Lakeside Swim Team has claimed the No. 15 spot in the USA Swimming Club Excellence program, earning Gold Medal recognition for the 15th time in program history. On an annual basis, the Club Excellence program recognizes USA Swimming’s highest-performing clubs in the development of athletes ages 18 years and younger.
“USA Swimming is fortunate to have tremendous athletes and coaches doing incredible work at the club level from coast to coast. The clubs who have earned Gold, Silver or Bronze honors represent the best of the best, and they are laying the groundwork for the future success of USA Swimming at the international level,” said USA Swimming Managing Director of Sport Development Joel Shinofield. “We are excited and honored to again distribute $400,000 in grants to the top 100-ranked clubs in 2019.”
Now in its 18th year, USA Swimming’s Club Excellence program identifies clubs that execute strong, well-rounded programs to produce elite 18-and-under athletes. The top-20 clubs earn gold level ranking and those rated 21-100 are designated as silver honorees. The next 100 clubs are recognized at the bronze level.
Congratulations to all of our athletes, coaches, families, and supporters! To learn more bout the Club Excellence program, click here!
Below is a letter from Head Coach, Mike DeBoor:
Congratulations to every swimmer, parent, and staff member of the Lakeside Swim Team! Yesterday, our program was awarded USA Swimming’s Gold Medal for Club Excellence. Based on last year’s Long Course performances we are ranked 15th in the country and only 20 teams are awarded the Gold Medal distinction.
This level of performance is due to every swimmer and staff member. To score points towards this you must achieve some very fast times, but the top wouldn’t get there without the foundation. We all must remember that every swimmer is pushing the swimmer ahead of them, so not many could achieve a high level if it weren’t for the person or group behind them pushing to get faster. It is a total team effort and it is why it’s so important for every swimmer to be their best daily! Your teammates expect and need you there to challenge and push them. All athletes will rise to the level around them and if we all challenge and bring our best daily, we all are successful.
I urge every swimmer to use this as a motivator for more, versus an end to a great season! Just like going a best time, Monday at practice, more is expected of you – you are at a new level! The team is at a new level again, and more is expected as we move forward. Be proud, be excited, but be ready to expect a little more from yourself and be ready to challenge your teammates to push you and others up to a new level.
Thank you for all of your hard work and I hope every member is as excited and proud of the program as I am!
Mike DeBoor