The tan will fade, but the memories wont...

Hello all!

We are just returning from our Winter Training in beautiful Puerto Rico, courtesy of captain Laura Montes. While we are all wishing we were back in the sun, the real fun is just beginning back at home. Our first meet is next weekend, and we will be looking tan and lean. Those ten hour days sure did push us to the limits, but we (hopefully) surpassed Rebecca's expectations for the trip.

While in Puerto Rico we had to battle crazy winds and only above or under music, but we stuck it out like the Lyons we are. Besides the training, we all had a ton of bonding time, even a day off at the beach and dancing at a local hangout. The trip was certainly a memorable one and the documentary "Let it Rock" is sure to be hilarious!

Even with coming back early from break, this trip was worth it. I cannot imagine a group of girls I would rather spend 24 hours a day for ten days with.

Puerto Rico was a blast, but now its back to classes, which all of us are stoked for! Getting back into the swing of things will take a couple of days, but when we walk outside into that 30 degree weather, all we do is take a deep breath, and say one more year until we return to the tropical sunshine and the natatorium! =]

If any of you are in the area and plan on coming to the FIRST HOME MEET OF THE YEAR, its at Haas Athletic Center at 2 pm, Saturday, Jan 31. Hope to see you there!

Amanda Chils

and now, some pictures:

Clinics and Goals - Always a Full Plate!

Practices are going great as we're getting ready for Duke Zielinski and the Josephson Twins to visit and whip the girls into shape with a 2 day clinic! We've been having lots of fun creating new lifts and throws...as always some work great
and others...lets just say "we'll work on it". We've finally set some new team goals and are looking forward to that "Wow look at Wheaton" reaction.
On the recruiting side of things we are currently up to 5 Early Decision athletes. How exciting! Our most recent application came from our swimmer in Mexico. Till admissions makes their decision we'll all hold our breath (synchro swimmers do this so well) till you all get in.
If you are a current recruit and are still interested in coming out for a visit, no worries we can still squeeze ya in. Just give me a ring and let me know what days work best for you. Hope to hear from you all soon!
- Coach

The Wheaton Synchro Season Begins...

And their off! The girls hit the water swimming this season and I have to say after our first two weeks of practice, I'm impressed. This has to be one of the most motivated group of girls I've ever had the chance to work with. We've nailed down our first lap of team and I can already tell it's going to be amazing. Small routines are also underway with some proving to be a little more challenging to choreograph then others...but we'll get there.

We had our first team dinner hosted by the Swinkins last Sunday where we had inspirational talks and were given great motivational tokens. Each swimmer was given a value (IE. trust, inspire, perseverance) and was told that their job for the year was to bring that value to the team.

The girls are still going to the weight room with our strength trainer 2x a week and are looking to add a third day next week. During their time with the strength trainer they use weights, go on Indian runs, and even participate in Pilates every Friday.

On anther note we have our first 3 early decision applications in hand and are eagerly awaiting more. Remember, your chances at acceptance are better when you apply early decision...so if you know Wheaton's the right place for you, go for it!

That's it for now! Remember to let me know if you have any questions or need some help with the application process. Hope your seasons are off to a great start and hope to hear from you soon!

- Coach