UA looking for swim coach

[swimfan]

http://www.thisweeknews.com/live/content/upperarlington/stories/2010/08/25/sports/Stewart-resigns-as-boys-swim-coach.html?sid=104

Stewart resigned. Is that a surprise or did people see this coming.

[thedutchman]

Seems odd that with UA's returning talent Stewart would quit. There must be more to this than just being nearer family. Anyway, whoever gets the job will inherit a very talented team that if they perform to potential should be top 3 in the state.

[rjones]

There have been rumors...not worth repeating. Suffice to say that some people were very unhappy and not sorry to see Stewart leave. Hopefully he's moved on to a better situation for him. He has left a very talented team for his successor.

[scwat]

Let's be honest. He ran a military style team. This is what UA signed up for when they hired him. Their recent swim coach record is pretty dismal.

[thedutchman]

So where is UA on hiring a new coach? Season's just around the corner you would expect a hire soon. Traditionally they have had separate coaches for the boys & girls but is there any consideration of having Peterkoski take over the boy's team as well? He certainly has built the girls team into a powerhouse.

[preeder61]

New UA Men's Swimming Head Coach: Mike de Bear

[swimfan]

New UA Men's Swimming Head Coach: Mike de Bear

Wow! UA hires a Worthington man! Nice hire. Good luck Mike.

[GoinDistance]

Interesting, I always thought Mike was know as a water polo coach. Maybe UA is copying SC??

[rjones]

Interesting, I always thought Mike was know as a water polo coach. Maybe UA is copying SC??

Jim Roberts has the water polo team well in hand. But well before SC combined the two, UA had done it with Chapman running both the water polo & swimming. And Peterkoski has coached both the girls water polo & swimming for years.

[preeder61]

Jim Roberts has the water polo team well in hand. But well before SC combined the two, UA had done it with Chapman running both the water polo & swimming. And Peterkoski has coached both the girls water polo & swimming for years.

Heard that Roberts was considering retiring from polo when his son starts to HS. de Bear has the experience to do both.

[scwat]

This may not be a bad hire for UA. de Bear does relate to the UA swimmers and has been coaching many of them in the summer at Northwest Swim Club. He may be a little more balanced in his approach compared to his predecessor. His water polo angle could be a positive as well. It should make for an interesting swim season. I hope UA doesn't go into hiding the whole season like last year. After all, swim season should be more than just districts and states.

[swimfan]

Here's an article about Mike de Bear taking the UA job.

http://www.thisweeknews.com/live/content/upperarlington/stories/2010/09/29/sports/de-bear-to-coach-ua-boys-team.html?sid=104

[swimfan]

Here's another nice article about UA hiring de Bear, although the article incorrectly states that: "Under Stewart, the Bears won two straight district championships." They were runner up, although that could very well change this year.

http://www.snponline.com/articles/2010/10/06/upper_arlington_news/sports/copy%20of%20ua_20101004_0100pm_1.txt

[ImPartial]

"It's second to no one. It's the opportunity of a lifetime."

Ahh, that's what they always say. He would say the same thing if offered the job at St Charles or St. X.

[rjones]

They were runner up, although that could very well change this year.

No could about it; it will change. UA has way more talent coming back. And with the coaching change the trauma is gone and the positive attitude is back. UA will win the state in the next couple of years. No worse than 3rd this year.

[thedutchman]

UA has way more talent coming back.

Actually if you look at the points scored in last year's District meet UA & SC have about the same number of points and individual swims coming back.

[swimfan]

"It's second to no one. It's the opportunity of a lifetime."

Ahh, that's what they always say. He would say the same thing if offered the job at St Charles or St. X.

I suspect that the UA job pays significantly more than either St Charles or St X. So if you factor compensation into it, UA is the better job.

[preeder61]

I suspect that the UA job pays significantly more than either St Charles or St X. So if you factor compensation into it, UA is the better job.

I don't think that money had anything to do with Mike's decision. UA is still a public school just like Scioto. It is about the opportunity. If I was hiring a coach and they did not say "this is a dream job" they wouldn't get the job! It is a good gig; swim and possibly water polo coach, teaching position in a good school district next year, stable community, all factors. Mike has a good relationship with the parents, other coaches and the officials. He will do a great job. Not sure if UA will win a state championship, but the team chemistry will be good.

[superman61]

"It's second to no one. It's the opportunity of a lifetime."

Ahh, that's what they always say. He would say the same thing if offered the job at St Charles or St. X.

Do you walk into a job saying "This is not really what I want to do or where I want to be, but it'll do for now." Give the guy a break, nice guy and will be fine. Knows how to coach and understands the student/athletes needs, parents seem to like him. Continuing to hold his job teaching with Dublin schools. I'm sure if the right position opens at UA he would switch districts but wouldn't you? Good luck Mike hope you have a good long run!

[exbear09]

Let's be honest. He ran a military style team. This is what UA signed up for when they hired him. Their recent swim coach record is pretty dismal.

Being an ex-swimmer I would completely disagree with that statement. While Chapman had his downfall, for the time that I swam for him it was a joy to swim. He unerstood how to coach, he was a great friend and wonderful coach to swim for. He knew what he was doing, challenged the team without pushing beyond their limits, and helped to make youngmen not just swimmers. We all know he had a troubling secret, but it was not an issue during the recent past and it was a pleasure to swim for him.

As for coach Stewart, there were some issues with members of the team and it hurt him in the end. However, he knows what he is doing, he clearly can coach; he took JJ Spangler from a promising distance swimmer and turned him into a State Champion in the 100 Free, and that isn't something that just anyone can do. Coach Stewart is a great coach from a purely technical aspect, but he was not the right fit for that program and both parties needed to go in a different direction. You cannot blame UA for hiring a guy with the coaching ability Stewart had because they had no way of knowing how the fit for that program would be.

Overall, UA has suffered from a coach who made a mistake years in the past that came back to ruin him in the end, and a coach who is clearly a good coach but wasn't the right fit for that program. Both situations were out of their control and don't add up to a bad record of coaches at all.

P.S.
UA has not slipped from being the BEST public school in the state year after year, so obviously they have been doing something right and bad coaches don't add up to consistent high finishes...

[swimfan]

Being an ex-swimmer I would completely disagree with that statement. While Chapman had his downfall, for the time that I swam for him it was a joy to swim. He unerstood how to coach, he was a great friend and wonderful coach to swim for. He knew what he was doing, challenged the team without pushing beyond their limits, and helped to make youngmen not just swimmers. We all know he had a troubling secret, but it was not an issue during the recent past and it was a pleasure to swim for him.

As for coach Stewart, there were some issues with members of the team and it hurt him in the end. However, he knows what he is doing, he clearly can coach; he took JJ Spangler from a promising distance swimmer and turned him into a State Champion in the 100 Free, and that isn't something that just anyone can do. Coach Stewart is a great coach from a purely technical aspect, but he was not the right fit for that program and both parties needed to go in a different direction. You cannot blame UA for hiring a guy with the coaching ability Stewart had because they had no way of knowing how the fit for that program would be.

Overall, UA has suffered from a coach who made a mistake years in the past that came back to ruin him in the end, and a coach who is clearly a good coach but wasn't the right fit for that program. Both situations were out of their control and don't add up to a bad record of coaches at all.

P.S.
UA has not slipped from being the BEST public school in the state year after year, so obviously they have been doing something right and bad coaches don't add up to consistent high finishes...

I agree that from a purely technical side both were very good swimming coaches...but there's more to coaching than just teaching technique and mastering the end of the season taper. These guys are dealing with 14, 15, 16 & 17 year olds and they need to measure up in character and personality. That aspect is just as important in the selection process as the knowledge and technical skill of the coach.

In the character area clearly Chapman fell short...even if it was in the past. Certain things are so wrong and out of bounds that such a person has no business being in charge of young people. And if as you say everyone knew Chapman had a troubling secret then shame on UA administrators for turning a blind eye to it for so many years. Character counts and Chapman's superiors needed to be more vigilant. The thought that this was a one time episode is highly unlikely.

As to Stewart, again there's more to coaching than just knowledge of the sport. A good coach knows how to interact with all involved, athletes, parents, administrators etc. When top swimmers in your program are threatening to quit something is wrong. And again that's part of the hiring process. The administration apparently didn't do their homework and failed to take into consideration how Stewart would fit with UA's program...yes parents can be difficult, but that's not unique, that happens in nearly all elite programs. UA certainly has terrific models on the girl's side. Peterkoski & Grant are excellent examples of outstanding coaches. So the administration can get it right.

So yea, given everything I think it's fair to use the word dismal when looking at the recent coaching situation for the boys.

[thedutchman]

I wonder if part of the disatisfaction with Stewart relates directly from the 09 taper. UA supporters had high hopes after that sectional victory over SC only to have them dashed when SC dropped time and easily won the district over a talented UA team. For some UA fans the rise of SC has been troubling...even though in the long run it makes swimming stronger in Central Ohio and ultimately helps UA compete with the elite of the state. The Northwest District had been a walk over for St. Francis for years. Maybe its a coincidence but only after their dethroning by St. John have we seen St. Francis return to the elite level in the state. Having competition in your own back yard is a good thing. Just ask X.

[exbear09]

Peterkoski & Grant are excellent examples of outstanding coaches. So the administration can get it right.


I would agree that coach Grant is an excellent example of an outstanding coach. Peterkoski, however, shares some of the problems that Stewart had but has an army of fast swimmers who roll through States every year.

I also think that Stewart really started running into trouble after the 09 taper. UA was in fast suits and well rested when SC was in drag suits and still training. The focus was on swimming fast at home rather than doing the best at the biggest meet.

[danield9tqh]

Actually if you look at the points scored in last year's District meet UA & SC have about the same number of points and individual swims coming back.

UA lost less points to graduation than SC, but SC had a lot of people only swimming one event in districts whereas UA's district team was mostly swimming two events each.

[scwat]

Being an ex-swimmer I would completely disagree with that statement.

UA has not slipped from being the BEST public school in the state year after year, so obviously they have been doing something right and bad coaches don't add up to consistent high finishes...

I appreciate your loyalty to your coach Exbear. I had a coach in high school (in a different era) that did the same thing as coach Chapman. We all knew about his relationships and of course, the adults looked the other way. Even today he is still regarded as a legend in my hometown. While my own memories of him as a coach are fond, my perspective as a parent now are much different. Unfortunately, the state championship swimmers and the fond memories mean very little compared to the lives that are literally torn apart by this behavior. I think Chapman's "secret" is now his legacy, for better or worse.

UA seems to be heading in the right direction now. The pendulum does swing when a community is betrayed by a beloved coach. I personally think those involved tried to hard to go back to an old-school approach. I also think UA in general focuses too much of its energy on winning (just my opinion). They seem obsessed with beating St Charles, but I don't personally think St Charles focuses that much on UA. UA has a fantastic youth club which feeds their high school. It is a large school in a wealthy suburb. They will always be good at swimming for those reasons. The key should be to find a coaching balance for students (and parents) to enjoy the experience while being successful. I think deBear may be right for that.

[thedutchman]

I would agree that coach Grant is an excellent example of an outstanding coach. Peterkoski, however, shares some of the problems that Stewart had but has an army of fast swimmers who roll through States every year.

It's amazing how winning seems to cure shortcomings. Given Peterkoski's record he's pretty set at UA for as long as he wants...so long as he keeps winning. Perhaps Stewart's true shortcoming was not winning anything.

[rjones]

I also think UA in general focuses too much of its energy on winning (just my opinion).
That's the typical reaction to teams that win...that the focus is too much on winning. UA has a championship tradition...the school has won 117 state championships, more than any school except St. X. That doesn't happen by accident. It's because the UA is not satisfied with second. We are champions...and when did being the best become a bad thing?

[preeder61]

There has to be some perspective on the reason that high school sports exist. Leadership, winning and losing with integrity, team building etc. all character builders for life. Sure winning is fun and shows the achievement of a student athlete's goals, but it can not be the singular focus. I would hate to think that the greatest goal that a person reaches would happen before they are 18 years old.

Mike de Bear understands this perspective and will strengthen those qualities in the student athletes at UA.

[thedutchman]

and when did being the best become a bad thing?

No one is saying that it is. But preeder is right that there are a lot more important lessons that come out of high school athletics than just winning.

Whether fair or not, scwat's observation about UA's emphasis on winning is a perception that exists throughout the state and especially in Central Ohio. Part of that may be a result of the fact that they win alot; but it also comes from the way that UA fans sometimes behave.

I have watched over the years the UA fans flood the pool deck after the state meet to celebrate their girls' team victory, but then be completely oblivious to the disruption that their presence causes to the boys' team champion and runner up as their fans try to take pictures from the stands of the podium team trophy presentation. (Perhaps the first year they won is understandable as they may not have realized that the boys presentation followed immediately after the girls, but they've won so many times now that ignorance of the routine can no longer be the excuse.) I've heard more than one parent comment that the behavior is typical of UA. Those are the types of things that lead to a negative perception of UA.

On the other hand it is hard to find a better model of the positive aspect of swimming and doing the right things than a guy like Todd Grant personifies. And he has been a leader in the UA swimming program for about 45 years. His class and dignity exemplify the finest aspects of the UA program. In fairness, every dominant program has its detractors. I'm sure that there are those who find some X fans to be obnoxious...although my experience with them has always been positive. I've heard complaints about how they are able to assemble so many tickets and control the starting end of the pool. But I have been there when they show up a 4:30 a.m. to get the seats and marveled at the organization that includes cooking breakfast for the line place holders.

Regardless, it is important to distingish between the attitude and behavior of parents and other adult fans versus the behavior and attitude of the teams themself. All in all we should recognize the many positives that come from the sport and the successes that the swimmers acheive.

[rjones]

I have watched over the years the UA fans flood the pool deck after the state meet to celebrate their girls' team victory, but then be completely oblivious to the disruption that their presence causes to the boys' team champion and runner up as their fans try to take pictures from the stands of the podium team trophy presentation. (Perhaps the first year they won is understandable as they may not have realized that the boys presentation followed immediately after the girls, but they've won so many times now that ignorance of the routine can no longer be the excuse.) I've heard more than one parent comment that the behavior is typical of UA. Those are the types of things that lead to a negative perception of UA.

Fans have a right to celebrate. If having them on the deck is disruptive then that's on the organizer of the meet. It's their responsibility to not let the fans on deck if that creates problems. Since by your own admission they allow it to happen year after year then obviously it's not the problem you make it out to be. Maybe it's you who has the problem, not UA's fans.

[Paine]

That's the typical reaction to teams that win...that the focus is too much on winning. UA has a championship tradition...the school has won 117 state championships, more than any school except St. X. That doesn't happen by accident. It's because the UA is not satisfied with second. We are champions...and when did being the best become a bad thing?

Beyond a matter of keeping the proper perspective on high school athletics, focusing on winning is unproductive to actually winning. I'm not saying don't care about winning, but making it the only focus is counter-productive because it is ultimately out of your control. If your opponent has the meet of his life and just beats everyone's best shot, then congratulations to him. There is nothing you could have done to change his performance.

So the best option is to focus on yourself. If you listen to professional athletes, they always speak in terms of themselves and what they can do to get a win. Kobe is an incredible example of this mindset. He talks about nothing but what he needs to do in his game to overcome the opponent. When reporters ask about the other team, many times the athelete waves it off, or just repeats what he just said.

If UA has had an obsession with beating SC, that would be an impediment to winning. That takes the UA focus away from what is controllable, their own team. It takes a certain confidence to train and carry yourself this way, and it appears SC had had it.

[isweatchlorinewater]

If UA has had an obsession with beating SC, that would be an impediment to winning. That takes the UA focus away from what is controllable, their own team. It takes a certain confidence to train and carry yourself this way, and it appears SC had had it.

Coach Stewart was the perfect example of this point. He may have been a great coach on all aspects, but he clearly put the focus of the team on beating one team. St. Charles. This was made clearest in the '09 sectional meet when he ahd many of the swimmers in fast suits, and Huffman swam his fastest times of the season. States should be the ultimate goal for a team the calibur of the Bears. Winning sectionals and districts is a great accomplishment, but nobody cares if you win sectionals and then proceed to have disappointing finishes in the next two meets.

Rivalries are great, but they do not define a season and are not why athletes swim. The real point of swimming is to put up the fastest time in the biggest meet.

[swimfan]

Coach Stewart was the perfect example of this point. He may have been a great coach on all aspects, but he clearly put the focus of the team on beating one team. St. Charles. This was made clearest in the '09 sectional meet when he ahd many of the swimmers in fast suits, and Huffman swam his fastest times of the season. States should be the ultimate goal for a team the calibur of the Bears. Winning sectionals and districts is a great accomplishment, but nobody cares if you win sectionals and then proceed to have disappointing finishes in the next two meets.

Rivalries are great, but they do not define a season and are not why athletes swim. The real point of swimming is to put up the fastest time in the biggest meet.

In fairness to Stewart, in 09 UA had lost to SC every time they swam together - Ned Reeb, Big 8, & head to head. In fact no UA swimmer on that team had ever beaten SC. That's a little difficult for a program that had so completely dominated the Central District since back in the 50s. So...beating SC had some importance to the program and its fans. Yes maybe the fast suits and the taper at sectional was a little much, but it worked, UA won. Yea, they didn't repeat the win the next week at the District, but realistically even given their best day they were not going to top SC in 09 at the District or at the State. Also remember that the 09 team finished 4th in the State. Not a bad result. Also, recall that Huffman won both his events, maybe he wasn't as fast as he could have been, but a win is a win - and he had a victory over SC. I don't think any other UA swimmer would have placed higher or gone further than they did in 09 because of the early taper? And the benefits to UA were tremendous. They set some pool records that will likely stand for years AND THEY BEAT SC!

Also, look at what happened the next year. UA topped SC at the Ned Reeb, repeated their sectional win and just was nosed out at the District. When teams are similar in talent -- like SC & UA are – a lot of who prevails is determined by which team has the mentality and the belief that they can win. Without question the 09 Sectional win provided UA with confidence that showed last year. For years UA dominated swimming in Central Ohio, and part of that domination, was the certainty within UA teams had that they would win; so much so that at times less talented UA teams triumphed over more talented teams...if you doubt this, ask some of the Worthington folks from the early 80s or the Columbus Academy teams from back in the 60s or more recently Kilbourne in 2000 – all teams that challenged UA but came up just short.

Is UA now preoccupied with beating SC.... perhaps, just like others – including SC – used to be preoccupied with beating UA; but is that necessarily a bad thing? Right now SC is and has been the top dog for a number of years. No high school Central District swimmer today can remember any other team winning the District. That may well change this year, but it's not an automatic. SC's winning tradition will give them an edge in a close meet... just as it did for UA in their dominating days. The bottom line is that as teams challenge one another it has improved the quality of swimming in the entire district. Hopefully, other teams will rise and become competitive with UA & SC. For now it benefits all for these teams to challenge one another. Ultimately, if UA prevails this year they will owe a debt of gratitude to Stewart for getting things started in 09.

[preeder61]

Well said swimfan.

[scwat]

Very well said. I also think the 09 SC team was simply better than UA. The timing of UA's taper that year has been overblown. Let's face it, last years district finish was so close, it is hard to say one team was better than the other. I would not contribute SC's win last year all to confidence. Although SC swam well, UA did as well. SC was perhaps more fortunate, especially considering UA lost an important contributor before the district meet.

UA looks very good on paper and in the early club results this year. SC has lost all of its state champion-level stars. However, SC is still incredibly deep. They probably have six to ten kids who could score district points for another team, who will not make their sectional squad. Coaching will be a factor, as will talent and effort and luck. It should be interesting to watch it all unfold.

[aquacard]

Rivalries are great, but they do not define a season and are not why athletes swim. The real point of swimming is to put up the fastest time in the biggest meet.

I disagree. The great thing about high school swimming is the team aspect of it along with the opportunity for individual accomplishment. Attend a club meet which is about individual accomplishment and contrast the atmosphere with a high school championship meet. There is no comparison because the atmosphere at the individual oriented club meet differs dramatically from the atmosphere at the team oriented high school meet. The spirit and enthusiasm present at the high school meets just isn't there at the club meets.

It's great to swim the fastest time at the biggest meet, but winning as a team is even better. I suspect that swimfan is right, and truth be told, if you ask the UA swimmers they would tell you that beating SC in the sectional was worth whatever sacrifice they made. The problem in 09 for UA parents & fans was that they had unrealistic expectations after the sectional meet performance. UA performed great during that championship season and Stewart made the best of the talent he had. The truth was the 09 UA team was not as good as the 09 SC team - which was not Stewart's fault, but because he manufactured a victory over SC; some fans and parents simply could not understand the talent difference and wrongly blamed Stewart when he should have been applauded.

[rjones]

SC was perhaps more fortunate, especially considering UA lost an important contributor before the district meet.
Actually 2, don't forget they lost the defending state diving champ because of injury.

[aquacard]

Actually 2, don't forget they lost the defending state diving champ because of injury.

Of course if we start the "what ifs;" then think of where last year's SC team finishes if one of their top swimmers doesn't transfer out. The district is no longer close with or without the UA swimmer & diver who missed the meet and SC may have crowned its 2nd state championship team. But that's the "what if" game that nearly every team can play. The reality is that SC remained diistrict champ because they scored more points than UA. This year should be interesting as both teams develop. It should be another very close and exciting district meet. Who wins may depend on how others swim even more than how UA & SC swim.

[exbear09]

I disagree. The great thing about high school swimming is the team aspect of it along with the opportunity for individual accomplishment. Attend a club meet which is about individual accomplishment and contrast the atmosphere with a high school championship meet. There is no comparison because the atmosphere at the individual oriented club meet differs dramatically from the atmosphere at the team oriented high school meet. The spirit and enthusiasm present at the high school meets just isn't there at the club meets.

It's great to swim the fastest time at the biggest meet, but winning as a team is even better. I suspect that swimfan is right, and truth be told, if you ask the UA swimmers they would tell you that beating SC in the sectional was worth whatever sacrifice they made. The problem in 09 for UA parents & fans was that they had unrealistic expectations after the sectional meet performance. UA performed great during that championship season and Stewart made the best of the talent he had. The truth was the 09 UA team was not as good as the 09 SC team - which was not Stewart's fault, but because he manufactured a victory over SC; some fans and parents simply could not understand the talent difference and wrongly blamed Stewart when he should have been applauded.

Beating SC is great. But why bother going to States if all that matters is beating one team. If beating SC is the defining moment of a season why not just rest for the dual meet, wear fast suits, go all out, and call it a season after that? Because the goal is to swim the fastest at the State meet. That's why people were angry at Stewart. Beating SC is a perk, but guys train all year looking towards that State meet as the culmination of all the hard work and effort. If UA deserved to beat SC, they should've done it every time they swam against them. If UA wasn't poised to beat them, which they weren't that season, then fine. It isn't like it's a huge upset. UA should have focused on putting up the best times possible at the biggest meet of the season, and let those times and those scores speak for the calibur of the team.

A manufactured win is a lie. I would rather win outright when everyone is at their best than take advantage of an under prepared opponent. Respect is all about showing up and going fast, and if someone is faster than you then fine. Shake their hand, admit that they were better, and hold your head up knowing that you faced a well preparred opponent who was better, but you put everything you had into it and that is all that can be expected of everyone.

Many wise people have said "It isn't about winning and loosing. It's about how you play the game". Playing the game right is not manufacturing a win, but working your butt off to be your best, and being proud of your hard work and effort no matter the result.

[aquacard]

exbear,

Perhaps you were on the 09 UA team and so you have insights that an outsider doesn't. But watching the UA boys, fans and parents that year, they were very excited by the sectional win. Some of the fans & parents are upset now because they made bold predictions after the sectional about the district that didn't materialize. But thats on them and their inability to size things up. None of the SC parents & fans thought they were in danger of losing the district meet. Stewart did not blow the taper. Did he have UA swimming faster at the sectional than necessary, maybe; but as I stated before that gave UA a win over SC and that is a boost to the program. Did he have them swimming too fast at sectional, I would say not.

Look at the times; they support that Stewart did have UA prepared to swim their fastest at the fastest meet. UA qualified 5 individual swimmers in 09 to the state. All but 1 swam faster in the state meet. Yes Huffman did not match his 20.31 in the 50; at the state he swam 20.36 & 20.41. But I think his 50 & 100 times from 09 are still his PRs. And by the way the 1 swimmer who swam slower at the state meet needed to fully taper at district to make the state. The 400 Free Relay times were 3:09.40; 3:07.22; 3:08.53 ; & 3:05.33. That's swimming the fastest time at the biggest meet. The same was true of the 200 Free Relay. While the medley was slightly slower at the state meet than at the district, it had 2 swimmers who were fully tapered at district in hopes of making the state.

So the numbers just don't support the claim that Stewart blew the taper. Truth is people were angry with Stewart because UA couldn't beat SC in the biggest meets. They expected to do just that and looked for a scapegoat when it didn't happen. And there is nothing dishonorable about beating another swimmer or team when they are not prepared to swim their best. It's called racing and champions win even when they aren't at their best. UA deserved its 09 sectional win. And as I said before, if UA wins this year, they should thank Stewart for getting it started in 09. That's when UA proved to itself that it could compete with SC.

[rjones]

UA opens it season at University Friday night. This will be the best meet in the state this week end. It should be a very competitive meet. I pick the Bears in a close one.

[aquacard]

UA opens it season at University Friday night. This will be the best meet in the state this week end. It should be a very competitive meet. I pick the Bears in a close one.

Have you seen these times?
From Tuesday November 30:

University School 140, St. Edward 46
200MR: US (Stang, Schneider, Stack, Malone) 1:37.88. 200 free: Gaudiani (US) 1:46.94. 200IM: Crane (US) 1:59.96. 50 free: Malone (US) 21.20. Diving: Sterling (US) 200.17. 100 fly: Stack (US) 53.59. 100 free: Stewart-Bates (US) 49.35. 500 free: Gaudiani (US) 4:45.80. 200FR: US (Malone, Crane, Gaudiani, Stewart-Bates) 1:30.07. 100 back: Stang (US) 56.41. 100 breast: Malone (US) 59.96. 400FR: US (Gaudiani, Stewart-Bates, Stack, Crane) 3:21.18.

More power to the Bears if they can win or even make it close...I wonder if they can win an event! University, St. Francis, & St. X are the top 3 teams in the state. The remaining question is what order do you place them.

[preeder61]

UA opens it season at University Friday night. This will be the best meet in the state this week end. It should be a very competitive meet. I pick the Bears in a close one.

Can you be specific as to how you think UA is going to win this dual meet? Match-ups?

UA times this season: 200 free:n/a, IM:Long 2:02.56, 50 free: An Rabe 22.85, 100 fly: Culter 55.65, 100 free: Long 49.83, 500 free: Long 4:46.60, 100 back: Neri 55.14, 100 breast: Reardon 1:04.17. Relays?

[WATERDAD]

[QUOTE=preeder61;4357407]Can you be specific as to how you think UA is going to win this dual meet? Match-ups?

A better question would be; How deep are both teams? If I understand correctly you can win every event in a dual meet and still be overtaken by points from the bench. That aside, from what I can find UA not as deep as University at this time. But it is only the start of the season also. So who is holding back swimmers for club meets and is everyone healthy? These are the kind of questions that should be looked into, don't you think?

[preeder61]

[QUOTE=preeder61;4357407]Can you be specific as to how you think UA is going to win this dual meet? Match-ups?

A better question would be; who is holding back swimmers for club meets and is everyone healthy? These are the kind of questions that should be looked into, don't you think?

Absolutely valid questions, this is really why I am interested in specifics instead of declarations. I would think that both teams are at full capacity with the Ned Reeb next week. I did not see swimmers from either team in the entry sheet for Nationals that started today at OSU, so I don't think any of them are swimming club now.

[WATERDAD]

If what you have found is true preeder then this meet will be a good snap shot of where these two teams set this week. Next week could be a different story with more teams in the mix. Whom ever wins has bragging rights until next they meet. But it plays out through history over and over; the battle can be won and war lost. Gotta keep working and marching to the end. Mr. rjones to not show any fear of the underdog can get you bit, watch your collective backs. There seem to be a lot of reds dots on that big target you carry.

[aquacard]

UA opens it season at University Friday night. This will be the best meet in the state this week end. It should be a very competitive meet. I pick the Bears in a close one.

Nice call rjones! University wins in a laugher...winning every event! Final score University 116, UA 66. Haven't seen St Francis yet, but right now University looks like the top team in state DI or DII.

[preeder61]

US looks like they could give a decent college team a run! Gaudiani already going 4:37? rjones' predictions aside, this was a tough meet for UA's first year coach, talk about trial by fire. Keep your head up Mike!

200MR: U (Stang, Schneider, Stack, Malone) 1:36.96. 200 free: Gaudiani (U) 1:44.63. 200IM: Crane (U) 1:55.81. 50 free: Malone (U) 21.52. Diving: Sterling (U) 168.70. 100 fly: Stack (U) 53.65. 100 free: Schneider (U) 49.12. 500 free: Gaudiani (U) 4:37.64. 200FR: U (Malone, Gaudiani, Stewart-Bates, Crane) 1:29.40. 100 back: Stang (U) 52:67. 100 breast: Malone (U) 59.05. 400FR: U (Stewart-Bates, Gaudiani, Stack, Crane) 3:15.14.

[thedutchman]

Impressive times for University...but that doesn't mean the Arlington swam poorly. Without the full meet results it's hard to tell much. Going in it was expected that University could win every event. The Ned Reeb will be a better showcase of UA's capabilities. However, right now it looks like University is the favorite there and at the Big 8. Only St. Francis may be able to match them. X has some fine swimmers but not the number of elite swimmers that University has...at least not at this point in the season.

[rjones]

200MR: U (Stang, Schneider, Stack, Malone) 1:36.96. 200 free: Gaudiani (U) 1:44.63. 200IM: Crane (U) 1:55.81. 50 free: Malone (U) 21.52. Diving: Sterling (U) 168.70. 100 fly: Stack (U) 53.65. 100 free: Schneider (U) 49.12. 500 free: Gaudiani (U) 4:37.64. 200FR: U (Malone, Gaudiani, Stewart-Bates, Crane) 1:29.40. 100 back: Stang (U) 52:67. 100 breast: Malone (U) 59.05. 400FR: U (Stewart-Bates, Gaudiani, Stack, Crane) 3:15.14.

Rested times? We'll see at the end of the season.

[WATERDAD]

Rested times? We'll see at the end of the season.

Rested from what? Did they skip morning workout yesterday? No coach with an ounce of knowledge would rest for their first "Dual Meet". Keep the faith man, gotta respect you for that.

[preeder61]

Rested times? We'll see at the end of the season.

Can't you ever just give some team other than UA some credit? Just say, good meet, congrats to US, no excuses!

[rjones]

Can't you ever just give some team other than UA some credit? Just say, good meet, congrats to US, no excuses!

Sure, when appropriate.

SOLON RELAYS
Team results: 1. Upper Arlington 144; 2. Hudson 98; 3. St. Ignatius; 4. Solon 94; 5. Walsh Jesuit 74; 6. Hawken 64; 7. Western Reserve Ac. 54; 8. Berea 22
200MR: UA (Neri, Pataky, Jelen, Dodson) 1:42.66. 400 MR: UA (Rabe, Huntley, Reardon, Long) 3:52.55. Diving: Kreft (S) 258.10. 850 free: UA (Leanza, Rabe, Cutler, Long) 7:54.13. 200FR: UA (Ad. Rabe, An. Rabe, Neri, Dodson) 1:30.18. 200 butterfly relay: UA (Jelen, Huntley, Chin, Cutler) 1:40.29. 200 back relay: UA (Jelen, Chin, Reardon, Neri) 1:41.67. 200 breast relay: UA (Rabe, Baas, Trace, Reardon) 2:00.13. Mixed200 medley relay: UA (Trace, Dierker, Walter, Mastruserio) 1:57.67.400FR: UA (Weldon, Comer, Hammerberg, Chin) 3:36.48. 400FR: UA (Long, An. Rabe, Huntley, Cutler) 3:20.23.

Good meet, congrats to UA!

[aquacard]

rjones, once again you have missed the point. It's great to be a UA fan and to support your team, but sometimes UA loses to a better team. When that happens congratulate the other team instead of searching for some reason other than the simple truth that on that day UA was beaten. It's your failure to acknowledge the loss or if that's not possible your failure to just keep quiet that frustrates others.