The Davis Family: Swim Team

Jenna and Kevin joined our neighborhood swim team this year. Kevin swims with the 7-8 year olds. Jenna swims with the 6 and under group. They both started not knowing any strokes. The could move around in the water (especially Kevin), but didn't know any official strokes. Everyone told me they didn't have to. I was told as long as they we OK in the water the coaches would teach them the strokes. That wasn't exactly true for our swim team. They do a lot of teaching for the 6 and unders, but not for the 7-8s. With some private lessons on top of practice the kids have learned quite a bit. They are still behind their fellow swimmers, but they have made major improvements. They are working very hard. They usually have 30-45 min. of swim practice every day (except Sunday), plus swim lessons 2-3 nights a week after dinner. (We are in year-round school, so swimming during the day is not an option). I am very proud of how hard they are working. They both really wanted to be on the team, and that shows in their hard work. My favorite thing about swim team is that it forces us to go to the pool every day. This means that Jared is getting more and more comfortable in the water too. That makes me happy. The kids have had two meets so far. They will have six total by the end of the season. Good job Jenna and Kevin.

Jenna has come in 2nd in a couple of her heats (with a full 6 swimmers) for backstroke. Kevin won one heat (only two swimmers), and joined a relay last time that got second. They are no Michael Phelps, but they are having fun and learning a lot.

Jenna is about to start a backstroke heat. She is in the lane closes to the side (and the camera)