I hope everyone is as excited as I am about this coming season. I am very enthusiastic about the potential our team has this coming season. This week was a little stormy in terms of the weather, but everything I saw this week is very encouraging.
First of all, we want to wish Coach Matt the best as he spends this Summer in Chapel Hill working towards the completion of his degree. I also want to welcome our new coaches on board. Yes, I did say COACHES. This season there will be a total of FOUR coaches on deck at meets.
Our most senior coach is Lauren Wallrichs. Lauren is a student at UNC-Chapel Hill, and has been swimming a very long time. Before going to college, Lauren swam under Coach Linda Kidd of XCell Aquatics and und Coach T.R. Robinson at Draughn High School. Lauren has also worked at the pool for many years as a lifeguard and swim lesson instructor. Coach Lauren will be joining us our third week of practice.
Next is Coach Alec Blackwood. Coach Alec is a rising senior at East Burke and has been involved in the Tarheel Swim League since a young age when he swam for the Granite Falls Sharks (but we won't hold that against him). For the past several years, Alec has a been a standout swimmer for me at East Burke and also for Coach Linda Kidd at XCell Aquatics. He has been working as a lifeguard and swim lesson instructor for a couple years now.
Last but not least is Coach Emily Farris. Emily is a current student at Draughn High School. Coach Emily swam for the Valdese team when she was younger and has trained with Coach Linda Kidd at Xcell Aquatics and Coach T.R. Robinson at Draughn High School. Coach Emily has been a lifeguard and swim lesson instructor for the past year.
Please take a moment when you come on deck to thank these coaches for what they do. I hope everyone has a safe and enjoyable Memorial Day Weekend! We do practice this Monday, but we certainly will not hold it against anyone if they choose to spend time with family, friends, or loved ones as we remember the sacrifices our fellow citizens have made and still make in order to protect and defend our country, our Constitution, and our way of life from all nature of threats.
