Back to Archive List Champs is only a couple weeks away and it is the culmination of already a wonderful 2009 swim season for the Strawberry Seals. As we prepare for the ultimate meet, we need to ask ourselves what does it mean to be a "Champion?" A Champion embodies so much more than just touching the wall first. The "big bang" theory does not apply to the Champion. He or she does not just appear. A Champion is cultivated over time.

So what are the attributes of a champion? A Champion honors his competitors and appreciates their efforts to push him to his highest potential. The Champion supports her team members with words of encouragement, comforts the disappointed, and celebrates their successes. A Champion stays focused at practice and during the meet keeping her mind on the team and individual objectives. The Champion listens attentively to the instructions of his coaches and respects their counsel. She is willing to make individual sacrifices for the benefit of the team. He doesn't let instant gratification distract him from the ultimate objective. Champions are made at practice early in the morning, in the rain, and off-season. While champions work hard, they also have fun and enjoy the journey to the ultimate objective. Champions are willing to adapt to the unknown and adversity. Champions accept setbacks and learn from their mistakes. Champions don't make excuses. A Champion does not measure his success against others. Her focus is on swimming as fast as possible, not looking to see where others are. Champions may fail, but they never quit.

Regardless of the outcome on July 11th, the Strawberry Seals have the essence of champions. Katie Pile acts like a Champion when she extends her hand to competitors after completing a race. Natalie Towle and Annelie Miller show they are Champions when they wish their competing teammates good luck before a race. Ali Coopersmith is a Champion when she provides leadership to the younger swimmers. Kimi Wu, Zach Cohen, and Kendra Carr hearts beat to the drum of a Champion as they swim laps on days off. Leo Thomas has the soul of a Champion when he fires himself and teammates as he climbs on to the block. Trinity Dohoney, Sabrina Haechler, Zoey Smith, Annika Chambers, and Hayley Book are Champions when they tirelessly lead tough intervals in practice without complaint. Jimmy Thomas, Zack Glenn, Alex Mortimer, and Curtis Klopfer have pushed each other all year long like true Champions. When Alexa Zener and McKenzie Cooke swim their less dominant strokes to score points for the team, they are Champions. Nicky Chan has the spirit of a Champion when he battles his opponents weekly to photo finishes. A Champion was ever-present when Ian O'Haire gave his all in a lonely race against the clock. Chloe Carney is a Champion by overcoming her fears. Tubes in Ethan Zener's ears did not sideline him this season, he has the fortitude of a Champion.

Every single Strawberry Seal has a champion inside them as they have made commitments to the team and him or herself; swimming early in the morning, in the rain, and on weekends. It is worth stating again. Every single one of you has a champion inside you. Unlock that Champion. Let him or her take flight on top of the waters at Indian Valley College! The Seals war cry should be "GIVE IT YOUR ALL TO THE WALL!" There is no shame in losing or even finishing last as long as you can honestly say to yourself that you gave it your all. Only you will know. Be proud of your accomplishments this year, but don't settle, achieve more. Never doubt yourself. Never, never give up.

Not everyone can win at Champs, but everyone can embody the mentality and spirit of the Champion. When you arrive at practice on Monday, there will be a sign overlooking the lanes that will simply state "Swim like a Champion Today!" Make sure to lightly tap the sign each morning before each practice to mentally prepare and remind yourself that you are a Champion. Good luck to all of you.