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Our Philosophy
As a team we strive to develop a positive self-image, goal-setting skills, time management skills, determination, commitment, dedication, and "team support" in each athlete. Every individual comes to the team with his or her own goals and reasons for swimming, including the common thread of self-improvement. We encourage individual goals whether a swimmer's idea of improvement is increased athletic ability, or simply a heightened sense of self esteem. Our main tool is support and guidance.
Team values are essential to our team work. Swimming may appear to be an individual sport, but a positive attitude is very important for us all to work together. When we work together we can encourage each other to do our best and exceed our own expectations.
Meeting and surpassing individual goals help motivate swimmers to continue coming and doing their best at practice and in competition. Goals help set the tone for long term success, but just as vital to improvement is the concept of fun. Workouts that are geared towards increasing athletic ability are easier to get through mentally when there is a little fun involved, which is the basis of each practice for most of our swimmers.
Swimmers are taught to value things outside of practice as well. School comes before workouts, always. Members should know that the two may also be combined. If there is a need, such as tutoring, ask around. More often than not, you'll find someone who wants to help.
Our History
Mr. Mike Stauffer formed WAKO through its original programs (Lakewood Swim Club and Fort Lewis Dolphins, respectively) in September 1998. Currently we have just over 45 members, two coaches, and a group of parents who are the board members. WAKO team members have stepped into the national level by virtue of a Junior Championship finalist, Nationals qualifiers, and Olympic Time Trial semi-finalists.
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