Joe Drennan
Sports EditorThe girlsí time in the pool is over and now the boys have invaded it.
This yearís Forest Lake boys swim team has a new coach. Barb Vailodash has coached at St. Paul Academy, the Mahtomedi girls, and is in her 14th year of coaching. Vailodash is bringing her experience to Forest Lake with the goal to get swimmers to the state meet. She is also a teacher at the College of St. Catherineís.
ìI donít know what their records were last year so I donít have much to go by,î Vailodash said. ìBut with my background, I think we can improve their times and get someone to the state meet.î
Vailodash got to get a good look at the swimmers over the summer, but she wonít know for sure what they are capable of until their first meet today.
The team made strides towards improvements last year as they bettered their race times. Their improvements helped the team have one of the best seasons in recent years.
The strongest events for the Rangers will most likely be distance swims and the backstroke. Vailodash said that after only a few practices, she has noticed those two areas as real strengths for the team. With only a few practices completed, Vailodash says she has been focusing on getting the boys time in the pool so they can concentrate on technique.
ìRight now just trying to get some yards in the water and stroke mechanics are the main focus,î Vailodash said. ìMechanics are important so they can pull themselves through the water more efficiently and faster.î
Knowing some of last years times, seniors, Jeff Sandaguer, John Bowahoust, Sam Gort, Chris Duff, are swimmers that Vailodash thinks will do well.
ìItís so early in the season and being a new coach to the team, it is hard to speculate how much they will improve in the long run,î Vailodash said. ìIt is my experience that I am here to help them improve.î
One of the things that Vailodash likes is the number of seventh graders that are on the team. Being a new coach she sees that as a good opportunity to work with them and develop them into strong and competitive swimmers.
The Rangers first home meet is Jan. 8 against Mounds View.
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