Marymount Swimmers Find Tropical Training Paradise

By Dennis D’Abbraccio, Swimming World College Intern

ARLINGTON- Marymount University swimmers and triathletes traveled to Key West, Florida for a winter break training trip over the first 10 days of January.

The teams alternated two-hour double practices and one three-hour practice throughout their time in Florida. Head coach of Marymount’s swim team Mike Clark said the training trip is a platform that boosts the team prior to the conference meet in February.

Junior Lauren Funk’s favorite part of the Florida-based training trip is the team bonding aspect.

“I like how the team comes together and helps each other throughout the tough practices,” Funk said. “The trip gives us a stronger bond, while making us much stronger swimmers in the process.”

Freshman John Byrum’s first double of the training trip was the highlight of his trip.

“Having everyone so pumped for a warm outdoor practice was awesome. It made me fall in love with the sport again,” Byrum said. “It made you excited for the hard practices and allowed us build off each other’s energy.”

Photo Courtesy: Dennis D'Abbraccio

The trip did have non-competitive components in it. Time off from practice and a full day off allowed swimmers the opportunity to explore the small island of Key West. Some of the adventures included visiting the beach, shopping and nightlife on Duvall Street, and laying out by the pool of the hotel. Seniors went deep sea fishing, the team visited the southern-most point of the United States and the triathlon team went cliff jumping into the ocean. The emphasis of the trip is to train and get faster in the pool, but there are clearly fun alternatives when practices are completed for the day.

The Marymount Saints have their next meet at home against Salisbury University, where there is sure to be fast swimming. Marymount’s senior meet boasts two teams which match-up very evenly, and should make for a thrilling weekend of racing in the Capital Athletic Conference.

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