George Washington University Athletics
GW Swimming & Diving Begins 2015-16 Practice
9/3/2015 12:00:00 AM | Men's Swimming and Diving
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Sept. 3, 2015
WASHINGTON - The George Washington men's and women's swimming and diving teams began preseason training on Wednesday at the Charles E. Smith Center.
Under the direction of first-year head coach James Winchester, swimmers participated in baseline fitness tests early Wednesday morning in their first practice session. Pace, endurance and overall fitness were evaluated in preparation for stroke progression drills in the following days.
"I was very excited to start our first day of official practices," said Coach Winchester. "The kids really put in a great effort, and their attitudes were second to none. I do not use these words lightly, but in my 11 years of experience at the NCAA level, I have never had a first day as good as Wednesday."
Coach Winchester, who took the helm in April, looks to start with the basics and build the teams up to become contenders at the Atlantic 10 Championships in February.
"We have a long journey ahead between now and our championship goals," said Coach Winchester. "But we could not have started the season off in a better way."
On the diving side, second-year head diving coach Anthony Crowder guided student-athletes through drill progressions, allowing for the group of two freshmen and one sophomore to get re-acclimated to the boards and the pool after the summer hiatus. The session focused on fundamentals, practicing directional forms on the ground, timing, deck drills and lineups from the three-meter board.
"The first two weeks of diving is going to be a ton of information coming from my end about what I want and expect for this season," said Coach Crowder. "I also will be learning what our divers are comfortable with and where they are at in terms of diving."
The divers pushed their limits during an inward flip progression drill from the deck, which was a first for all team members.
"I pushed their limits, confidence and willingness to overcome mental obstacles during the inward flip drill," said Coach Crowder. "They really stayed strong mentally, and are already committing themselves 110 percent to practices. It was really fun to see how they all clicked together as a team and worked together to support each other."
The first day of practice concluded with a dry land full team workout to encourage teamwork and support, as well as improve physical fitness.
GW opens the 2015-16 season on Oct. 17, as the Colonials visit local rival Howard.
