The second day of YMCA swimming and diving nationals was just as and maybe more exciting than the first. The morning was long but fun with lots of sun. As the morning dragged on and the excitement built all you could see is people jumping and screaming all over the place. Once time trials started and the stands and deck cleared out the people still here were still screaming and jumping up and down. Now that the finals have started I can hear people chanting ole, ole, ole, ole outside. The swimmers are running around ready to swim and cheer for their teammates. I hope the rest of the meet continues on like this.

Ashley Jones

Joliet Jets

Illinois

There was more anticipation on the second day of the meet; we had the third qualifier from our team arriving. Registration was a little confusing, but after it was settled we had a good time. Today was the first time that the 1000-yard event was swum at YMCA Spring Nationals, and it was exciting, because the national record was set, and reset in almost every heat. The morning was very long; 200-yard freestyle, 200-yard breaststroke, and 100-yard butterfly were swum before the 1000-yard (10 total heats) competition took place. If you keep your eyes open you will see some very interesting things at this meet, most swimmers don’t care what others think about them, and are willing to do almost anything in public. Time trials are a blast; it seems that there is more energy around the pool during that time, maybe because guys and girls are swimming in the same pool like a normal meet. You can feel the energy behind the blocks, and it gets you ready to swim. Anyway, I have written a lot again today, and I’m hungry! I need to get some food, and get some sleep so I can keep up with another fun filled day of swimming.

Joshua Catellier

Joliet Jets

Illinois

Although day was the second day of swimming it was my first day at the pool. It was an interesting experience right way with my problems at registration. After solving this problem I finally got on deck and found out what was going on. I found my coach and got changed into my new fast skin. I did my normal warm-up set and entered myself in the 100-fly for time trials. I felt well prepared for this race but was slightly disappointed by my time that was a little off my best. We then went back to check in to the hotel and have some fun time. After getting settled in we return to the pool to watch finals and have a great evening without our parents.

Mike Lee

Joliet Jets

Illinois