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FORMER WORLD RECORD SWIMMER VISITS FUMA/COMMUNITY CLUB SWIM TEAM MAKES A SPLASH AT SMITH MOUNTAIN LAKE OPEN WATER SWIM
Byron Davis, a former world record holder, 12 time NCAA All-American, and a past member of the United States Swimming Resident National Team based out of the Olympic Training Center in Colorado, visited Fork Union Military Academy this past weekend. During his visit he conducted leadership seminars and motivational speeches with FUMA's student body, faculty and staff. His presentations included in water technique training for the swim team, and a classroom session on technique, competition, dryland training, and a discussion of his experiences as an elite swimmer. Byron was the world record holder in the 50 meter butterfly and one of the top five 100 meter butterfly swimmers in the world. He is the founding director of Practical Impact Coaching, based out of California, and works with Fortune 500 executives and elite athletes in various areas of performance enhancement, leadership training, and goal attainment. Byron grew up in Cleveland, Ohio, with Jim Bocci, Head Swim Coach at Fork Union Military Academy/Fork Union Aquatic Club, where they started swimming at the local YMCA. According to Coach Bocci, "Byron has always stood out as a man of honor, integrity and faith, and I am proud to call him friend. We were excited that he could take time out of his busy schedule to visit. His unique insights have helped guide and mold my coaching philosophy and training program for both the high school and club swim programs. I was able to use the visit as a grooming period for my yearly training plan, and we analyzed every aspect of the program. It was a great learning experience that will pay dividends for my swimmers come championship time."
Following the Davis visit, on Sunday Fork Union Aquatic Club traveled with 29 swimmers to Smith Mt. Lake for a one mile open water swim competition. Beautiful weather and a well organized event made the race enjoyable for all that attended. Top finishers for the Blue Devil men included Dillon Hatch, Chris Covington, Sito Arroyo, Riley Phillips and John Warren. Top finishers for the Lady Blue Devils included Michelle Caron, Kasey Hartman, Johnnie Hineman, Laura Neelley, Maria Arroyo, and Jordan Benson. After the race, FUAC swimmers enjoyed a wonderful luncheon put on by the Summit Sports Group. Brett Balhoff, Head Age-Group Coach for FUAC said, "This was a super way to kick off the swim season. A fun event like this really helps bond the team, plus it serves as a grand conditioning opportunity early in the season. We've created great synergy between Fork Union Military Academy and the community. It's wonderful to see students from the Fluvanna and Louisa public school systems, home schooled students from the county, and Fork Union Military Academy cadets side-by-side cheering, playing and encouraging each other on." The club is comprised of swimmers, ages 4 to 18, from the community and cadets enrolled at Fork Union Military Academy. Next up the team will travel to Lynchburg for an invitational on September 29th and 30th.
Posted by LT Jim Bocci, Tuesday, September 25, 2007 09:40 PM
Athletics
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