swimmers and as many as 200 swimmers all ages and skill levels. This is Matt's fourth year coaching the Geuaga Otters Swim Team, you may have also seen Matt this summer as head coach of the Chardon Sharks Summer Swim Team.

He enjoys working with kids and 4 years ago he and his wife had a baby girl, Stella. Matt also has two other children (Alex and Lindsay) that he was so blessed to inherit when he married his wife Lori. Matt looks forward to having a wonderfully white winter with all of you. Please do not be afraid to approach Matt with any concerns or potential problems. 

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Becky Repasky - Assistant Coach

I am excited to be a part of the Geauga Otters Swim Team. Swimming has always been a passion as I have competed in age group, high school and college teams. After graduating form Bethany College (WV), I coached for 5 years at Baldwin- Wallace College and taught Physical Education Courses. Currently I still race competetively in 1/2 marathons and triathlons. I look forward to working with everyone this season!

Matthew Wilmot, Assistant Coach 

This is Matthew's third year working with the Geauga Otters.  He was a swimmer on the team from its founding year till he graduated from Cornerstone Christian Academy in 2009.  Since graduating high school Matthew has been attending Kent State University's Geauga campus and has just started the nursing program there.  He hopes to go into pediatric nursing and enjoys spending time with kids.  This is good because Matthew and his wife Tiffany will become parents this December 2011.

Many of you parents have digital cameras these days. If you have some photos that you would like to have on the site, please e-mail them to me.