The Reminder is making its archives back to 2003 available on our website. Please note that, due to technical limitations, archive articles are presented without the usual formatting.
The Flin Flon Aqua Jets took the plunge in The Pas last weekend with two new coaches to compete against swimmers from the host club and Thompson. Nicole and Doug Mack, who took over the team after former coach Jim Aune moved to Saskatoon, took the Jets to their first swim meet as coaches. With new coaches comes new strategies and game plans. The Macks, who have been the coaches for the last eight weeks, are putting the emphasis on swimming well before swimming hard. The swimmers are encouraged to "swim hard and have fun," says Nicole. "It's all about improving." Though the coaches didn't turn down the previous coaching style, Doug says different people coach different ways. One of the changes made to the program, for the swimmers, is ribbon presentation. Names are not called out for first, second or third place anymore. "We don't want to single (out) the winners all the time," says Doug, noting that he wants the swimmers to enjoy the activity as a life-long interest. "We want to make sure everyone gets included," he says. "It's not about first, it's about having fun and enjoying the sport for what it is." With that said, the Aqua Jets made their way to The Pas to compete and try to better their skills in the pool. Out of the eligible 19 swimmers, 17 turned out for the meet Ð and brought home a few ribbons and trophies to show for it. With the emphasis put on learning to swim better not faster, Doug says once a swimmer can swim better, then they can learn to swim faster. But the coach assures the club is a competitive swim club. Another change made to the program are the guests brought into the classes. With the option open to those with a swim background, Doug says a few members of the community have come to the pool to show the swimmers a demonstration. Attending the swim meet in The Pas were the following from Flin Flon: Kyla Suss Emma Petterson Jenna Bratvold Terri-Lynn Mack Joanne Mack Nicole Storey Daniel Bratvold Todd Nawrocki Caitlin Haggarty Allison Mack Molly Ryan Samantha Ryan Megan MacIntyre Cassie Cooper Kendra Suss
