Lessons in pool offer life-learning experiences
SWIMMING: Dan Stratton begins work as new head coach at Trent Swim Club
Dan Stratton has only been here about a week and he is already impressed with what he has seen.
Now he hopes to take his many years of experience as a swim coach and help the young hopefuls as head mentor of the Trent Swim Club.
The 52-year-old was officially named to the position, as well as junior/senior age group and strength coach, last month, replacing former head coach Sean Dwyer who stepped down a few years ago.
Stratton said one of the first things he wanted to do when he arrived here was get a feel for the team, those associated with the club like the coaching staff and the community. He has liked everything so far.
“I want to build relationships with the swimmers and know what their strengths and weaknesses are,” he said. “I have an idea of where I want to go, where I want them to go and I want them to see that.”
He knows of what he speaks as he has 25 years of experience as a head, assistant and associate coach and coaching intern with age group and varsity swimming programs in Ontario.
Connection among his swimmers, having them tie into the program and learning about life as they grow as young people are very important to him.
“The kids are excited and they have a connection to each other and the team,” he said. “It requires a lot of conditioning and work ethic. It is an individual sport and I want them to know that what they do matters to feel part of the team. It is important they all know each has a role in the success of the club.”
Stratton said on average competitive swimmers spend about 10 years with a club to reach a certain level and are dedicated athletes, spending 12 to 15 hours a week in the pool.
He said there are many things they could learn from such an experience and help them to become well-rounded.
“There are many life-learning experiences,” he said. “They learn about time management, sleeping and eating properly. They are all students and they learn to balance academics, athletics and a social life. They know how to respond to certain situations and it helps them prepare for later on in life.”
With that in mind, Stratton also looks at things long-term, not in the short-term, and that the process was really about athlete/person development.
Stratton came from Sault Ste. Marie where he was a head coach for seven years and tutored three national medalists and several national and provincial finalists.
He and his wife Jane have been married for five years and they have six children.
“We really like it here,” he said. “It’s four hours from Ottawa, an hour-and-a-half from Toronto and also has junior hockey (smiles).”
Stratton also has wide ranging experience in sport injury management, human resource management, coaching education, developing and directing youth enrolled in competitive age group swimming programs throughout Ontario and British Columbia.