Many Shaker Sharks who swim at the Middle School have seen the GoSwim (www.goswim.tv) video on Breaststroke Turns and Pullouts starring Dave Denniston.  Dave Denniston was the 1999 NCAA Champion for Auburn University in the 200 Breaststroke as well as a member of the 2003 World Championship Team.  What many Shaker Sharks do not know is that Dave is currently paralyzed from the waist down.

On Sunday, February 6, 2005, Dave was in his home state of Wyoming, spending time with his friend Andy Miller.  They were having a great time in the mountains, sledding down some snow-covered slopes, until Dave slid into a tree and damaged his spine.  The accident has left Dave, for the time being, without the use of his legs. — www.davedenniston.com

Dave is still accomplishing amazing things in and for the sport of Swimming.  On April 10, 2008, Dave qualified for the United States Paralympic Team.  Here is a video of his qualifying breaststroke swim.  (You can hear his Dad cheering in the background!)

Dave has also established a foundation called Send It Forward!. This idea of Sending It Forward emerged from one of Dave’s first Breaststroke DVDs. The idea was that, in breaststroke, effective swimmers always keep their energy moving forward. This idea has evolved over time into a lifelong commitment to positive energy.

Send Your Energy Forward. Move in a positive direction, no matter how subtly, toward accomplishing your goals each day.

If you are interested in contributing to Dave’s worthy cause or learning more, please visit his website.  http://www.davedenniston.com/

John Leonard, the Executive Director of the American Swimming Coaches Association, has written an interesting opinion piece called “Let’s Keep the Tech Suits With The Senior Swimmers”.  The article summarizes some of the dangers of “high tech” swimsuits for younger swimmers from a coaching and parenting perspective.  John’s opinions are his own and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the Shaker Swimming coaching staff; however, his article may be insightful for those Shaker Swimming families facing similar situations.

Are you interested in volunteering at swimmeets?  If so, Lake Erie Swimming (LESI) is always looking for officials.  Check out their brochure, “Don’t Just Sit There…. & Vegetate, Get in the Swim…. & Officiate!”, for more information! You can also visit Lake Erie Swimming’s Officials page, www.lakeerieswimming.com/officials.htm, for more information.

Yesterday afternoon at the Springvale Ballroom in North Olmsted, Lake Erie Swimming hosted its annual Awards Program.  Many Shaker Sharks were honored for their participation in the Zones, Quads, and Sectional meets.  Fernan Echeverria was recognized for 10 years of volunteer work in the LSC (Local Swimming Committees).  

Also, the Coach’s Merit Award was announced.  The Coach’s Merit award is awarded to one swimmer from each team.  Each athlete is chosen by their team’s coaches.  The award recognizes athletes that best represent the values of their team both in and out of the water.  Tad Resch is this year’s Shaker Shark Coach’s Merit Award winner. Congratulations Tad!

In a separate note, those of you who frequently visit www.usaswimming.org might have seen this new website featured in their news section. This website, http://www.mutualofomaha.com/usaswim/ is fantastic. It has biographies of top swimmers, videos of racing, cool swimming wallpapers for your computer, and more. Check it out if you like!

Wednesday, April 16:  Select youth practice will be from 5:30 - 6:30 p.m. at the Woodbury Pool due to Woodbury School Open House.

The bring a friend to practice event has been cancelled.

The website has been updated:

• Under “Youth Sharks” and “Senior Sharks”, the “Meet Info and Results” pages have been updated to display the upcoming Summer 2008 Schedules.  Copies are available for download.  Not all Meet Information files are available yet.
• Under “Top Times”, the All-Time Top 10 High School performers have been added.  Access these via the High School Records page and clicking on an event
• Under “Top Times”, the SHSH Records and Middle School records have been updated to reflect newly broken records
• A new “Poll” feature has been implemented in the right sidebar.  Have fun!

Also in the news, at NCAA Men’s Championships, Cesar Cielo set a new World Record in the 100 yard Freestyle.  He is the first swimmer to go faster than 41 seconds.  Below is a YouTube video of the swim.  Watch him in Lane 4 - his flipturns and kick are amazing!

If you see Brendan, wish the Old Man a Hap-Happy Birthday today!  If you’d like to make him a card, please bring it to Middle School practices on Monday, April 7th!