Much like the Washington Redskins, the 2010 season for the Chinquapin Wahoos has been one of changes, reorganization and rebuilding. The team’s final record for the season, 1 win 4 losses, however, doesn’t accurately convey all of the positive accomplishments made this summer. ”The overall improvement in the swimmers was incredible, not just by all of the new the team and personal records, but so many swimmers improved so much this summer,” says new head Coach Dennis Burstein.
Chinquapin Wahoos 2010. (Courtesy Photo)
At least a dozen team records were broken this summer and many swimmers performed personal bests. Nine Wahoos represented the city at the Colonial Swim Team All-Star Event in early August. Not too long ago, the All-stars were a long shot for a team that was down to just 30 members. Now swelling at the ranks of 120 swimmers, the Wahoos plan to break more records next summer.
While the ultimate goal is to become more competitive, Coach Burstein and his staff, including Katherine McAddo, Laura Goff, Yoana Mavrov and Paul Salmon, are all quick to point out that the team goal is also to develop self-confident, goal-oriented team members, who will become productive adults with a lifelong love for the sport of swimming.
“While ‘winning’ can be important, learning to improve and striving to succeed are of greater importance as part of a positive competitive experience,” says Burstein. “We encourage everyone to be a part of a supportive team atmosphere where goals are set toward self-improvement and where helping our teammates become part of the nature of being a Wahoo.”
The Wahoos are the only public swim team in the City of Alexandria. Kids of all ages and abilities from different schools all over the city come together for a sporting event the way team sports were meant to be–for fun and friendship. Together, the Alexandria Recreation Department of Sports, partnered with the Chinquapin Park Recreation Center Aquatics Section and the Wahoo parent boosters manage the team. Team T-shirts were generously sponsored by Realtor Jen Walker, The Realtor for Del Ray.