By Kelsey Lynch, Swimming World College Intern
SARASOTA- Atlantic 10 Swimming schools are now swimming through the most grueling part of their seasons, as they have traveled southbound to different locations to train outside in the sunshine. For the University of Richmond and the University of Rhode Island women’s teams, they are sharing a pool for 10 days—both are A-10 competitors.
With different practice times each morning and afternoon, the two Atlantic 10 swimming teams rarely see each other at the Sarasota YMCA where their practices are held. But the head coaches, Richmond’s Matt Barany and Rhode Island’s Mick Westkott have found a way to take advantage of their shared location. For over 10 years, Richmond and Rhode Island plan one workout where they can train together. This year the coaches solely focused on technique improvement rather than a training set or a dual meet together (as done other years). This gave the women a chance to socialize more than in previous years when the practice was faster-paced.
“I remember when URI brought the men & women’s team to Siesta. Richmond and URI didn’t interact much then. Recently, we’ve been able to practice, race and learn together and it’s been fun,” Barany said.
But why would two teams who plan to compete against each other in Ohio so soon want to help each other? The answer includes that one can learn a lot from his or her competitors, so it’s wise to take advantage of any opportunity to grow and get faster. It’s extremely valuable to reach outside of one’s comfort zone and draw from other successful people. Part of thriving in life is being able to recognize successful people and then to learn from them. The workout that the two teams hold each year channels this idea—sharing ideas to help each other achieve.
Head Coach for Rhode Island Mick Westkott said that Richmond has been a model for Rhode Island in that Rhode Island has been able to learn how to be a women’s-only team. Richmond has helped make this switch easier (Rhode Island became a women’s-only program in 2008).
“They [Richmond coaches] are tremendously knowledgeable. Matt knows the sport very well and that has been a good model for Anthony and me. We just love being around them,” Mick says.
This practice benefits not only the swimmers but the coaches too. “I think the value is it allows coaches to bounce ideas off one another as we are all in the sport to help our athletes get faster,” Anthony Randall, associate head coach for Rhode Island said.
Barany also sees value in the experience pertaining to A-10 Championships each year. “Our ‘fun’ bond in Florida turns into encouragement and support in Ohio in February. We value this bond. It’s always nice to have more supporters when you are nervous,” Barany said.
This year, the coaches shared the pool deck and coached about 50 girls from both teams who mixed together in the eight-lane 25-meter pool. The girls learned one another’s names and chatted in between the coaches’ tips and commands.
When a swimmer listens to their coach’s ideas and critiques day in and out, sometimes switching up the voice is beneficial, and that’s exactly what Richmond and Rhode Island aim for—a new voice of reason for the swimmers to take in.
“We do a lot of the same thinking as Richmond but with different words,” Westkott said. “They’re great people and great role models. It’s nice to walk on deck and see someone on another team that says hello to you.”
“I love Mick’s energy and optimism. Every year, he has a brighter outlook…that’s not an easy feat. He has seen the sport evolve and I respect this tremendously. Anthony has great ideas. I think he compliments Mick very well,” Barany said of Rhode Island’s coaches.
“For the swimmers it’s as simple as hearing a different voice, and it’s always nice to train against or next to someone not whom you train next to daily,” Randall said.
Swimmers on both teams know the value as well.
“This is the part of the season that you’re tired and run down, and it’s helpful to see that another team in our conference is making it through as well,” said Jenna Kirchoff, a junior at Rhode Island.
“It allows us to form a relationship that seems to be unlike any other two teams in the A-10, which definitely helps come conference time,” AnneMarie Bilott, a senior at Richmond said. “The camaraderie that we display at that meet does not go unnoticed and it helps both of our teams better ourselves.”
While it may seem odd at first that two Atlantic 10 Conference teams join together for a few hours to help each other, it’s very beneficial for the coaches to share ideas and for the swimmers to hear a fresh voice coaching them. The bond that the coaches share is nothing but positive for the two teams, and the swimmers are lucky to have this resource each year just before they meet again miles away in Geneva, Ohio for the Atlantic 10 Championships.
Photo Courtesy: Anthony Randall