TWIM’s first ever swim clinic was conducted this past Sunday, March 10, at the Sammamish Community YMCA, and by the comments received, it was a huge success!
This brainchild sprouted when Thomas Walker, Tammy Koppelberger, and Erin McPeak traveled to Oregon last fall to get certified as USMS coaches. They not only got certified, but they learned how to put on a clinic.
And then the lightbulb went off in Tom’s head. Why can’t we do this?
Chairman Tom deserves a mountain of credit for tirelessly bringing this USMS-style Freestyle Clinic to fruition. Executive Director Dave Mayer of the Sammamish Y supplied us with an exceptional venue while his team handled all the online registration details. Wow!
Without these two, this clinic would not have been possible. Way to go, guys!
Head Coach Todd Doherty and a team of experienced coaches put on an exemplary clinic for 33 swimmers teaching us all great drills and good technique. He and his two talented daughters, Lindsey and Anna, came equipped with a video they all crafted. In it, Anna demonstrates 11 drills flawlessly.
From left to right in the photo, our excellent coaching staff consisted of TWIM phenom Jenny Ferries, Head YMCA Coach Laurie Jones, Chairman Tom Walker, Coach Lindsey Doherty, Head Masters Coach Todd Doherty, TWIM Coach Tammy Koppelberger (back), Triathlon and Y Coach Kainoa Pauole-Roth (front), TWIM Coach Erin McPeak, TWIM Head Coach Brian Guillen, and the star in the video, Anna Doherty.
Kathy Pelham fed us all like royalty, both at the coaches meeting and afterwards. Many hungry swimmers were appreciative! I can only imagine what your shopping experience was like, Kathy. Thank you!
Kudos to Michelle Murray and Vince Carmosino who did a fantastic job checking everyone in at the door, polling swimmers according to ability, and above all, dishing out goody bags! Thank you, Vince, for stuffing those bags beforehand and helping out in the kitchen. Thank you, Michelle, for making sure everyone was accounted for and checked off.
Finally, thank you all who signed up for the clinic. Your enthusiasm and your persistence in nearly 3 hours of coolish water was truly inspiring!
Stay tuned for more clinics. This is only the beginning.
— Carl
