ASCA Newsletter American Swimming Coaches Association Leadership • Education • Certification 2015 edition | issue 8

Bob Bowman: Composer & Maestro Behind the 8th Swimming Symphony of Phelps By Craig Lord, Swim Vortex

In This Issue: (Editor’s Note: Coach Bowman will present sit still for long,” Bowman told me in his last a talk titled, “The True Story of Michael interview before he boarded a plane for home. 6 / When Strategy Usurps Phelps, Maximum Capacity” at the ASCA “It’ll be like his welcome back meet, a little like Planning World Clinic in Cleveland on Thursday, Montreal (2005),” he added, dreaming of sunny By Coach Clive Rushton September 10th. It promises to be a “can’t days in the Eternal City. miss it” talk! - JL) 9 / Summer League Swimming We’d seen the sun the day before inside the By Coach John Leonard And for your next trick? That was the question Water Cube. And the moon and the stars and all the planets on a tour of the aquatic orbit 10 / Book Reviews: 2 Great Reads for the aquatic maestro and magician back on of a truly unique human being, a man whose By Coach Wayne Goldsmith August 22, 2008, as Bob Bowman when he popped into the Casa Italia in Beijing in the wake achievements come straight from the book of 12 / Being a Swim Parent is of conduction his 8th Swimming Symphony comic-strip super-heroes. Spirits soared at the Not Easy with Michael Phelps in Beijing. It might be sight of it all. By Coach Dr. Gary Hall February 1, 2009 before the swimmer got back Michael Phelps referred to being “almost half in the water, said the coach, Phelps having been way through my races” after taking the 200m 14 / Flow & Yoda promised a long break if all went t well. All had By Coach Don Swartz freestyle crown in a world record of 1:42.96, gone exceedingly well. Better, indeed, than any the pace of a panel or two of polyurethane on 16 / Pat Hogan: The Builder other Olympic campaign in history. the way to a full shiny crisis. By Coach Jacqueline Norgren Even with a February 2009 return on the cards, It was after the 200m free that the 8th Symphony 29 / ASCA Advocacy Bowman believed that Phelps would be back was starting to find its way into the soul. With By Coach John Leonard in time for Rome 2009 world titles. “He can’t each passing race, a few more notes were heard. 2015 EDITION 8 | ASCA NEWSLETTER 1 ASCA Newsletter Official ASCA Sponsors Published for the American Swimming Coaches Association by the American Swimming Coaches Council for Sport Development.

Board of Directors President: Gregg Troy Vice-Presidents: Jim Tierney, Steve Morsilli Members: Don Heidary, Ira Klein, Matthew Kredich. Michael Lawrence, David Marsh, Amy Montgomery, Tim Murphy, Kathleen Klein Prindle, Bill Wadley, Chuck Warner Executive Committee: Jennifer Gibson, Tim Welsh

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A Publication of the American Swimming Coaches Council for Sport Development, American Swimming Newsletter (ISSN: 0747-6000) is published by the American Swimming Coaches Association. Membership/subscription price is $70.00 per year (US). International $120.00. Disseminating swimming knowledge to swimming coaches since 1958. Postmaster: Send address changes to: American Swimming Coaches Association 5101 NW 21st Avenue, Suite 530 Fort Lauderdale, FL 33309 (954) 563-4930 | Toll Free: 1 (800) 356-2722 | Fax: (954) 563-9813 swimmingcoach.org | [email protected]

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2 ASCA NEWSLETTER | 2015 EDITION 8 Composer & Maestro (Continued)

Beethoven’s Ninth, Mozart’s Clarinet Concerto Phelps emerged from the In A, K 622 – 2, Adagio, Rodrigo’s haunting 200m gold in Beijing to Concierto de Aranjuez. “How did you get that?” note that loss in the same Bowman asked me after I noted the Spanish event in that “race of the composer’s haunting work in my report of the century” with Ian Thorpe 200m freestyle final. and Pieter Van Den Hoogenband at the 2004 It was there for all with an ear for the water Games in Athens had put to hear, for all with an understanding of the fire in his belly for what swimming and its element to feel, to see: unfolded this morning. the balance, the rhythm, the beat, the drop, the harmony in between. The sparkle of “I hate to lose,” said Phelps. symbiosis between water and the swimmers “And getting third in the whose bodies are 60% made of the same fluid. 200 free four years ago… Patterns in the Pool: Michael Phelps on the way to one of his How could they not get on? You know, when I do lose eight golds at the Water Cube. – by Patrick B. Kraemer in a race like that and in result, suggesting that Cavid had touched first The uplifting beauty of it all; movements, circumstances like that, it motivates me even but that his pad had not registered. Conspiracy orchestral and aquatic. In all the years I had more to try and swim faster.” theories suggested that Omega had stopped (and have) watched swimming, I could not the clock themselves in favour of its poster boy. recall witnessing something quite so complete, On drawing level at nine career golds with the The truth was to be found elsewhere, while the quite so certain even when the call was closer all-time record holders, Americans Mark Spitz, controversy required Phelps to stay focussed, than the eye can count and the clock is judge. Carl Lewis, Finland’s Paavo Nurmi and Soviet his job not yet one. gymnast Larysa Latynina, Superfish said: “To Time up, tolled the bell for Nurmi, Latynina, be tied for the most Olympic golds of all time, Bowman lated noted that Phelps “can focus like Spitz and Lewis half-way through the with those names in Olympic history and Symphony at the count of nine all-time career no other athlete.” “Phelps stares down Cavic” the Olympics have been around for so many said one headline and accompanying photo- Olympic golds. The ensemble was just getting years, is a pretty amazing accomplishment. caption. Not so, said Bowman: “If you were into its swing as nests came from the office of It’s pretty cool. It’s definitely an honour. I’ve watching the 100m butterfly final, the Serbian a newspaper I work for that an editor had said been able to spend some time with Carl Lewis swimmer and Michael were facing each other he’d got “bored” with the “inevitability of it and exchange a few words with Spitz here and standing behind the blocks and it looked like all”, a few nods of agreement among responses. there, so it’s pretty amazing.” Like jokes, great events sometimes require you they were trying to stare each other down. to have been there. After the 200m free, my Ahead of him at that stage: the 200 ‘fly final, After the race I asked Michael if that was what colleague Nicole Jeffery, of The Australia, noted the 4x200m free relay, the 200IM, the 100 he was doing, and he said ‘I didn’t even know that even for a man who performs five miracles ‘fly against Ian Crocker and the 4x100m he was there’. That’s how focused Michael is before lunchtime, Phelps had excelled himself. medley that would draw him level with Spitz on what he wants to do.” The 100m butterfly – or not – and keep the possibility of eight result flicked a switch for the coach: Bowman had told him that he should and could alive – or not. Turned out that not was not “The biggest moment of relief for me was get his feet on the wall at 50sec half-way. Yes, part of his vocabulary. sir – will do. We’d seen it before, at Melbourne after the 100m butterfly [final]. I’d convinced 2007 worlds in particular, but the sight of The coach needed to say very little come the myself that seven was the number. It wasn’t Phelps on a roll was something to behold. big moment, the work having been done long until the last 15m [butterfly] that I thought before leaving home. Even so, there were maybe it [eight] would happen. One thing When he rolled and streamlined and drove moments when Bowman needed to be hands Michael does better than anyone else is to and dug, Phelps moved like a killer whale on in the full glare of the lights. In Beijing, use the right amount of emotional energy for settled on sealing the fate of a seal marked that moment came on the day of the 200m every race he stands up for.” supper. Latent power and controlled medley – job done – and the 100m butterfly aggression combined with an accuracy And stand up he did, teammates with him to semi soon after. After the 200m medley, deliver the eight. The water whipped, the of thought and calculation, timing and Phelps returned to his coach “totally drained.” gold count towering, the symphony complete, tenacity steely and cutting in nature. Said Bowman: “I had to talk him through that. Bowman said that Phelps would branch out Watch the cupping of Phelps’s hand, the He was really tired at that point. I wasn’t sure roll of the whole arm and shoulder over how it was going to go.” into more sprints, more backstroke, some more an invisible barrel as he harnesses his breaststroke at national events, no 400Im, as element, an invisible yoke to transport Phelps got through it and the next day took agreed with Phelps, and while the 400m free him through translucence. Warp-speed, the 100m butterfly gold 0.01sec ahead of and a shot at Thorpey’s standard was not on second star on the right, straight on ’til Milorad Cavic, of Serbia. Ill-feeling followed the cards, the signature 200 ‘fly would remain morning kind of stuff. when Serbian team officials challenged the all the way back to the blocks at London 2012.

2015 EDITION 8 | ASCA NEWSLETTER 3 Composer & Maestro (Continued)

In Beijing, Bowman had witnessed the without them.’” that he had been looking for at the North very thing he did not expect to see but had, Baltimore Swim Club. “He was so fast, he had nonetheless, prepared his pupil for many When the scrawny, gangly boy raced at to swim with older swimmers … but by the moons before risk turned to robotic response his first national junior meet in the United end of the practice, and at the most difficult just when it was hosted needed on the biggest States, Bowman noticed he had left his part of the session, I saw a little cap moving of occasions: Phelps’ goggles had filled with goggles behind just before he walked out to up forward to the front of the line with each water at the start – and he had struggled to find the blocks. “I saw them sitting in our team repeat swim. It was so remarkable, I’d never best form. The result was still a world record area, I could have taken the goggles to him seen anything like it and when I went home of 1:52.03, the suit, perhaps, having made up but I decided to keep them and see what he that night I couldn’t sleep I was so excited, but for the loss of vision. Bowman had thought a could do,” Bowman said. “So he swam and of course I didn’t tell him that.” time “in the 1:50s” had been possible that day. won the race without the goggles just like he did here [in Beijing] in the (200) butterfly Instead, Bowman piled on the metres and The impact of suits had not yet become clear when his goggles filled with water.” challenges. After one particularly bruising and Bowman was talking of a sub-50 100 practice, Phelps leapt out of the water and ‘fly as being in the realms of possibilities for Bowman added: “I’ve always tried to find ways started throwing water at some of the girls Phelps. It would happen, in a LZR Racer, to give him adversity in either meets or practice watching nearby. “I said ‘you should be very too, in a Rome Circus that would sink the and have him overcome it,” said the coach. He tired, that’s the hardest practice you’ve ever shiny suits for good, a done’,” Bowman recalled. January 1, 2010 deadline for death to buoyancy “I’ll never forget, he looked me set after Bowman said straight in the eye and said ‘I his boy would not be don’t get tired’, so I made that coming to the FINA my life goal to see if I could party unless the hosts accomplish that.” got back to swimmer and He took Phelps to junior meets swimming, not industry where “he would race three times and impostor. in the morning, three in the afternoon and then I’d say to him, Even so, Bowman ‘that’s not quite right, you could was among those who go again’. Every time he got out would later say that and said ‘I’m tired’, I said ‘no, no, much had been learned Ian Thorpe, with Pieter Van den Hoogenband and Michael Phelps after the look, let’s just try that again, go from the experience “race of the century.” – by Patrick B. Kraemer on now’, and every time he’d get of suits and the catch- back in and go again.” up with the clock might be swifter because took Phelps, 14, to an evening competition and of the knowledge gained even with the asked the driver to turn up late – on purpose. Built-In Clock artificial aid had been lost. The role of coach “That way there was no dinner – he had to deal Phelps had a built-in clock. Bowman asked him and swimmer fits well with the thought of with it,” said Bowman with a chuckle. George Bernard Shaw: to write down the times he wanted to achieve “He’s used to handling pressure situations in three favourite races. “He was just 11 but six “People who say it cannot be done should in training, where that pressure comes from months later he swam those exact times, to the not interrupt those who are doing it.” me,” Bowman said. “We have often put him in one-hundredth of a second,” Bowman recalled. a situation where practice is not over until he “I don’t know how that’s possible but it’s true. It is the mindset of the psychology graduate, achieves a certain time. Things have to be done He always had a very good sense of finding deep thinker and man with a mind for absolutely correctly or we do them over.” where he wants to go and how to go there.” composition that is Bowman. He helped to build the perfect competitive beast in the pool Bowman learned some of his tricks and That much was obvious – in Athens, in Beijing from the time Michael was 11. tactics from former Britain performance and all points along the way, the pathway to the director Bill Sweetenham. “I was at the top of the podium part of the swimmer’s every A Machiavellian grin breaking out on his face, AIS when Bill was there training a squad sinew. In Monte Carlo after the Athens Games, Bowman, revealed the terrible truth to me of juniors. After one session, they all Bowman told me: and Jeffery that post-eight-golds day back in complained that the water in the water 2008: “At the Melbourne World Cup in 2003 “On a daily basis I remind Michael of what fountain was too hot. So the next day, there I stepped on his goggles – deliberately. He his long and short-term goals are and how was no water fountain.” It had been removed. said ‘Hey, someone stepped on my goggles.’ I he stands today in relation to that. That’s said ‘Oh … well, you’re just gonna have to go In Phelps, Bowman found the raw materials where that whole thing comes in where

4 ASCA NEWSLETTER | 2015 EDITION 8 many say ‘I’ll deal with it tomorrow’. I’m there to say no, let’s deal with it today. That’s my job. When we’ve had tempers flare, that’s where the issue is. He may not be ready to face that at that time and I make him do it or get him to a situation where it happens. There’s a lot of work that goes into it. There are a lot of ups and downs. He has bad days just like everybody else.”

Canadian medley ace Marianne Limpert trained in Baltimore for a stretch and told Bowman: “I’m so glad I’m training here…I Michael Phelps (second from L) touches home for gold, just ahead of Milorad Cavic from Serbia (third just though Michael was like a little swimming from L) with silver., which is Gold #7 for Phelps – level with Mark Spitz 1972. – Patrick B. Kraemer robot but now I see he’s a real person, he has man to join the exclusive triple Olympic swim the autumn of 1918. Here’s a summary: his good moods and bad moods. Even when crown club founded by Dawn Fraser in 1964, he’s in a bad mood he channels it into effort.” • Mercury: The Winged Messenger – like 32 years before Krisztina Egerszergi doubled listening to a cosmic butterfly “One of his best attributes”, says Bowman, membership at the Atlanta Olympics. Phelps whose role has been pivotal, critical even: up to then checked into a second final that would • Venus: The Bringer of Peace – beauty, Beijing there had been 12 years of emotional, make him the first to have two tickets to that refinement, the counter to the untamed mental and physical preparation of a kind that club, the 100m butterfly. violence of Mars few could have withstood. It was August 2, 2012 and you could almost • Mars: The Bringer of War – unrelenting, Beyond Beijing, beyond a long break – the hear Bowman singing to himself. He’d been merciless, brutish, the stuff of war longest of Phelps’ entire career – it was humming Dvořák’s 7th throughout the past • Jupiter: The Bringer of Jollity – a case of ‘now starts the craft of mature Olympic season. Composed in 1884, the work benevolent, generous, Jupiter come down relationship’. On the way to London, there breathes, said the coach, of “sentimentality, from Olympus to flirt with mere mortals – would be no more ‘Bob says, Michael does’. melancholy, sadness, struggle and defiant recognizing that quality in self. The swimmer had become a man, the goals has triumph.” It also leans on the notion of legacy been accomplished. A new chapter. That ended through struggle and strife and was written • Saturn: The Bringer of Old Age – serene, with ‘retirement’ in London. with a London premiere in mind. deliberate, stoic, acceptance of mortality and the end of things Before he got there, Bowman said: “It would As I waited for a taxi to take me to the airport be nice to have Michael retire on top. It’s after US Olympic trials in Omaha in 2012, • Uranus: The Magician – ruler of important to me that he doesn’t peter out.” Bowman said: “Holst, The Planets … I’ll be astrological Aquarius. The magician is interested to see what you make of that.” bumbling and accident prone but a born In June 2013, Phelps was back in the swim performer who cannot resist just one more and aiming for a comeback. His London 2012 Music derived from astrology is rare. Great try, obsession deemed as mad as the dark tally had taken his Olympic count well beyond music even more so. Gustav Holst: The side of the moon but masking wisdom of the next most decorated among greats in the Planets Suite. From the ancient Greeks and the eternal, the ultimate prize. pantheon, all sports. Rightly to some, arguably philosophers to those who check the stars to others, Phelps goes down as the greatest column in their local paper, humans have long • Neptune: The Mystic – eternity in Olympian in history. There is no dispute been fascinated by astrological teachings. Neptune’s watery depths … and choirs of when it comes to his status as an achiever who aquatic angels. transcends his sport. The Greeks came up with the “Music of the Spheres”, the idea that these vast bodies Epic. As is the tale of Bowman-Phelps. That’s The same might well be said of Bowman, who whirling and twirling through space, must what I make of it. taps into energy sources beyond the surface surely hum as they go, must surely sing in of the pool but intrinsically linked to the deep space. They knew of seven planets: Sun, Moon, About the Author: network of things that connect many realms, Mercury, Venus, Mars, Jupiter and Saturn and Eddie Reese is the only college swimming each a drop that forms the ocean. Western music evolved with seven-tone scales. coach to win NCAA team titles in four separate Gustav Holst brought music and astrology decades, and has established a tradition of Look up this week and you will see a full moon. together again in his suite devoted to the excellence in Austin and set the standard in It was there on the night in London three years seven planets, the Sun and Moon displaced by collegiate swimming. Coach Reese was the ‘91, ago when the most versatile cancerian swimmer Uranus and Neptune. ‘05, ‘06 and 2009 ASCA Coach of the Year, an wrote another line in his adventure: victory in 8-time NCAA Coach of the Year and 3-time US the 200m medley stamped his ticket as the first The Planets Suite was first performed in Men’s Olympic Team head coach.

2015 EDITION 8 | ASCA NEWSLETTER 5 When strategy Usurps Planning

By Clive Rushton, October 2014

I’ve read 59 books in the last 12 months while Undoubtedly the most confused pairing is quality has to be exceptional. It must describe studying for an MA in Leading Innovation planning and strategy. Strategy, particularly, and prescribe a process just like a business plan and Change. Throw in a multitude of has reached the dizzy heights of a ‘must use’ should, or a plan for world domination could. papers, articles and forum posts and my word; it appears everywhere and every time self- description of, “I read voraciously” seems from everyone. The goal of a plan should be a particular level about right. of performance. A swimmer may have a goal Here’s my definition of the two culprits: time of one minute forty-five seconds for 200 Two ‘businessy’ things tainted my literary planning is about performance, strategy meters so the plan has to address the technical appetite, however: the plethora of recycled is about results. The two are irrevocably and physiological requirements of that speed concepts and the confusion surrounding the connected but they are not synonymous. and distance. But what if your opposition is key ones. developing a superior product? What if the In one of my term papers I wrote, “Many opposing swimmers are capable of swimming I am cynical about the recycling. In order to authors cite The Economist’s, [“Nobody faster than one minute forty-five? In that case publish another book or to have another article really knows what strategy is”], but then use three options are available: settle for a loss, published in prestigious journals authors thousands of words doing little more than change the plan, or disrupt the opposition: simply rewrite the same ideas and advice from unequivocally proving they are not the one to purpose, planning, strategy. a slightly different angle. It’s understandable prove The Economist wrong!” but I’m not sure it’s excusable. Publishing what The first option is about purpose: not winning is basically the same book or article under a To understand strategy I had to first the swimming race yet achieving the goal different heading may be good business for the understand planning. My swim coaching time may be OK for a developing athlete author but it surely is a slight on the intended background taught me a lot about planning. but for one at the pinnacle of a career it is audience who are treated to this regurgitated Athletes have to produce precise performances an unacceptable option. Move to option B: repetition. If they didn’t understand it the first on a predetermined day under conditions over changing the plan. A correct decision here is time around are they stupid or was it badly which they have little influence, with win- pivotal; one which could make or break the explained? loss tolerances of around 0.02%. It’s not Six- Sigma precision but when human frailties, and whole season or define a career. Leadership and management; improvement, idiosyncrasies and peculiarities are involved, In the same way that a single, defining line innovation and invention; creativity and compounded by the near-infinite complexities of film script, or a piece of decisive action change: each combination spawns article after of water turbulence, the challenge is at least or dialogue in a novel changes everything, article purporting to define and explain but all equal. this binary ‘yes or no’ approach to option B they do is obfuscate and confuse. Sporting analogies sit well with businessmen tips the balance between success and failure. The confusion, of course, lends itself to the but are seldom comfortable in academic In a film or book this occurs at exactly the repetition. It’s in the consultant’s interest to settings. They are, however, entirely half-way point and seals the story-line for maintain a sense of ignorance in their audience. appropriate and eminently practical. Sport the remaining half of the story. Option B is Actually educating people releases them from planning has to be comprehensive structured, the half-way point between accepting the loss the teacher’s grasp. logical and systematic, and in all those areas the and demanding the win.

6 ASCA NEWSLETTER | 2015 EDITION 8 Of course, it begs the question; if a faster performance is possible why was the swimmer settling for one minute forty-five in the first place? On the other hand, if the coach and swimmer assess their capabilities as limited to one minute forty-five then option C – disrupting the opposition – is the only one left.

Option C is strategy.

Strategy is about the result. On his best day our swimmer is capable of one minute forty- five seconds – that’s a performance - but the opposition is capable of faster and the opposition wins – that’s a result. To change the result we have to disrupt the performance of the opposition. We have to make the opposition under-perform; we have to deliberately nurturing of the organizational organism. destroy the opposition. undermine them. Their strategy usurps their planning and they undermine their own systems and methods. Analysis comes with ever-increasing Strategy is most useful when the opposition sophistication but generally boils down to has a better hand of cards than you do. Goals do not have to differ for opposing SWOT. Many companies, however, restrict Strategy is about manipulating the opposition strategies to be appropriate. A surgeon and a their examination to navel-gazing; they into playing at a lower level than they are really butcher both need to cut through muscle. The only analyze themselves. Visionary leaders, capable of. Strategy is about ‘blindsiding’ the surgeon’s purpose is to access internal organs however, examine and understand the opposition, attacking them at their weakest or bones, the butcher’s purpose is to separate opposition. An athlete’s strategic competition point. Strategy is about tricking them into sections of flesh for cooking. Both of them model should obviously maximize their own naive moves, premature launches of untested look for a clean cut with the least possible strengths but it should also seek to negate products, cutting off their source of supply. collateral damage. Same muscle structure; their opponents’ strengths. Weaknesses Lawrence Freedman says, “It is about getting same tools; same cutting action but completely should be circumvented in themselves and more out of a situation than the starting different strategies: the surgeon cuts with the mercilessly attacked in their opponents; balance of power would suggest.” 1 grain of the muscle fibers, the butcher cuts opportunities should be sought out and across the fibers. welcomed, yet limited, constrained or denied Strategy is a game, sometimes cut-throat, to your opponents; threats to oneself should always serious. Strategy is a ploy or a maneuver, Some successful strategies are completely be neutralized but threats to an opponent otherwise why not just use planning and create counter-intuitive. My wife and I possess a should be encouraged and supported. a superior performance? stubborn cooking pan which refuses to give up its grime and stickiness. My solution to ensure Recognizing and acting appropriately on this A strategy has to be different to, or more a clean pan - dirty it more often! analysis - displaying response-ability - are than, a plan. Otherwise it’s a plan. A plan hallmarks of outstanding leadership. Planning delineates the qualities, characteristics The more often the pan is dirtied, the more for performance indicates involvement and and requirements necessary to move from often it gets cleaned and the nearer it gets to good intentions, strategizing for results the current performance level to the goal ‘clean.’ That’s strategy. The goal is to have a demands commitment and execution. It all performance level. Purpose is about the ‘why’; clean pan; the plan is to get it clean faster; the depends on how much you demand the win. the basic components of a plan are the ‘whats’ strategy is to get it dirtier more often. It isn’t a and the ‘whens’ and the ‘wheres.’ Strategy is ‘business’ solution but it is a solution contrived about the ‘how.’ to continue satisfactory business. About the Author: And this is where the confusion leads to Successful organizations, businesses, stock Clive Rushton is a former Olympic swimmer business mistakes, disasters and catastrophes. market analysts, sports scientists and coaches and Olympic coach with over 50 years of Many authors transpose these adverbs and accurately analyze the internal and external experience at every level of swimming.. attribute strategy to the what and the when and factors affecting their particular situation and He has led national programs in Europe the where. They prioritize the outcome over strategize to control or favorably change one and Oceania and currently lives in Bali, the process and become blinded by the shiny or both of them, producing a more efficient Indonesia running the SwiMagic swim possibilities of their short-term thinking. They (external), more effective (internal) or more development program at the Australian underestimate the importance of process, of responsive (external-internal interaction) International School. systems, of the ‘connective tissue’ between system. The long term organizational plan cause and effect, and of the arrow of time; should increase performance but the short 1. Freedman, L., 2013. Strategy: A History. New they ignore the reality of demand for continual term strategy is often to undermine, attack or York: Oxford University Press.

2015 EDITION 8 | ASCA NEWSLETTER 7 8 ASCA NEWSLETTER | 2015 EDITION 8 Swimming By John Leonard

(Written for a coach who thought some Second, community based and third, summer sometimes of an OLYMPIAN who “started of his parents were “over the top” league swimming was low commitment, high in summer league” as proof that really “Great in expectations for Summer League enjoyment. Did I mention Fun? Oh yes, and Stuff ” can be done in summer league. Note swimming…and their five year olds!) the primary driver was… FUN. the use of the word “Started.”

One of the marvelous and unique parts of Fun comes in many forms, but by every Equating the two levels of the sport is kind the American Swimming landscape, is that survey ever taken, it begins with “being with of like saying 99% of college graduates also grassroots level of swimming that we term your friends.” It includes as a generality for graduated from third grade. Yes, it happens, “Summer League.” young ladies…the opportunity to “Master” but it’s a tiny step in a very long process, and some skills, demonstrate the ability to doesn’t’ bear much relation to the end product! As best we can determine, summer league do something correctly, and for young swimming sprang up first in the Midwest, gentlemen, it is all about RACING. Fun Summer League – Learn a little, race plenty circa 1930, and really exploded with the does not include overly serious coaches, and LAUGH A LOT! advent of age group swimming immediately parents, officials, etc. You want formal, high Have FUN! after the return of the veterans from World expectation, “serious” swimming, well… War II and the “Baby Boom.” Every major summer league is not for you! metropolitan area in the USA and many All the Best, smaller communities embraced this rite It’s fun for children to learn, it’s fun to race, John Leonard of summer….country club environments, it’s fun to be with their friends. IF Fun isn’t urban parks departments, and recreational central to the process, the process is off-base. organizations of all stripes got into the act. Occasionally, a parent or coach will misplace What they had in common, were a few simple priorities here, and pretty much ruin it for principles. First, FUN. FUN. FUN. everyone. PLEASE DON’T! Much is made

2015 EDITION 8 | ASCA NEWSLETTER 9 reads Reviewed for those in the 2 Swimming “Business” Review By John Leonard ASCA Executive Director

1. Leading with Cultural Intelligence: 2. Contagious: Why Things Catch On The Real Secret to Success By Jonah Berger By David Livermore, Ph.D. This book is a brilliant treatise on how to get your ideas across While relating primarily to overseas business work, the process TODAY. Swimming coaches “sell ideas” all day, every day. I found this describes is also highly useful to swimming coaches when this to be the most useful book I have read in that regard in that dealing with “cultures” within the USA that may be different from regard in the past 10-15 years. your own. Of particular interest to me was a discussion about “high context” and “low context cultures.” Chapters include: »»“Social Currency” (What gives it…) Since most European heritage American’s come from “low context »»“Triggers” (What they are today) cultures,” dealing with individuals from “high context cultures” »»“The Use & Importance of Emotion” within the USA is a real challenge. Strategies for success in this »»“Public” regard should be highly sought by all of us. »»“Built to Show, Built to Go,” and »»“Practical Value.” About the Author: David Livermore is a thought leader in cultural intelligence (CQ) About the Author: and global leadership and the author of the new book, The Cultural Jonah Berger is a Marketing professor at the Wharton School at the Intelligence Difference. His book, Leading with Cultural Intelligence, was University of Pennsylvania. He has published dozens of articles in top-tier named a best-seller in business by The Washington Post. He’s president academic journals, and popular accounts of his work have appeared in and partner at the Cultural Intelligence Center (www.culturalq.com) places like The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, The Washington in East Lansing, Michigan and a visiting research fellow at Nanyang Post, Science, Harvard Business Review, Wired, BusinessWeek, and Fast Technological University in Singapore. He has been interviewed and Company. His research has also been featured in The New York Times referenced by major news sources such as Atlantic Monthly, CBS News, Magazine’s annual “Year in Ideas” issue. The Christian Post, Christian Science Monitor, Christianity Today, The Economist, Forbes, NBC, The New York Times, USA Today, The Wall Hard not to see this as an almost “must read” for every coach. Street Journal and The Washington Post. Dave averages 35 international speaking engagements annually, addressing an average of 7500 leaders All the Best, over a year.

10 ASCA NEWSLETTER | 2015 EDITION 8 2015 EDITION 8 | ASCA NEWSLETTER 11 The Art of Swim Parenting: Being A Swim Parent is Not Easy By Dr. Gary Hall, Sr.

Editor’s Note: Dr. Gary Hall, Sr. is an their child swim for a few minutes? Too often, parents are overzealous in their Olympic Gold Medalist and the father desire to help their child succeed. While of Olympic Gold Medalist Gary Hall, Jr. Or how many children today would rather they only want the very best for their child, (pictured above). be sitting around for the same duration in their words of advice, criticism or even the same environment waiting to race when encouragement can backfire on them. To He is an eye surgeon who has “retired” they could be in their air-conditioned home in a child, these words, no matter how well to the Florida Keys, and runs the Race front of their large screen television playing intended, are often construed as feeling Club, a famous swimming operation. The Minecraft or Game of War? pressure to succeed. A swimming career following is from his personal collection should be viewed as a marathon, not a sprint. of his writings. I recommend our parents Those are some of the challenges that face read it carefully, as there is great wisdom the sport of swimming, as well as every other If a swimmer feels pressure coming from here. - All the Best, JL sport in America. What about you as a swim the parents or coach for too long a period of parent? What challenges do you face in order time, he or she will often rebel and quit the Being a swim parent is not easy. to see your child truly enjoy swimming and sport. If not, then swimming ceases to be fun. derive the most benefit from the sport? Either way, the child loses out. If it were, we would likely have 2 million registered USA Swimming members, rather Every swimmer of any age who comes to I learned a great deal about swim parenting than half a million. Swim parents have to be The Race Club is told the same thing. It is from my mother. My father was a solo- unselfish, dedicated, loving, committed and more important to have fun than it is to win practicing Orthopedic surgeon in the days invested to help their children succeed in the Olympic gold medals. Of course, I always before cell phones. He was on call 24/7 and sport. In this day and age, how many parents make sure that when I tell the swimmer this, could never leave the house phone. He rarely will sit on a hot bleacher or in a chlorine filled the parents are standing right behind them. got to see me swim. My mother drove me natatorium or behind a starting block, timing The truth is, the message is more directed to all over the LA basin to workouts and meets all weekend, for the pleasure of watching the parents than it is to the swimmer. and volunteered to time at most of them. She

12 ASCA NEWSLETTER | 2015 EDITION 8 rarely said much to me, but when she did, it ability and passion for the sport. Mary and (what other sport has an age group for over was always positive. I subscribed to my mother’s philosophy of 100 years of age?), then simply remember swim parenting and basically told them to two important sentences, ‘have fun’ and ‘I Before I would compete, she would always ‘have fun’ and always ‘I love you’ after each love you’. Get them to swim practices and tell me to ‘have fun’. After each race, whether race. They all had various levels of success, the meets. If they need help in technique and good or bad, she would put her arm around but I believe that they all had fun and, for aren’t getting enough of that at practice or me, hug me, and say ‘I love you’. Those were the most part, look back fondly on their if they need more motivation, bring them the only words I needed to hear. swimming careers. Swimming taught each of to The Race Club. Do those things and tell them many valuable life lessons. them those five magical words. The rest will As parents, my wife, Mary, and I had six take care of itself. children (3 boys, 3 girls)…all swimmers. Of course, Mary did most of the driving to Yours in swimming, meets and workouts. Once, when they were Gary Sr. young, and dabbling in different sports, they started to get hooked on video games. I put About the Author: my foot down. Dr. Gary Hall, Sr. has dedicated his life to “You are all going to do some sport” I told coaching technique and training methods them. “I don’t care what sport, as long as you to children, masters, fitness and health swimmers, triathletes and others at The do something.” That was naïve. Race Club Camps. He brings his science background, knowledge and experience in “Are you kidding me?”, Mary interrupted, My advice to all swim parents is to do the stroke mechanics and a strong passion for having overheard this conversation. “Do you same. When you feel the urge to critique your child for an obvious mistake, bite your swimming to offer an unsurpassed quality think I am going to drive six kids all over this of teaching at The Race Club. Swimmers of lip and keep your mouth shut. Let the coach valley to different sports programs? What do all ages and abilities come from around the think I am, a taxi driver? No, we have a great coach. Your role is supportive, emotionally world to learn from and be inspired by Dr. swim club nearby. They should all swim.” So and financially. If you truly want your Gary Hall, Sr. and give themselves the lifetime that is what they did. children to enjoy swimming and you want gift of swimming. to help them succeed, and if you want your All six children had different levels of children to swim for life, not just as children

2015 EDITION 8 | ASCA NEWSLETTER 13 Flow & Yoda

By Coach Don Swartz

Writing in his book “The Mindful The great Star Wars character Yoda says, Coach: “Kick more on the 3rd 50 of your Athlete,” George Mumford speaks about “Do or do not, there is no try.” 200. Your tempo will stay faster if you Bliss State. Others refer to it as the Zone, kick.” that place where we find flow. Flow is The problem with “trying” is that it is so absolutely at the center of all great temporary and so non-committal. Remember Yoda – “Do or do not, there is achievements, in and out of sports. Maybe no try.” Coach: “See you at work out tomorrow.” we should make a T-shirt that says, “No Said another way – “Succeed or fail, no Flow, No Go” or better yet, “Flow = Go.” Swimmer: “Okay, I’ll try and be there.” worries; try gives you nothing but worries.” Mumford writes, “Many of us equate bliss Coach: “See you tomorrow at workout.” Trying implies a non-commitment to the with not concentrating at all. But pure Swimmer: “Okay, you can count on me.” goal of success. We all fail more than we concentration actually cultivates the bliss succeed so what are we all worrying about state, as paradoxical as that might sound. Coach: “Put your head down 2 inches, When we focus on “that narrow stimulus your body position will improve so you can anyway? swim faster.” field” – or whatever it is that we are Alfred E. Neuman said it best, “What? Me doing in the total fullness of the present Swimmer: “Okay, I’ll try and do that.” worry?” moment – we actually summon flow. This underscores the importance of how and Coach: “Put your head down 2 inches, your what we focus on.” body position will improve so you can swim faster.” On our team, North Bay Aquatics, we have Swimmer: “Okay, I’ll do that.” several words that are “banned” from our vocabulary – coaches and swimmers alike. Coach: “Try and see if you can kick more One of those words is “try.” on the 3rd 50 in your 200.”

14 ASCA NEWSLETTER | 2015 EDITION 8 2015 EDITION 8 | ASCA NEWSLETTER 15 Pat Hogan: The Builder

By Jacqueline Norgren

Many people wonder how does a high school on making sure club teams are dedicated building blocks to guide him towards a age swimming coach progress to becoming to improving their situation, which in turn successful future. one of the most influential leaders in the improves it for the swimmers, the parents, sport of swimming today? The question volunteers, referees, and the organization A Strong Foundation can be answered in several different ways, as a whole. Pat has provided organization Raised in a Catholic school system and as there will never be one clear-cut path to the sport and shares it through his house, Pat was instilled with a firm value in terms of leadership. However, USA division at USA Swimming, by providing system and learned the more you expected Swimming’s Club Development Manager information for coaches that want to gain out of people, the more they would give Director, Pat Hogan, has done just that. more knowledge and be better informed. you in return. This held true not only to He has created the Facilities Development his academics, but also in the world around From stepping into a new position at USA Department, expanded the field services Swimming, Pat Hogan has transformed him. Although Pat didn’t realize it, the of USA Swimming to members clubs club development from being a division building blocks to his leadership style had and coaches, along with other creative of USA Swimming into being one of its been set and were slowly being developed recognition and educational programs. From three core pillars. In this capacity, he has through the daily routines and lifestyle set zone and coaching clinics, field services been an advocate for improving the quality by his parents. with clubs, to being at Junior Nationals, of coaches and club businesses. Pat has Nationals, and various camps, Pat reaches On a hot summer day in 1963, Joyce Hogan led clubs towards a stable “professional” out to coaches on a diverse set of levels in dropped off her ten-year old son at the environment as demonstrated by the size Knights of Columbus Swim Team for the and number of clubs rising. Retention the sport of swimming. The creation of the first time. From music lessons to boy scouts rates of athletes staying in the sport have Club Development consultants has provided and youth sports, Pat’s parents believed it dramatically improved, as has the ratio of a “face” to USA Swimming and a connection was important for all of their children to try boys to girls in the sport. This has been for assistant clubs, coaches and athletes with different activities. As an introverted child, demonstrated by the 45% increase in year the USA Swimming headquarters. Pat never really sought out pursing many around memberships with USA Swimming. Pat Hogan’s success was not simply activities. Pat’s parents, Joyce and Jerry In 1997, only 210,000 swimmers were achieved by being placed into a position, but always fostered a supportive environment enrolled with USA Swimming. Today there was accomplished over time by acquiring, for their children and encouraged them are over 350,000 swimmers at over 2,800 cultivating, and implementing skills and to try different things. Growing up in a clubs thru USA Swimming. While there lessons. Following his desire to better the family with four children, there was always have been other outside influences such as sport by participating in governance, he the “Phelps Effect”, the work of the Club something going on. As Jerry was on the continuously balancing his duties as a coach Development Division at USA Swimming road a great deal as a salesman, it was left and a leader in the sport. Through this he has definitely helped the sport of swimming up to Joyce to take care of the household. achieved success and built his creditability improve overall. Joyce was always a proactive self-starter and at every stage that set him up to thrive in would get to work right away on chores. Pat Hogan has strengthened club teams by his current position. Pat Hogan’s success On the weekends when Jerry was home, he creating better situations for the coaches, would not be possible without having built would always go straight to working on a clubs and their communities. He has focused a strong foundation and using each of those special project such as cutting the grass.

16 ASCA NEWSLETTER | 2015 EDITION 8 The daily routines of Pat’s parents acted as In the fall of 1971, Pat tried out for Southern Swim Club underneath head coach Richard building blocks to Pat’s leadership skills used Methodist University’s swimming team. Quick. The staff at Dallas Swim Club also at USA Swimming, by instilling the meaning During the tryout period, Pat mentioned to included assistant coach Doug Ingram at the of consistency, support, and hard work. Coach Mac his interest in coaching. After time. Richard, Pat, and Coach Ingram would the first couple of months, Coach Mac pulled get up extra early to fit in practice for the Pat continued to swim for the Knights of Pat aside to tell him he did not think he was Dallas Swim Club, as they utilized SMU’s Columbus Swim Team until his junior year in going to make the team. In turn, Coach pool facilities. Afterwards, Richard and Pat high school. Growing up in the city proper of Mac offered Pat the opportunity to be the proceeded to run practice for the university Dallas, on the east side of town, there were swimming team’s manager. Eager to gain team while Coach Ingram would go to teach. not many opportunities to swim year around more coaching experience, Pat pounced at the When college practice concluded, the trio in the 1950s. When Pat started high school, offer. Listening to Coach Mac and Richard on would head to Richard’s house for lunch to he began to cycle through other sport seasons deck, Pat realized even as a college student, it write up practice plans for that afternoon and such as football, basketball and track. By the was to his advantage being a manager instead the following morning. On some occasions time it was summer, he was ready to get back to of swimming on the team. they would meet following the afternoon swimming. By participating in various sports, practice, trying to keep each other awake Pat developed a diverse toolbox of leadership The Strategist while writing practices. Since all three coaches styles and traits from various coaches. By Coach Mac was one of the best strategist Pat were burning the candle at both ends, it was learning how to balance numerous sports, Pat had ever seen. Every day, Coach Mac would important for them to stay focused and keep learned the basic skills of time management, come on deck with practice written out. He each other on task. which he later applied to coaching on the deck would share a copy of practice with everyone and off the deck. While working with Richard, Pat soaked up before practice started, so everyone had the every bit of learning he could to improve opportunity to ask any questions they may The Ignition his toolbox of skills which later on set him have pertaining to it. Coach Mac would take up for success in his countless leadership In 1970, the Knights of Columbus Swim the time to explain what the purpose of it was roles. Richard displayed such positive energy Team’s head coach announced that he would and why certain drills were to be used. be leaving to take a position in Montana. The and magnetism as a coach. Pat always came parents and swimmers were hurt. They had Coach Mac taught Pat that leadership off the on deck for practice with enthusiasm and a no coach to take over the summer team. Pat deck was a key component to a coach’s success contagious attitude for learning. Pat learned Hogan at 17-year-old saw the need for a coach, on deck. Before meets, Coach Mac would go not to set limits, especially arbitrary limits. and without any experience offered to take through the dual meet line up with the team He dedicated his focus to understanding over. The parents gave Pat the opportunity and explain exactly what they needed to do the whole physiology behind coaching to take the reins, knowing that he had been in every event to win. At every meet, Coach and how to bring swimmers to the peak of with the program himself for the last seven Mac’s predictions would always come true. their performance based on a physiological years. Pat began to utilize his various coaching During Pat’s sophomore year, SMU hosted a influence. As Richard was married with two experiences from sports such as swimming, dual meet against USC. USC had just come kids and pursued his master’s during this football, and basketball to foster a culture off winning the NCAA championship with time, Pat learned about how to manager his and new team dynamic. Over the summer of Peter Daland as their coach. Although USC personal life with coaching as well. 1970, Pat fell in love with coaching. By the was favored to win, Coach Mac developed The biggest lesson Pat Hogan learned from end of the summer, Pat knew that no matter a line up and showed the SMU team how Richard was to be positive, think big, and what he pursued as his degree at Southern they could win the meet. The natatorium expect more from your self than possible. Methodist University in the fall, he wanted was completely packed and loud as could be. Richard could see opportunities for athletes to be a swimming coach. While holding his From the beginning to the end of the meet, it and he would challenge people to do things first coaching position, Pat created a strong proceeded to follow just how Coach Mac said that they were not even sure they could foundation and team, where he cultivated his it would. It all came down to the medley relay. do themselves. Richard had a strong drive first national qualifier in 1972. The SMU relay swam exactly as Coach Mac and work ethic that made his staff feel like had instructed, thus winning the meet against more could always be done. There was never The Preparation & Apprenticeship USC. By watching Coach Mac, Pat was able to anything too small to be overlooked. This Pat had chosen to attend Southern Methodist learn patience, the importance of strategizing lesson was a building block on the foundation University based on its strong staff of meet entries, communicating them to the team, set by Pat Hogan’s parents, that by expecting swimming coaches. The staff at the time learning how to be prepared for practice and more out of people, you would receive more consisted of Richard “Red” Barr as head committee meetings. Pat adopted many of in return. The development of this foundation coach and George McMillion as assistant Coach Mac’s preparation tactics and strategies provided a backbone to Pat’s leadership style for his “toolbox” of skills. These skills have coach. During the summer of 1971, before Pat whether it was on deck as a coach or off deck abetted his success while occupying leadership began his career at SMU, Coach Red died of serving in a committee. a heart attack during a swimming meet in El positions, coaching, and at USA Swimming. Paso, Texas. Due to the parting of Coach Red, From making sure their swimmers had a solid George “Mac” McMillion took over as head The Motivator balance between schoolwork and practice, coach at SMU. Shortly after, Coach Mac hired During Pat’s sophomore year, he started rest and nutrition, Richard also taught Pat Richard Quick as his assistant coach. working his way through school at the Dallas the importance of paying attention to every

2015 EDITION 8 | ASCA NEWSLETTER 17 Pat Hogan: The Builder (Continued) detail. No matter how small a stroke error standards committee. At that point in time, The Trusting a swimmer might have displayed, he would the local swimming committee (LSC) still Realizing there was still more to learn, Pat figure out a way to improve it at every level. was part of the Amateur Athlete Union moved to work underneath Allen “Skip” Richard also made it clear it was okay to (AAU) Southwestern, as USA Swimming Kenny at the Cincinnati Marlin’s as the take chances and one didn’t have to do the had not be created. This position would head age group coach. Pat learned how a same thing over and over just because it is serve as Pat’s building block into other big team operated during his time with comfortable and the easy route. leadership positions outside of coaching the Marlins. While working in Dallas, the and educate him on governance in the sport largest program Pat had overseen consisted Richard also taught Pat to be supportive, of swimming. Never knowing coaches did of 150 swimmers. The Cincinnati Marlin’s motivate and instill confidence in those it differently, Pat Hogan grew accustomed consisted of about 250 swimmers when around him. Richard cared about his athletes to being a passionate and involved leader. Pat started, and grew to about 400 athletes and always made sure decisions were made In addition, Pat quickly learned from his during his time there. Around 1980, the with the best interests of the athletes mentors that committee meetings were more Cincinnati area was a melting pot of talented in mind. Richard taught Coach Ingram productive when homework was completed athletes. The Cincinnati Marlin’s served for and Pat to consider how a decision would ahead of time. Thus ensuring everyone Pat as an introduction to the dynamics of affect the performance of the athlete in a was on the same page and that committee coaching a big team and how larger teams positive way. He instilled in his staff the meetings would run smoothly. functioned. importance of caring for the people, even if the organization or team grew in size. Pat The Catalyst Skip Kenny gave Pat total autonomy as a carried on Richard’s belief system in future coach with the one condition of keeping him Overtime the Dallas Swimming Club leadership roles by taking care of everyone. informed. While on staff at the Cincinnati developed a satellite location out of Fort Marlin’s, Pat started a weekly newsletter Worth, Texas. During Pat’s senior year, The Positive for the team to inform them what they were he oversaw the Fort Worth location of the While he was at the Dallas Swim Club, doing. By taking the time to create this new Dallas Fort Worth Swim Club. When Pat Doug Ingram had a strong influence on path of communication for the club, as a graduate from SMU and Richard Quick left Pat. Doug taught Pat about the dry side of young coach Pat earned the respect of the to take a coaching position at Iowa State the sport and how to be organized in the families, parents and swimmers. One of Pat’s University, Pat was left in charge of the administrative side of swimming. Coach biggest lessons from Skip was when you Fort Worth location. Breaking away from Ingram always viewed the glass half full and perceive that you have good people; you give always looked at the positive side of things. the Dallas location, Pat changed its name to them some authority and let them do what Coach Ingram was also very generous the Fort Worth Swim Club. The Fort Worth they are good at. Skip was always good at with his time, answering any questions Swim Club consisted of 110 swimmers, giving people confidence to do a good job. Pat might have regarding coaching. In Pat, and an assistant coach in her 40s. Since These ideals built onto the foundation that addition, Coach Ingram was not one to the assistant coach did not require a lot of Pat Hogan’s parents had instilled that by let the grass grow underneath his feet and managing and leadership, Pat focused on expecting more out of people, you would did not condone procrastination. Pat and mentoring and coaching the athletes. receive more in return. In addition, it also Coach Ingram fed off each other, holding Instilled with the importance of serving served as another side to Richard Quick’s each other accountable to be positive, in positions of governance in the sport method of challenging people to do things organized and punctual in this regard. By of swimming, Pat continued to serve in they do not realize they are capable of. The utilizing Coach Ingram as a colleague, Pat development of these building blocks into positions such the National Age Group was able to expand his organization skills a strong belief, created a core pillar for Pat Time Standards Committee in 1977 and and knowledge of off deck administrative Hogan to base his leadership style off of 1978, and as a delegate at the National roles in future leadership positions and at at USA Swimming and in other forms of Amateur Athletes Convention in 1977 USA Swimming. governance along the way. and 1978. In addition, Pat served as the Surrounded by strong mentors and set General Chairman of the Competitive While most of the athletes at the Dallas up with a box of useful tools and building Swimming Committee for the Swim Club were mostly college swimmers, blocks, Pat was taught to be an involved Southwestern Association of the AAU 95% of the athletes in Cincinnati were 18 leader. Working on deck with Richard Quick, in Fort Worth, Texas from 1977-1978. years old and under or in high school. Doug Ingram and George McMillion, he While in these roles, Pat Hogan worked It was Pat’s first opportunity working was taught to be involved in the LSC and on solidifying his acquired toolbox of with very talented high school aged to go to the national convention. One day skills and knowledge from his years at athletes. Pat watched Skip coach the at the Dallas Swim Club, Richard sat Pat SMU. These skills, although building athletes and trust their innate ability and down and told him he wanted him to step up blocks developing, would be refined and talent. Although it was not always by into Doug Ingram’s position as chairperson capitalized on in the future for other the traditional book of swimming, Pat for the local swimming committee’s time positions such as at USA Swimming. learned to trust the athletes and to always

18 ASCA NEWSLETTER | 2015 EDITION 8 play to their talents. This is was possible Skip Kenny was offered a head coaching both Texas and Cincinnati, Pat was able due to Pat Hogan’s previous work with position at Stanford and Pat was offered to adapt his leadership skills to Dynamo Richard Quick and his emphasis of paying a head coaching position at the Dynamo Swim Club’s expansion. attention to details and keeping the best Swim Club. interest of the athletes in mind. Pat Hogan At the beginning of his career at Dynamo Swim Club, Pat had to change the mentality was able to incorporate these ideals into Go Big or Go Home of the athletes and parents from “mediocrity his governance positions by reiterating Prepared with skills Pat had collected and being an advocate for athletes and is good enough” to “excellence is expected.” and honed over the years, he stepped other components within the sport, such In the end, the expectation was to create into the position of head coach of the as by serving as Chairman for the Ohio a club that was solid from swim lessons Dynamo Swim Club in Atlanta, Georgia Amateur Athletes Union Swimming to Olympians while keeping the age- in 1980. Over the years, he had gained the Coaches Association in 1979-1980, and as appropriate, long-term development of the knowledge to run a successful program. a member of the Ohio Amateur Athletes athlete in mind at all times. Over the years, While at Dynamo, he pieced together Union Age Group Executive Committee. the older swimmers helped train the younger his knowledge of how to run a business, During this time, he also served as a ones in the ways of Dynamo’s culture member of the National Competitive and the processes that need to take place and team ideals. This was possible due to Swimming Committee for the Amateur to get results in both the wet and dry early preparation through previous jobs Athletes Union in both 1978 and 1979. side of the sport. When Pat started as with mentors such as Richard Quick who These positions and ideals would set Pat the head coach, the club consisted of centered the sport on the well-being of the Hogan up for success at USA Swimming 300 plus athletes that quickly grew to athletes and the betterment of the sport of and to be a strong advocate for the sport over 500. While the amount of athletes swimming as a whole. Pat focused not only in ways such as creating background grew, so did Pat’s leadership skills. By on making his athletes’ better swimmers, safety checks for club teams. A year taking the time to cultivate his education but better people. Pat firmly believed and later, the two coaches parted ways as through a natural growth progression in instilled in the Dynamo culture, that the

2015 EDITION 8 | ASCA NEWSLETTER 19 Pat Hogan: The Builder (Continued) process of achieving is important, not the phone calls, or meetings. By being proactive, Pat genuinely cared about his athletes and end result. The end result will eventually Pat was able to solve problems before they got wanted them all to do well. happen. As Pat Hogan once said in a meeting out of hand. This focus on communication with his staff and coaches at Dynamo, strengthened Pat’s work on committees and Unfortunately, an athlete and coach will in governance. He used it as a tool to hold go through a series of lows as well as This mentality is a byproduct of what multiple committee positions by being able highs. During the 1984 Olympic Trials in Richard Quick and Skip Kenny exemplified to communicate effectively at all times. Indianapolis, Dynamo Swim Club’s Richie in their work and in turn imparted on to Pat Hughey was slated for the 200-backstroke. Hogan. By teaching people the process of Positivity played a large role in creating Pat didn’t expect Richie to win the race as achieving and setting them up with the skills Dynamo Swim Club’s culture. From Rick Carey was present but thought he had and knowledge to do so, you are setting emphasizing the importance of the process a great chance to place second and earn a them up for success. This speaks across the of achieving, rather than the end result, Pat spot on the Olympic Team. Richie never got board not simply to athletes, but to also to taught his athletes and staff to be open- nervous or anxious for his races and always coaches, referees, volunteers, families, and minded. By being positive and looking at displayed himself with extreme confidence. communities. Pat Hogan was able to embody the bigger picture of swimming, the athletes However during this meet, Pat saw Richie this through club culture on how best to were able to thrive. This also opened the off by himself before the race with his make an individual, a club, and a nation eyes of other coaches towards working for hood down over his head. As soon as the succeed. Pat returned from banking, because the betterment of the sport, which would 200-backstroke race started, Richie Hughey he knew what a difference he could make. lead them into various governance roles in went out incredibly fast at the beginning, This structure and ideology would later help the future. holding the lead at the 150 mark. However, thousands of clubs instead of a in the last fifty he crashed, handful of clubs through Pat’s finishing in 5th place. Pat’s hard work and leadership in his heart ached for Richie having role at USA Swimming. him missed something so big by so little. Pat realized no matter Consistency was key for Pat whom you are dealing with or while overseeing the Dynamo how confidant they may be,

Swim Club. From terminology they may need help managing to drills, all of the age group their nerves and anxiety. For levels were instructed in the some athletes there is always same manner. This in turn raised going to be that level of need. the importance of educating After that meet, Pat went back all of the coaches where they to the drawing board, and could feel open to sharing, became more determined to use challenging, and suggesting the feedback and do better the new ideas. Pat took time to next time. By continuously using feedback Pat had learned from Skip Kenny the educate his staff on proper techniques and to get stronger, training methods. He also taught his staff importance of hiring good people. Pat to be methodical and prepare for meetings retained and brought on key staff member Pat’s leadership skills were strengthened by and events, not only to communicate more such as assistant coach Scott Colby and constantly pushing forward and learning efficiently regarding ideas, but also to help Kathy McKee, who had coached at Dynamo from his mistakes. understand other people’s points of view. a few years previous to Pat’s arrival. He believed in studying Dynamo’s program During this time, Pat experienced a giant Another key component for Dynamo’s first before making any radical changes step in leadership from the local level to success was communication. Pat focused on when he first arrived. Pat gave his staff the the national level. From the moment Pat communication to ensure instruction and opportunity to utilize their skills, talents, stepped foot in Georgia, he was involved expectations were clear and consistently for and experiences. Always learning, Pat in the Georgia’s Swimming LSC and all coaches. Upon starting at Dynamo, Pat gained new insight from those around him USA Swimming in a variety of capacities. introduced a weekly newsletter to keep the on his staff. As a young coach it had become While at Dynamo, he served as Georgia parents informed and involved. Although he evident that although Pat micromanaged Swimming LSC’s Chairman of Region III was a young coach, he knew the relationship and was not strong at delegator, everyone Swim Committee (1981-1985) and Senior with the parents was a component that that worked with him could count on it Vice President (1980-1984). Pat also served should not be missed. Pat was proactive getting done. This trait would be one of USA Swimming in countless positions with parents, athletes, and staff. He stayed the reasons Chuck Wielgus would search while at Dynamo. From being a delegate in constant communication on many fronts him out for the club development position at for the USA Swimming Convention of the program, whether it was newsletters, USA Swimming in the future. (1980-1987), to Chairperson of both the

20 ASCA NEWSLETTER | 2015 EDITION 8 Senior Development Camp Committee the coaches, the Dynamo Swim Club was with management experience and taught (1985-1986), and Championship Time able to flourish. Pat’s strong focus on the them the technical side of banking. After Standards Committee (1985-1986), Pat business aspects of Dynamo’s program led completing the program, the participants helped wherever he could. In addition, Pat to its longevity. He was able to vision what would be placed as branch managers acted as a member of the Olympic Coach the team would look like in three to ten somewhere in the company. Pat went on Selection Committee in 1985 and a member years and beyond. Furthermore, Pat was to serve as the branch manager of the of the Olympic/International Operations able to communicate his vision and move fifth largest branch in the First Atlanta Committee from 1983-1987. In 1984, Pat the program of staff, athletes and parents system. Pat learned new fiscal management was honored to serve as an Assistant Coach in that direction one step at a time. skills including how to deal with money for the USA National Team at the Speedo and banking during his tenure as branch Pat created a sustainable program that International Meet, and again for the manager. Over the years, Pat started to provided opportunities for all ages to grow U.S. International Meet in 1985. In 1985, realize the elements of coaching he took in ability, and improve within the sport. Pat was asked to run for Southern Zone for granted. Pat began to realize although He planned to develop a strong sense of Director’s National Board of Directors he had gained new experience about finance team, breaking out of the perception of and served in the position until 1987. He and handling money, he was not doing swimming as an individual sport. The idea also was a speaker for the ASCA World what he loved. As he looked around him, was to be able to take anyone, no matter his Coaches Clinic in both 1982 and 1985. This he saw people that worked simply because or her experience level, and to have a place was all possible thru hard work and being they had to and not because they loved it. for him or her on the team. Although it prepared. The lessons Pat accumulated Although he was still serving as a delegate was hard at times, Pat persevered to make over time from his parents, Richard Quick, for USA Swimming at the USA Swimming sure there was always a place for everyone Doug Ingram, George McMillion, and Skip Conventions, he missed coaching and being even with facility constraints on outliers in Kenny were blossoming. Pat mentored the more involved in leadership and governance terms of swimmer’s age verses ability level. staff, taught them his expectations and the positions in the sport of swimming. He After the club won its first Senior Regional importance of giving back to the sport. As began to miss the positive attitudes and Championship, today known as Sectionals, Richard had done, Pat educated his staff on work ethic of the highly motivated young the staff realized they were on their way to the importance of getting involved with athletes and coaches he left. In the end, Pat leaving their mark. the team, the local swimming committee, came to the conclusion that the opportunity USA Swimming and American Swimming Due to Pat’s diverse background in sports to work as a swimming coach is different Coaches Association. He taught his peers and numerous coaches growing up, he has and much more positive than a regular job. the key to being successful in the LSC always valued kids trying out different Refreshed with a renewed passion and some political process, is to negotiate as much activities. “If they’re meant to be a great new organizational skills, Pat was ready to as possible before meetings and “doing swimmer they are going to come back to get back to coaching. your homework”. Pat taught his staff by the sport of swimming and be better off for being involved, you will learn more about having those opportunities” (Pat Hogan). The Return yourself and the sport. He always valued his coaching experiences Pat embraced involving himself more in outside of the sport of swimming, and During Pat’s time at Dynamo, the team was the swimming community upon his return. because of that he always encouraged at risk of losing the program due to losing Utilizing his new talents and skills acquired younger swimmers at the programs he their facility. The facility at the time had a from being in the banking world, he coached to do other activities. For this bubble over the pool, which was no longer brought a fresh perspective to governance in reason, Pat also embraced the ideology going to be used. Pat worked hard with the swimming. He served for the second time as of not “pigeon-holing” an athlete into board president and an influential parent to USA Swimming’s Southern Zone Director a certain stroke or style of swimming. get a new facility built to sustain the team. for the National Board of Directors from This ideal would later on assist Pat in his With their hard work a new facility was built 1991 to 1994. Along with serving in the overall governance at USA Swimming, by and dedicated as the Dynamo Community Florida Swimming LSC as Chairman for recognizing the diverse background and Swim Center in November of 1980. The Region IV Swimming Committee (1990- style swimmers may come in. new facility gave the Dynamo Swim Club a 1991,1993), President of the Florida permanent home to grow as an organization Coaches Association (1990-1991), and as The Grass Looks Greener on the and competitively. Senior Vice President (1989-1993). After Other Side serving in various LSCs by this point, Pat Pat guided the board to create processes After working as Dynamo Swim Club’s had gained a well-rounded perspective for a positive sustainable program at head coach for six years, Pat decided he of leadership and governance in the local Dynamo that would continue after he left. wanted to pursue a new career. In 1986, swimming committees. Pat was also given Between laying down a solid foundation of Pat entered a management-training the opportunity to serve as a member of processes with the board, to working with program with the First National Bank of the Olympic Coach Selection Committee in the athletes, parent board, and mentoring Atlanta. The program consisted of people 1991 and Vice Chairperson of the Olympic/

2015 EDITION 8 | ASCA NEWSLETTER 21 Pat Hogan: The Builder (Continued)

International Operations Committee from was a different situation compared to his hard work to create a strong team culture. 1991 to 2000 for USA Swimming. previous coaching experiences. While at He wanted to instill a positive atmosphere as Dynamo, Pat never saw his athletes rest or he had done at Dynamo. The focus at MAC Pat agreed to move to Orlando, Florida taper for the high school state meets and was to have a place where parents wanted to be head coach at Trinity Prep School was used to the high school season being their kids to be, just like Dynamo and Trinity. at the request of a swimming parent of in the fall instead of winter. He quickly By cultivating a strong team culture, the two from Dynamo, Lari Campbell. While realized high school swimming was a swimmers would want to win for the team, at Trinity Aquatic Team and Trinity bigger deal than club swimming in Florida. and represent the team. While at MAC, Pat Prep School, Pat noticed it was based on This enlightenment would assist Pat Hogan made an emphasis on celebrating graduating a family oriented group. This partly came in his role as Club Development Manager seniors. They would celebrate the occasion from loyal supervising parents such as Lari Director at USA Swimming as he would with senior nights where everyone would Campbell as administrative assistant. Pat work with a variety of clubs across the give speeches and share their videos from surrounded himself with strong coaches nation. While working at Trinity Aquatic over the years. Many of the assistant and a supportive staff to give the Trinity Team, Pat enjoyed great success in high coaches could see how even the swimmers Aquatic Team a solid foundation. This school swimming by building it into one of realized how much Pat did for them. From was possible with the commitment of his the top high school programs in Florida. being at Nations to celebrate each and every primary assistant coaches, Chuck Burgess one of their swims, and the team as a whole, and Bill Stewart. At the time, Chuck was The MAC Pat was there. As Pat once said: a student at the University of Central In 1993, Pat and Diane moved Florida and Bill was a teacher at the Trinity to Charlotte, North Carolina Prep School. Even though Chuck and Bill to join the Mecklenburg were part time coaches, they worked full- Aquatic Club (MAC), known time hours to make the program as strong today as SwimMAC. Upon as it could be. The “family-oriented” arriving at MAC as the new leadership style meshed perfectly with head coach, the program was Pat’s philosophy from Dynamo, providing not where Pat wanted it to be. a place for everyone no matter his or her After developing his leadership skill level. This also marked the beginning skills, Pat had solidified his to Pat starting his own family, as he met structure and confidence. his biggest supporter and wife Diane while Pat applied his refined skills, working at the Trinity Aquatic Club. lessons and building blocks Patience and observation were the keys to to create a strong, nationally the Trinity Aquatic Team’s foundations. recognized club team. This was only This belief can be traced back to the As short course season was well underway possible by putting in hard work and long foundation laid by Pat’s parents that the when Pat moved to join the staff, he did hours beforehand in all of the positions he more you expect of people, the more you not want to make any major changes to the held whether it was governance or coaching. will get out of them. While coaching on team until the conclusion of short course At MAC, Pat knew to surround himself deck, Pat did not just teach his swimmers season. Pat stepped back to observe how the with key parents and board members that how to swim; he taught them to be better program had been running before stepping he could rely on. Richard Pockat was the people. As Richard Quick had taught him, in to make any changes. During that time president of the parents at the time. The a coach should look out for the well-being Pat spent observing, he decided how they staff consisted of some assistant coaches Pat of an athlete not just in their swimming, were going to structure the program as he had worked with previously at Dynamo such but also in all components of their life. had done previously at Dynamo. as Kathy McKee. By creating a network of MAC’s mission statement summarized Pat’s supportive people that Pat felt comfortable feelings towards club swimming perfectly: While at Trinity Aquatic Team, Pat gained with he was able to strengthen MAC. In this “Empowering young people to be champions an understanding for the various swimming capacity he was able bouncing off new ideas, in life through excellence in swimming.” programs across the United States. The developing projects, or expressing concerns Through this statement Pat embodies timing of Pat’s entry into the position in in a positive environment. Pat continuously what his parents laid as a foundation, what October made it possible for him to step looked at taking the club to the next level as Richard Quick built upon, and the end result back and observe. In Florida, the high it achieved each previous level. This in turn from the various building block encountered school swimming season concluded in the would continue to strengthen his future throughout his career both in leadership and middle of November. From the middle leadership positions such as his current governance, and on the deck. He taught his of November till the end of the summer, position at USA Swimming. staff to be consistent with his swimmers, the athletes were able to focus on club by not reprimanding them for one thing swimming. Pat quickly realized that Florida Pat continued to utilized communication and part of the time, to even out the highs

22 ASCA NEWSLETTER | 2015 EDITION 8 2015 EDITION 8 | ASCA NEWSLETTER 23 24 ASCA NEWSLETTER | 2015 EDITION 8 and lows in the sport, and to focus on the and winning the 100-meter breaststroke at Executive Director, before while coaching importance of empowering the swimmers. the 96’ Summer Nationals Championship at Dynamo. While holding the position as Pat firmly believed that swimming was the meet. The overwhelming happiness Pat had ASCA’s President, Pat gained a broad sense athletes sport, and it is not necessarily the for both of his swimmers at the end of the of how critical coaches are because of the coaches. It is the job of the coaches to give race reaffirmed his decision of returning to success of swimming in the country. He saw the athletes and swimmers the skills to take coaching and his work in governance. what he needed to bring back to the coaches the sport and run with it. at a lower “grassroots” level to make them Leading the Sport of Swimming be seen as national coaches and to learn from By focusing on the process of empowering After years of preparation and their experiences. As a strong communicator his athletes instead of the end result, Pat communication, Pat took his skills to the and a successful coach, Pat had the respect created a stronger and sustainable club international level. From 1998 to 2002, Pat of other coaches at the elite level and the team environment. Pat took Richard Quick’s served as Chairperson for USA Swimming grassroots level. Pat was able to describe lessons on attention to detail and the well- on the International Relations Committee. and define what priorities are, and what the being of the athletes to his ideology of While serving the committee, Pat travelled main objectives are. Pat was also strong at the process of achieving, thus creating an to Europe and the Olympic Games. defining people’s roles and what they needed “unofficial” national model club for parent- Although Pat was in a volunteer role, he to do to make a program a success. This owned clubs. This is demonstrated through learned immensely from the opportunity. came from looking at the bigger picture and his work at Dynamo, Trinity, and MAC. While serving in the position Pat gained an understanding his role in getting others to Pat would later use this model to create a understanding of FINA, USA Swimming, pay attention to the details. By now, Pat had standard nationally while in his position the politics of swimming and gained a new solidified his skillset and was applying the at USA Swimming as Club Development perspective that he had not previously had lessons he had learned everywhere both in Manager Director. Through hard work, the opportunity to gather. Pat was given the coaching and governance. communication, continued attainment of opportunity to attend the Sydney Olympic education, involvement in the governance Games while in this role and meet with Later in 2002, Pat was honored with the processes, creating a strong team culture other national governing bodies and leaders. experience to serve as USA Swimming’s and support system, and focusing on the However, it was also a challenging position Head Women’s Coach. Pat said it is “always process of achieving, Pat has learned the key due to the issues being dealt with at the an incredible honor to serve a national team to running a successful club team. time. From discussing whether two or three and the athletes on it.” At that point in time, athletes should be able to represent their the Short Course World Championships The 1996 Olympic Trials countries in each race during the Olympic were still in development mode and had Pat tried to get the most out of people, Games to difficult issues regarding athletes, not existed very long. However, seeing included his athletes. In the 1996 Olympic it was not always travel and fun. Pat realized the Short Course World Championships Trials, Pat watched as two of his swimmers, the more time and energy you put into develop into major event was very Jilen Siroky and Katie Hathaway, raced volunteering, the more you get out of it gratifying. “Total commitment to the team in the 200-meter breaststroke. A year while of the positions you served in. is one of the real pleasures of serving on before when Jilen had missed the finals at a national team” (Pat Hogan). Whether nationals, Pat saw something in her that In 1997, Pat was selected as a volunteer to working as a head or assistant coach for he wanted to focus on developing it. Pat serve on the search committee to interviewed the national team, he was always amazed sat down with Jilen to discuss what work a field of potential candidates to serve as the to see the selflessness and dedication that needed to take place for her to make the Executive Director of USA Swimming. The coaches, managers, doctors, staff, and the Olympic team the next year. committee was charged with interviewing a whole group of people dedicated in the field of potential candidates and making a two to three weeks’ time span. By utilizing his long-term planning and recommendation of three people to the board business skills developed in the leadership of directors. For two successive weekends Family is Everything roles in governance and banking over his in May of 1997, the committee traveled to While at MAC Pat acquired many strong career, Pat was able to apply it towards Chicago and interviewed candidates in the his coaching. Looking on at the 200-meter O’Hare airport. Little did Pat know when memories, however one has always stood breaststroke race at the Olympic Trials, selecting Chuck Wielgus as one of the three out from the rest. The emphasis of team Pat knew she was primed and ready for a finalists, he would be requested by Chuck and family was fully realized when one of great performance. Through hard work, for the club development division at USA Pat’s assistant coaches, Petri Vepsanen, was communication and constantly demanding Swimming years later. diagnosed with leukemia. Petri Vepsanen was excellence from Jilen, Pat watched as she originally from Sweden and had joined MAC out touched Kristine Quance to claim second During the same time, Pat was honored as head age group coach the year after he place and punched her ticket to the Olympics. with serving as the American Swimming graduated from Ohio State University. After Katie Hathaway finished with her best time Coaches Association President from 1999 being diagnosed, Coach Vepsanen fought by more than two second, later going on to 2001. Pat had met John Leonard, ASCA’s for five to seven months before passing in

2015 EDITION 8 | ASCA NEWSLETTER 25 Pat Hogan: The Builder (Continued)

July of 2000. During that time, Pat watched goals and to help other as the entire MAC team responded to the people see what he wanted situation, supporting Coach Vepsanen and to accomplish. As a coach, his wife. From providing meals, visiting the it is important to get our hospital, to baby-sitting their dog, the whole swimmers to be able to see team rallied around Petri Vepsanen in every where we want to take them; capacity. The family feeling that pervaded Pat widened his impact from MAC to support the Vepsanen family from just the swimmers was overwhelming. Pat realized the impact to coaches, administrators of cultivating a family culture in the clubs. and officials. Several He had succeeded in teaching his athletes, characteristics set Pat up to parents, and the board to put people first and succeed at the Club Division to do the right thing. Director, such as his work ethic and willingness to look USA SWIMMING at any and everything that After years of success, earning the respect could make a situation better of many coaches at all levels and building up and improve it. Most people his credibility, Pat took a selfless step toward will settle with a quick and bettering the sport as a whole. In 2003, easy answer and not explore by constantly pursuing excellence, Chuck Wielgus sought out Pat for the Club every avenue and aspect of a touch choice; being positive, keeping an open mind to Development position they were creating at Pat would explore every possibility. possibilities, and by expecting more from people, they will give you more in return. USA Swimming and asked him to serve the Pat’s ability to continuously see possibility Starting as a passion for the sport of sport in the role. While Pat served on the and his vision to help kids swim better swimming, the fruition of these lessons selection committee that appointed Chuck across the country has pushed the sport has been possible from studying with great Wielgus as the Executive Director of USA of swimming to new heights, and provided mentors, volunteering and serving on Swimming, Mr. Wielgus had taken notice opportunities for clubs to get better through countless committees and boards, gaining a that Pat was a strong administrator and very the tools he has given them. Pat always wider education and applying it within the meticulous in his preparation whether it keeps a positive attitude and does not let sport, having a strong support system, and was program plans, budgets, how resources challenges get him down and discouraged. constantly seeking betterment in the sport were to be allocated or his staff ’s needs. He Pat spearheaded the background check, of swimming in general. Without each of realized the positive impact having Pat as which led to spearheading a focus on “safe these components Pat’s would not be at the part of team at USA Swimming would be, sport”. Almost everything during the last point he is today in his career and the sport with his focus on the bigger picture, general eight years that has had anything to do with of swimming would be at a disadvantage concepts and strategies. Chuck Wielgus coaches or clubs, it has been because Pat because of it. The question now is, who realized there was a need to focus on the has designed it. By focusing on the sport is going to follow in the footsteps of clubs at a grassroots level instead of just the rather than just his own accomplishments, leaders such as Pat Hogan and fight for elite level. Many countries have invested in Pat has gained the attention of National the betterment of continuing excellence in swimming at the elite level, but don’t have Governing Bodies of sports, which have swimming. Is it going to be you? a strong grassroots system in place. Pat studied and made similar changes based off realized how USA Swimming had a great what USA Swimming has done. This has basis to properly train teams in terms of widened the network of simply swimming stroke mechanics, how to compete and win, coaches to coaches in general. and how to be great teammates; which in About the Author: turn would boost the sport of swimming in By focusing on excellence and the Coach Jacqueline Norgren is the ASCA Executive the United States ahead of other countries betterment of the sport, Pat has provided the sport of swimming with one of Assistant and an ASCA 2013 Fellow. She has in the long run. Although Pat struggled to coached for the Nashville Aquatics Club (NAC) its strong core pillars. As one of Pat’s give up coaching to working in the Club and the Gordon Jewish Community Center favorite quotes states: “Excellence is the Division position at USA Swimming, he had (GJCC). Coach Norgren pursued her Masters always been interested in holding a position result of caring more than others think in Sports Administration and Recreation at of the sort. is wise, risking more than others think Western Kentucky University. During that time, is safe, dreaming more than others think she served as a volunteer assistant coach for the Pat realized how much this position would is practical and expecting more than Men’s and Women’s Division I swimming team impact the sport of swimming from the others think is possible”(Ronnie Oldham). and oversaw all of WKU’s recreational aquatic bottom to the top and was able to grasp This statement is validated thru Pat’s programs, facilities and services. the bigger picture. He kept his focus on foundation, building blocks and lessons

26 ASCA NEWSLETTER | 2015 EDITION 8 2015 EDITION 8 | ASCA NEWSLETTER 27 28 ASCA NEWSLETTER | 2015 EDITION 8 ASCA Advocacy Update:

A Brief Overview and a Short Our DNA and Our Independence Lesson on History: USA Swimming, So, what is this? It’s Advocacy. It’s in our DNA. ICAR, & Anti-Doping The ASCA Board and staff are involved in USA Swimming exists today because the literally every major issue in American and ASCA Board, back in 1977-78, insisted that World Swimming on behalf of our coach “we” (swimming) break away from the old members and the athletes they represent. From AAU, which was not acting in the best interest the foundation of the ASCA in 1958, we’ve been of its athletes and members. The ASCA Board strongly involved in creating, maintaining, and insisted that former coach Ray Essick (whom fighting for the environment in which we all we honor in 2015 as an ASCA Hall of Fame work as swimming coaches. Arguably, no other Coach) be the first Executive Director of USA body in swimming has been as effective, nor Swimming, and that we would accept no one could they be, unless they were as independent else. The ASCA office and staff then exposed as we are. Without independence, when you the fraudulent work of the “International speak out, you get can get SQUASHED. The Center for Aquatic Research” in the late 1980’s. college coach speaks out on the wrong thing, Had we not done that, to this day, we would his Athletic Director says, “Shut up or find work elsewhere.” The Club Coach speaks continually be exposed to flawed research. out….same thing. USA Swimming speaks And decades ago, the ASCA Board insisted out…and some sponsors squawk and scream. that Anti-Doping be the premier “cause” of ASCA’s independence of any one major our sport and that we all commit to making financial benefactor keeps us truly independent anti-doping work, a battle that has waxed of the marketplace. Your memberships keep us and waned in success since the 1970’s. As the going, not any one sponsor. Executive Director, I have devoted more time to this topic than any other single issue in our The ASCA Board history. The reality is, it is a clean sport or Since 1958 our Board has been fierce in our entire sport dies. There truly is nothing its defense of not only our independence, more important. We may lose battles, but we but that our VOICE be heard on major are fighting to win this war. issues. They have been strong, supportive, and committed to protecting our sport Other Key Battlefronts: and environment. Once the Board makes NCAA Scholarships, Suits, and FINA a decision, one person, myself, as our Although this has been on our radar screen Executive Director, has to put the issue into for over twenty-five years, the threat play and be the “mouth” of the organization to NCAA Division 1 scholarships or to and the message. And most significantly, the programs in general has never been greater. “voice” and message can only be heard with Alongside the CSCAA, we are trying to the unconditional support of the Board. keep the real student-athletes (as opposed I wound up in this job in 1985. I naturally enjoy to athlete-students) in NCAA Division 1 a good fight or argument. It’s not a choice, it’s swimming, with scholarship opportunities. my nature. So as the voice for our Board and Another issue we are exploring is the our coaching community, I speak up, I get in whether or not “plastic bag” suits are ruining arguments, I carry the “bad news” in a lot of our sport at the age-group level. The fight to cases, and on occasion, people disagree with drop them, led by the ASCA and Craig Lord me. If people don’t disagree at times, in reality, of SwimVortex and others, is a critical and the issue must not be very important. Tackling worthy topic. The latest and most pressing the MAJOR issues is what leadership is about challenge, which we have written about, is and our ASCA Board does it, and I am honored “Replace FINA or Transform it…FINA, to represent them and you. We All Deserve Better”, or the pursuit of a better governing body for our sport Finally, the three major battles going on now internationally (which echoes downward… are anti-doping, the NCAA D – I issue and in all we do). And there have been probably FINA – We All Deserve Better. fifty other issues of lesser prominence that - All the Best, we have engaged in over the years. JL and the ASCA Board of Directors

2015 EDITION 8 | ASCA NEWSLETTER 29 HXP0001-swim-mag-asca-K-M.pdf 1 3/31/15 4:21 PM

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