Source: Observer/Eccentric
Author: Dan O'Meara
Defending state champion Mercy High School got an early jump on the competition and the 2014 girls swim season Wednesday morning.
When the clock struck midnight, the Marlins hit the water at the earliest possible moment on the first official day of practice.
The event was meant to build team unity and an esprit de corps among the 60 athletes--more than a third of whom are freshmen.
"They're young and impressionable and they want their first impression of an organization to be a lasting one," coach Shannon Dunworth said.
"We didn't invent this idea. College basketball teams have been doing it forever. It's a way to jump-start the season. We'll hae some fun with that."
The event began in the late evening Tuesday with captains Maddy Loniewski, Roxanne Griffore, Jensen Pecora and Kathleen McGee reviewing team rules, etiquette and cheers. Afterward, the girls watched a movie.
Around 11:30pm team members entered a highly decorated natatorium and were introduced individually with the lights off and a spotlight on each girl.
Parents and others are not allowed to attend practices normally, but Dunworth made an exception for this special occasion.
It was the only time Mercy will have its entire team in the five-lane pool at the same time. Otherwise, the team and practice time are divided into thirds.
"Tonight is more about us and the start of the season," Dunworth said. "As the season goes on, we'll divide into training groups.
"I don't like to cut anybody; I don't want to cut seniors. It's a long day, but we want to make sure (each athlete has an equal opportunity). It's a nice facility to train in. You don't get lost in there."
The midnight practice lasted about an hour. Dunworth said the serious training would start later Wednesday.
"If there's one disadvantage (private schools have) it's the freshmen come in and are strangers to each other in many instances," he said.
"For the most part, they're kinda on their own; they're a little apprehensive, a little bit shy about things.
"The first task is to break the ice with the kids, let them all know we're pulling in the same direction and start to build that team unity.
"We'll have 10 or 11 kids per lane. There won't be a great deal of Mercy training. That will start tomorrow."
The Marlins went home after the midnight opener and returned Wednesday morning for a three-day trip to the Spire Institute, a training facility in Geneva, Ohio.
Mercy, which won the Division 1 championship and its eighth state title last year, has some quality swimmers in its freshman class and has high hopes for the 2014 season.
"We always lose great kids, and we always have kids with a great deal of ability and desire come i," Dunworth said.
"The freshmen have big shoes to fill. We've just dealt the cards, so we have a long way to go. It's going to be a while yet."