The coaching staff would like to summarize the season from a team perspective to
provide Mesa members with an idea of the importance of each period in the summer.
In this way, families can refer to this guide when planning short trips or absences
and know how it may impact their training.
Early Season (1st practice to end of May): this time
period is very busy for everyone as summer sports begin and school starts to rush
to a conclusion. These two weeks are important for swimmers to attend as much as
possible because we spend more time on stroke drills and development than during
any other period of the summer. The yardage is minimal and increases gradually to
allow swimmers an easy transition back into conditioning. Younger swimmers are strongly
encouraged to attend for the stroke work and to learn the coaches and fellow teammates.
First two weeks of June: Younger swimmers yardage
continues to build while yardage remains at a moderate level (with lots of drills)
for the upper division. Crazy busy with school, the upper division (11-18) should
try to balance academics and athletics, with the goal of attending workouts at least
three times per week. If you are planning on attending one of the local swim camps
in mid to late June, the more you can prep these first two weeks, the better your
experience will be at camp.
Last two weeks of June: Yardage increases for everyone
as less emphasis is placed on drills. Meets have begun and some swimmers will be
swimming the ultra fun events: 200 IM, 200 free, and 100 fly. This is another reason
to attend those first few weeks in June. As July approaches, consistent practice
attendance and effort is the best time to build a base for the competitions in July.
First two weeks in July: Be careful if you take off
around the fourth. The less pool time missed, the greater the chance of strong performances
during prelims/finals. Yardage is at a maximum and held constant. Older swimmers
often do double(AM and PM practices) during late June and early July in preparation
for reduced yardage during prelims. The VERY IMPORTANT (second in importance to
prelims/finals) PENTATHLON occurs in late June.
Final two weeks of the season: Please, don't miss
these last two weeks. This time period is the most important from a team and individual
perspective. Our most competitive dual meets are during the last two weeks and the
culmination of the season, prelims/finals occurs during the last week of July. Team
standings are based on performances this last week and everyone is expected to swim
three individual events in the prelims, with the goal of being one of the top 16
to qualify for the Finals meet. Lastly, a very special Awards Banquet is held the
day after the Finals meet; this evening is a celebration of the swimmers' achievements
and usually a fun time for all