By Lindsay Hock<\/p>\n
SANTA CLARA, California, September 3. TO many, the name Santa Clara conjures images of the typical northern California city – gorgeous and gleaming, with breathtaking views and very agreeable weather. But to those in the swimming community, the name Santa Clara means something entirely different. <\/p>\n
Santa Clara Swim Club is one of rich tradition and storied success; it has had at least one swimmer in every Olympics from 1956 through 2004.<\/p>\n
Notable alumni include Mark Spitz, Don Sholander and Donna De Verona. Jon Bitter, who is beginning his first full season as head coach at Santa Clara, said he hopes his club's history and reputation can serve as motivation for his swimmers. And, while he doesn't want the past to put pressure on his swimmers, he said he believes it can inspire them to reach those same levels.<\/p>\n
"We have made a concerted effort is the past four years to make our swimmers aware of the special place where they swim," said Bitter.<\/p>\n
In order to make members of Santa Clara aware of that tradition, the club staged a 50th reunion celebration for 500 Santa Clara fans and former swimmers.<\/p>\n
"It was a good educational experience for many who did not about the history of Santa Clara," said Bitter. "Even Michael Phelps and Natalie Coughlin attended, and they were very impressed with the long list of champions."<\/p>\n
Although Santa Clara is a place where many national and world champions have trained, Bitter believes its greatest strength is the team's commitment to find a niche for every swimmer. <\/p>\n
"Everyone who comes through our gate gets a chance to be the best they can be, whether that be making their high school team, Far Western, or Senior Nationals," said Bitter.<\/p>\n
Besides a new coach, the Santa Clara team soon will be training in a new pool. Bitter is working with architects to redesign the venue that includes three heated outdoor pools. The project should take two to three years and should ensure more growth to an already flourishing team.<\/p>\n
"We have grown 100 to 150 swimmers in the past year," said Bitter.<\/p>\n
A long list of champions, a new coach and a soon-to-be new pool make Santa Clara an exciting place and a team that is doing all it can to make sure its future is as bright as its past. <\/p>\n
Santa Clara Quick Facts:<\/b>
\nLocation:<\/b> Santa Clara, California
\nHead Coach:<\/b> Jon Bitter
\nAssistant Coaches:<\/b> Dave Mech, Erik Colwill, Jason York, Lubov Pokhilenko
\nPractice Site:<\/b> International Swim Center
\nPractice Groups:<\/b> Four Age Group Programs; Two Senior-Level Practice Groups.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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