For many teams on a University campus, travel is just another part of the season like practice and recovery. However, for some, off season camps and team training trips are another way to keep the competitive juices flowing. As well as to experience new types of coaching and compete against people outside of the PSAC. Not all trips are created equally, as the Bloomsburg Swim team found out over the winter break.
The Swim team made their trip down to Fort Lauderdale, Florida to train at the International Swimming Hall of Fame. This trip was anticipated for many of the athletes, a nice trip to the sunshine state to relax, and train in the tropical paradise. Though the Florida weather did not seem to care about these Huskies winter training trip.
Though many University swim competitions happen indoors, in Florida the weather always has the ability to uproot an event. This was proven to the team when during a practice, a tornado ripped through Fort Lauderdale. This tornado had wind speeds up to 80 miles per hour and tore a path over a mile and a half long. Though it would be considered an EF0 on the Enhanced Fujita Scale, it was more than enough to frighten the Bloomsburg swimmers. “A tornado formed right outside the pool when we were swimming,” stated senior swimmer Gabe Cobaugh. This tornado was not enough to rattle the team however, as thankfully the facilities were untouched and they were able to safely resume practice later on. The team continued to train and improve.
Except for the terrifying weather patterns, the trip is considered a success as the team was able to safely leave Florida with a week of great training and comradery. The team was able to not only experience the elite training facility, but they were also able to get closer as a team and truly bond. The team spent a lot of time training, having enduring practices twice a day to truly test their mental and physical conditioning. The team spent time getting their cardio up in and out of the pool, running in the morning and having their two daily swims, they are in a great position for the second half of the season.
Between the two practices, the team would spend time enjoying the south Florida sun, as many would hang out at the beach, playing volleyball, spikeball, or simply sunbathe in the sand. “Most nights we would hang out at each other’s hotel rooms playing video games, watching TV shows or simply talking” said Cobaugh, these nights allowed the team to get closer and consider themselves more as a second family than fellow swimmers.
As they have returned to campus, the team is on a good track to succeed this season. With strong wins against Franklin and Marshall College and IUP, the team is ramping up for the finale. With Senior Day and PSAC Championships coming up, many are hoping to end the season on a high note.
