The Trip
Over winter break the Lawrence University Swim Team moves its operations
south. The team flies to Tampa at the end of Term I finals and sets
up camp on beaches of Venice, Florida. This location known for its easy
access to the beaches, quality housing and excellent pool is ideal for a
training and vacationing venue. Athletes train hard at the Sarasota YMCA
from at dawn and dusk while relaxing mid-days for a little over a week in the wonderful Florida sun. Additionally, the team competes in a collegiate swim meet during its stay.
Facilities
The YMCA outdoor training facility consists of an eight lane 50 meter pool,
a separate 25 yard course with a hot tub off to the side for those
"chilly" evening finishes to practice. Additionally, a full weight training
facility is available for swimmers. While at Venice, the team stays on Casey Key just off the mainland. The living quarters, complete with a kitchen, are unique apartments providing
adequate space for up to six swimmers per unit. While on the key, the athletes
are at any moment 30 seconds from the Gulf beaches.
Daily Schedule
Practice times are from 8 to 10 am and again from 5:30 to 7:30 pm. Since each living quarter is
complete with full kitchen facilities students are in charge of their own food preparations. The time between practices are primarily used for the sun and fun
that Florida has to offer. Not surprisingly, with all that hard
work, and additionally, coming off finals week, the athletes are able to "catch up" on
some lost nap time.
Team Building
While staying in Florida the team travels to and from practice in team vans. Additionally, the team uses these vans to travel to many area beaches and attractions.
Over the years, the team has enjoyed many road trips which have included
Disney, Busch Gardens, Universal Studios, snorkeling at Key Largo, Pompano Beach, Siesta Key, Sanibel
Island, and the DAIRY QUEEN. The team also has planned team gatherings including pizza "nights", team barbeques,
movie nights and Christmas shopping expeditions. Several nights involve team
building sessions complete with specialized challenges, motivational talks, videotape review, ocean training swims, beach dryland training, mental
toughness training and team focus sessions.
The Complete Trip
The trip has traditionally been a fantastic opportunity for the athletes to focus on training and teambuilding without the rigors of school to interfere. The
team enjoys the downtime to unwind after the term-long pressures and everyday stress of classes and labs. It is truly one of the outstanding highlights of the entire
season.
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revised: 14-May-2004
Lawrence Swimming and Diving
