Explore every episode of the podcast Heavy Or Not, The OG Swim Guide

Coach Mark Rauterkus announces the launch of the new book's arrival: "Public Policy Playbook for Pittsburgh Aquatics & Recreation – Yinzer Edition."

Co-author is Ron Usher.

Heavy Or Not, The OG Swim Guide, episode #115 hits current events and then a view into the first book of 2026, Mental Skills for Young Athletes and how that can fit into your sports programs and teams. See the reveal on how to get a free PDF, and let's discuss key strategies to improve city recreation, arts, and youth mental health.

You'll also hear Mayor Corey O'Connor weigh in on new rec‑center partnerships and community initiatives, just before the book gets handed to him.

Mayor is in full agreement. Time will tell.

Overview of the Playbook: 10 pillars, strategic principles, meta plays, and actionable "plays." How to download the free PDF via CREWLAB (crewlab.io) and purchase the printed copy at SWIMISCA.com. Mayor Corey O'Connor's plans for expanding rec‑center hours, school‑facility partnerships, and arts programming. The three‑tier mental‑resilience action plan for youth athletes, based on Dr. John Hoog's research. Next steps: community involvement, feedback opportunities, and upcoming expansions of city sports camps and cultural events.

"The ball's in your court—action is the kicker that will transform our rec centers into life‑saving community hubs."

Barry is pushing for a group to form to consider local recreational needs in Salmon Arm, BC, Canada and has called for a meeting on October 1 at the local university. 

In a similar front, but different setting, Mark Rauterkus, is pushing the reformation of the Athletic Reform Task Force in Pittsburgh, PA, USA. 

Follow along as these stories unfold. None of us know what to expect and what happens next.

In episode #114 of Heavy Or Not, The OG Swim Guide, we launch a new Substack too, 1Shuswap.Substack.com and give a boost to Barry Healey's efforts in BC, Canada. We  discuss building an athletic reform task force, navigating government roadblocks, and a clever way to fund a new public park. We also take a quick look at the VASA trainer's retirement and its impact on swim training.

Learn:

• How to design and launch a city‑wide athletic reform task force from scratch.
• Strategies for getting provincial and federal sport funding when councils push back.
• The "case of beer" pitch that secured a $13‑per‑household‑per‑month park funding plan.
• Engaging schools and universities in community sports development.
• Updates on the VASA trainer's retirement and alternatives for swim‑ERG training.

ISCA Coaches Hall of Fame honored Ray Looze, Indiana University, in the class of 2026. Episode #113 show the tribute video. 

The episode, #112, is a ISCA Hall of Fame tribute built around Matt Kredich, Tennessee swimming, team culture and an ISCA interview segment.

In episode #111 of Heavy Or Not, The OG Swim Guide, we do a video refresh with an interview conducted with Doug Cornish. His ground-breaking survey exposes many of the hidden cracks threatening swim coaches today. We begin to unpack and reveal why the sport's "passion‑first" model is no longer sustainable. Doug comes to the discussion with hard data that shine a light on the underlying causes, and he has concrete steps clubs must take to keep good coaches on the deck.

• Survey results: 38% of coaches lack a current contract, 38% have no health insurance, and 70% are on single‑year agreements.

• Why it's happening: a clash between the old "grind" culture and modern coaches/parents, plus boards that misuse nonprofit status and ignore reserve building.

• The financial fallout: no retirement plans, zero COLA (Cost Of Living Adjustments) adjustments, and coaches paying out‑of‑pocket for travel and basic expenses.

• Real‑world impact: personal stories like Doug Cornish's breakdown, career switches, and the growing exodus from the profession.

• Actionable blueprint: 3‑5‑year contracts, 2‑3% annual COLA, full health/retirement benefits, paid parental leave, meet‑day compensation, protected supplemental income, and dual‑purpose life insurance.

This episode presents an invite to the course, C.Y.A. as part of the Learning Management System of the International Swim Coaches Association. Check out all the results of the survey in the PDF in that lesson.

https://Read.SwimISCA.org/courses/cya

"What if a 6‑year‑old could upload a quick clip of a 10‑meter freestyle, and an AI instantly replies, 'You passed!'—issuing a shiny, blockchain‑ready certificate that parents, coaches, and sponsors can see in real time? Welcome to Zlix, the free‑forever swim‑passport that's turning splash‑offs into badge‑holders."

In episode #110 of Heavy Or Not, The OG Swim Guide, Valentin Milkov shares the story behind Zlix, an AI‑powered verification tool for beginner swimmers. Hear how it works. He also discusses the platform's free‑forever model, certification monetization, and future growth plans.

Learn:

• The origins of ZLiX and Valentin's swimming and tech background.
• How the AI assesses video uploads to confirm skill progression with ~90% accuracy.
• The free‑forever user model and the certificate‑based revenue strategy.
• Customizable school branding and curriculum flexibility for swim programs.
• Upcoming features, potential partnerships, and steps to drive user adoption.

This exploration helps to shape efforts within the project of Coach Mark within the new book, Chapter Zero, Our AI Coaching Wizard, just published. Get it at https://SwimISCA.com. 

Also see the AI tool discussed in episode #104 of Heavy Or Not to hear from Ali, founder of OrcaVision.computer. 

Subscribe for more insights on AI, Coaching, Leadership and Sports Reform. Also follow at https://Substack.com/@rauterkus.

Full posting at https://WAFSU.org in the course for Season 3 of Heavy Or Not. 

Part 2 of Shitty Best, a book recap by Pavel Samov, Ph.D. in episode #109 of Heavy Or Not

• The myth of the "unified self" and why akrasia isn't just weak will

• How competing neural coalitions (pre‑frontal cortex vs. amygdala) drive split‑second mistakes

• Why traditional self‑esteem is a liability and how self‑acceptance builds true resilience

• Acceptance‑enabled perfectionism: practicing without panic and accelerating improvement

• The past‑present‑future coaching model and radical compassion for opponents, officials, and yourself

In Heavy Or Not, episode #108, you'll learn:

• How the "shitty best" concept reframes perfection and mistakes in high‑stakes sports.

• The three categories of performance variables: knowns, unknowns, and unknowables.

• Why the "I am perfect" mantra is a neuro‑plasticity drill, not fluffy motivation.

• How to transform film review from a blame‑session into a data‑driven laboratory.

• The "time‑machine" thought experiment that proves contextual inevitability of every play.
  
  Buy the book!

Open water swimming is exhilarating—but safety must come first. In episode #107 of Heavy Or Not, The OG Swim Guide, we talk with Barry Healey of BC, Canada about an event in his town.

Get into the new open-water course and check out the ISCA Open Water Festival. The upcoming festival with a 5K swim is hosted at Smith Mountain Lake State Park in Virginia.

Progress is being made on the insurance issue.

• New free open‑water swimming course (read.swimisca.org) and the East Coast Open Water Festival at Smith Mountain Lake

• Introduction of a university division for collegiate squads and how to register

• Ongoing insurance work and why coaches and need to stay informed about liability risks

• The July 18, 2026 Across‑the‑Lake Swim disaster – what went wrong and the key safety failures

• New mandatory safety gear: high‑visibility swim buddies and why they're now required for all open‑water events

In Heavy Or Not, #106, we bring a dream into reality for long-time Southern Illinois University Head Swim & Dive Coach, presently retired, Rick Walker.

Open Water Festival Sign up at https://swimisca.org/event/east-coast-open-water/

News Release about College Teams at https://read.swimisca.org/courses/open-water/lessons/isca-hosts-open-water-festivals/topic/press-release-college-swimming-gets-an-upgrade-in-september-with-a-5k-and-open-water-knockout/

• Open water as an additional collegiate season – benefits for Title IX compliance and athlete counts.

• East Coast Open Water Festival at Smith Mountain Lake (Sept 2026) is with a new college & university division.

• Race formats: knockout 1,500 m, 5K, 1‑mile, splash‑and‑dash (swim + run) and more.

• How open water training boosts pool performance for distance and sprint swimmers.

• Resources & future events: online prep course (reed.swimisca.org), May Jamestown meet, coach/parent participation.
  
  

• New Open Water Course, for free, for limited time:
  https://read.swimisca.org/courses/open-water/

Over think much.... or not.

Brian Holliday, once a frustrated swimmer in the UK, now an author and creator, shares how he reinvented swimming by focusing on mind‑body awareness instead of traditional technique. He reveals the journey from personal struggle to his "Intuitive Swimming" method and why the industry resists it.

You'll learn:

• Why over‑thinking kills learning and how awareness of the body changes swimming.

• The key mind‑body‑water connection: floating, balance, and whole‑body movement.

• How Brian reverse‑engineered swim strokes and built a three‑step online course.

• The clash with conventional coaches and the challenges of marketing his approach.

• Insights from his book Why Front Crawl Feels Hard and how it can help swimmers of any level.

"When you quit copying the coach and start listening to your own body, the water stops being a test and becomes a teammate – that's when you really learn to swim."

OrcaVision is about to hit the market place and aims to revolutionize swimming with AI‑powered video analytics that capture 20‑40 data points per second for every swimmer. In this episode of Hevy Or Not, #104, we hear the first part of an interview and introducation from Adi Segal Dori, an entrepreneur and Chairwomen of the two-year-old firm. Learn a bit as to how the system works, why it matters, and what's next for the sport.

• Real‑time computer‑vision captures detailed metrics (speed, stroke count, turn efficiency) without manual tagging.
• Simple installation: one (25 m) or two (50 m) cameras, calibrated remotely and used for both races and training.
• Scalable data ecosystem: 25,000+ races analyzed, benchmarking tools for athletes, coaches, parents, and broadcasters.
• Business model & pricing: low‑cost subscriptions, revenue‑share with facilities, free installs for larger clubs.
• Company background: bootstrapped start, angel funding, upcoming venture round, and plans for global expansion.

Watch the full interview at the ISCA Facebook page, at HON.LAP.red, or in the Heavy Or Not course at WAFSU.org. There are plenty of other insights shared in the later part of the conversation, especially valuable when you can peek at the screen too. 

https://WAFSU.org

• Kate's Hall of Fame induction, walk-up video and the significance of the award.

• Personal testimonials highlighting her impact on swimmers' lives and careers.

• Memorable moments from Aqua Jets training trips and competitions.

• Her coaching philosophy: humility, tough love, and life‑skill development.

• The lasting legacy she's created within the swimming community and beyond.

Aquajets Home Page

Heavy or not, episode number 103. The ISCA Coaches Hall of Fame celebration shared this video about new inductee, Kate Lundsten from Minnesota. Greatness leaves clues. Subscribe and share with your friends.

And this is going to be the first episode that also goes out on Apple with video.

Hi, Kate. I just wanted to congratulate you on your induction into the International Swimming Coaches Hall of Fame. Your contributions have been essential to the growth and success of swimming in the United States. Thank you so much and congratulations.

I'm so lucky to have been coached by you and then later in life to coach with you.

Coach Kate, you deserve this award, not only for the way that you develop the speed and technique of your athletes, but the way that you prepare them for life with their attitude, work ethic, and as community members.

I could not think of a better person for this honor. You coached my three daughters over 12 years and gave me my first coaching job. And what we have all taken away from those experiences goes way beyond the pool: humility, integrity, perseverance, and mostly the importance of trying hard to be a good human being.

All the athletes and coaches that have worked with you, we all know that we're better off because of you.

That whistle echo on the pool deck air.

We didn't know how long we'd stay there.

Three lanes full and a team just starting.

Somehow she knew where.

Built something strong at our closet.

Before the banners, before the fame, she already knew every swimmer's name.

She didn't just teach us how to swim, she helped us become who we are. She changed our game.

I'm here on Rocky Top right now, and I just want to say congrats on being inducted to the Hall of Fame. You are the most deserving person I know, and I think it's pretty cool that you and Matt are both being inducted in the same year, because I've had the privilege to work with two very amazing people in my swimming career so far.

And I just want to say you helped me become the swimmer and person I am today, and I wouldn't be here where I am without you.

When you came up with my nickname Goose—

Well, now the whole team calls me Goose, and I just think that that is so special that you have put that in my life.

And I just, like, I remember the days when we had to swim in the terrible Brooklyn Center pool, but somehow you would always say something stupid enough to make us laugh through it all.

You've never once doubted me, even when I wanted to try something new like open water. And while it might have ended with me going blind for a few days, I still got so many experiences out of that. Furthermore, I wouldn't have had the opportunity without you and your support through it all.

I remember when we were at a Pro Series here in Knoxville, and you were like, "Avery, I could see you going here. I think you should look into this when you get recruited."

And I was like, "Kate, the colors are neon orange. What are you talking about? I'm not going to go here."

And well, look at where I am now. I ended up here.

And you planted that seed in my head, and you supported me throughout the whole process.

Congratulations. We are so proud of you. We love you so much. We cannot think of anyone more worthy of this than you.

You and I have a lot of history, amazing history, and I can't think of a single person in my life that has single-handedly changed the trajectory of my life and has given me so many incredible opportunities that still impact me now, almost 20 years later.

It has been an incredible honor to be coached by you and still remain very close to you and still consider you a very dear person in my life.

Your belief in me and your ability to squeeze every ounce of effort out of me at all times, even if it meant pushing my buttons just a little bit, has made such a difference in helping me become the person and the swimmer that I am today.

Your impact goes far beyond the pool.

Hi, Kate.

I wanted to thank you so much for not only making me into a great swimmer, but for also pushing me to become a great person as well.

No matter how good or bad things got during my career, you were always encouraging me to pursue what I loved and to keep working as hard as I could toward my goals, no matter how impossible they seemed.

You are the best coach that any age group, high school, or college swimmer could have ever asked for, and I'm truly grateful for everything that you've taught me.

My favorite memory with Coach Kate was when we went on our training trip to Sarasota and all of the seniors rode in this very old van with Coach Kate and we drove everywhere with her and it was so much fun.

Coming from someone who was coached by you and now is coaching on deck with you, I can say that there's no one else more deserving of this than you.

You pour so much into your athletes and the coaches on Aquajets and the families and everyone that you come across on the pool deck.

You bring so much enthusiasm and fun to swimming and the sport, and you just make it a fun thing to do whether you're swimming for you or coaching alongside you.

There's no one that I think that is more deserving of this award than you, Kate. You are one of a kind.

And I'm very grateful for the opportunity to coach with you by your side, just learn from you. You're an amazing person.

What an accomplishment.

I wanted to thank you for all the years at Aquajets. Your tough love and encouragement to be our best selves has truly taken me very far in my post-swimming career, so I just wanted to thank you for that.

I hope you're doing well.

You helped me accomplish dreams and goals that I never thought would be possible in my career as a swimmer.

Just so many fond memories from my time on Aquajets, from our circles of love, to all of the meets, to crazy driving.

But one memory that I will never forget is the time when you, Van, Rachel, and I took a trip out to Colorado Springs to have a training trip at the OTC, and we ended up taking a morning off of practice so that you could drive me to a random high school in the area so that I could take my ACT test.

Who does that?

Thank you for all that you've done, all that you continue to do both for your athletes, but also for the sport of swimming.

I miss you, I love you, and go Aquajets.

This induction is a long time coming for sure.

I don't know what took so long.

I'm so proud of you. We're all so proud of you.

I think it's just a good time to thank you for being such an amazing coach, such an amazing person to so many young swimmers.

I think one of your many gifts is seeing the best in people, seeing the best in your swimmers and forcing us, whether we like it or not, to carry out that potential.

And for that, we're forever grateful.

There are so many stories and memories I can share from all the years. So instead, I just want to say thank you.

Thank you for everything you've done for me and for Aquajets.

You have been more than a swim coach to me. You are a mentor. You're a second mom. You're someone I know I can come to with anything.

And you're always going to show up, and you're going to be there for us.

You've created such an incredible environment at Aquajets. It's more than just a swim team. It's a family. It's a family for life.

Thank you for giving me my best friends. They're friends I'm still in touch with today. We're bridesmaids in each other's weddings, and those friendships would not have been possible if it weren't for the environment and the culture you've created at Aquajets.

So, thank you for all you've done, and congratulations again.

I joined Aquajets when I was 11, and I remember telling my mom I was going to quit when I got to Kate's group because her loud whistle scared me so much.

Almost 13 years later, I can confidently say she's the best coach I've ever had.

Under her guidance, I went from not even qualifying for state to meddling at Junior Nationals and eventually swimming Division One at a Power Four school.

But more important than becoming a successful swimmer because of her, I've become a better person because of her.

She leads with humility and kindness, and I try to do the same every day.

She always finds a way to keep the mood light, whether it be by getting temporary tattoos for Junior Nationals, having Chick-fil-A before a meet, taking a training trip to Sarasota, and I will never forget coaching with her.

She supported me through some of the most difficult times in my life, offering me great advice, even though I didn't always take it.

There truly aren't words to express my gratitude for Kate, and I wouldn't be here without her.

Here's today's fortune statement.

Self-awareness is the ability to recognize and understand the way you behave.

Think about it, journal it, use it from Mental Skills for Young Athletes and the companion course at SwimISCA.com.

Join the WAFSU Movement: Simple Code Adds Support Button to Any School Website

In episode #102 we hear from Buffalo high‑school teacher and nonprofit founder and swim coach, Mike Switalski, then dive into a new AI‑powered swimming grant and a quick call‑to‑action for coaches.

• Mike's testimony on Buffalo's security challenges vs. traditional safety approaches.

• Impact numbers from the City Swim Project (500 kids served, $350K budget, national swimmer stats).

• Introduction of the Moonshot AI grant partnership with Remake Learning & the Grable Foundation at Arsenal Middle School.

• "Cannon" analogy: AI as modern power for community‑focused swimming programs.

• How to add the WAFSU logo code to your website to support coaches – no cost, just a click‑through to https://wasu.org.

Two coaching shake‑ups fill episode #101 of Heavy Or Not, The OG Swim Guide. One hits close to home, in my city, as Pitt lost its head swim and dive coach with an abrupt departure at graduation weekend.

Many are wondering what is going on with coaching — and what this mean for college and international aquatic sports.

• Chase Kreitler's abrupt resignation from Pitt swimming & diving and the key points from his farewell letter.

• Athlete backlash, unanswered questions for AD Alan Greene, and the surge of transfers to the NCAA portal.

• Jerry Chen's perspective on funding cuts and the broader impact on non‑revenue sports at Pitt.

• Serbian water polo legend Juroš Števanović's sudden departure and the federation's reform moves.

• Announcements: Join us for the NISCA National Convention in Grand Rapids in June.

• Join Coach Steve Friederang at a one-week Altitude Swim Camp at NAU.

• Get the book, Mental Skills for Young Athletes at https://SwimISCA.com.

"When a swimmer knows they're loved no matter the time on the clock, the pool turns from a battlefield into a playground, and performance follows."

In episode #100, the end of season 2 of Heavy Or Not, The OG Swim Guide, we turn to a master, Wayne Goldsmith. His statement is the best advice ever delivered to any athletic family. He breaks down the essential partnership among athletes, coaches, and parents. This is the classic triangle. He explains why unconditional love and clear role boundaries are the foundation for a successful sports experience.

What you'll learn:

• The parent's primary job: love, accept, and value your child unconditionally.

• The three‑partner model: distinct responsibilities of swimmer, coach, and parent.

• What a swimmer should focus on daily: training, nutrition, recovery, and effort.

• Coach duties: technical leadership, speed/endurance development, race strategy.

• Common role‑crossing pitfalls and how keeping boundaries intact fuels performance.

• Building Character and Performance: The Essential Contributions Parents Make to Sporting Success Subscribe to Wayne's content. It is always brilliant!

Join Coaches Mark Rauterkus and Ron Usher at the NISCA Conference in Grand Rapids, Michigan, June 23 to 26, 2026. Click for details and to register. https://www.niscaonline.org/index.php/conference/nisca-conference

Coach Pierre Lafontaine breaks down why daily wins, energy, and purposeful environments matter more than perfect facilities. Learn how to spark real progress in swimmers, no matter the pool size.

You'll discover:

• The power of creating daily, measurable wins for every athlete.

• How coach energy and presence shape a winning culture.

• Why "better today, not perfect" should be your core coaching mantra.

• Simple recovery and programming strategies that keep athletes improving.

• Practical tips for engaging volunteers and optimizing meet day experiences.

In Heavy or Not, The OG Swim Guide, episode #98, we're blessed to pick up a few flash-back comments as well as present leadership insights from a former competitive swimmer who makes us all proud.

Scott Grates sits down with performance coach, Krista Hawkins, to cover leadership truths, accountability systems, and the importance of holistic self‑care. Her athletic background and the coaching perspectives apply to everyone — from the wee swimmers to CEOs.

Krista explains the important elements that coaches, families and humans should deploy.

Get straight‑forward, actionable insights drawn from Krista's journey from a shy student just joining the team to a Division‑I athlete and business leader.

• Why the "leader must know everything" myth is a lie and why collaboration matters.

• How clear communication and a solid accountability framework drive consistent results.

• The difference between training (skill‑building) and development (growth) and why both are essential.

• Why physical health, mental wellness, and spiritual practices are non‑negotiable for effective leadership.

• Krista's step‑by‑step accountability process: role clarity, goal alignment, regular check‑ins, and actionable feedback.

This is part two in a sequence from another podcast, Referrals Done Right with Scott Grates. See Scott's site, show and the original, full interview, #122

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/122-krista-hawkins-the-leader-you-are-becoming/id1738602897?i=1000758278572

Linkedin - https://www.linkedin.com/company/future-legacy-partners
Personal FB - https://www.facebook.com/krista.hawkins.9
Business FB - https://www.facebook.com/FUTURELEGACYPARTNERS
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/_kristahawkins_

In episode #97 of the podcast, Heavy Or Not, The OG Swim Guide, we rejoice in the discovery and shout out of another podcast.

Years ago, Krista's journey to the PAWW swim team went from a terrified 12‑year‑old student, to age-group swimmer, to Division I athletes to today's high‑level executive advisor.

Krista's growth to and confidence happened, in part, on the team — with Head Coach, Mark Rauterkus. The mental‑skill system translated from the pool deck to the boardroom — and appeared in a podcast episode elsewhere.

Learn:

• How a competitive swim program became the catalyst for Krista's confidence boost.

• The specific mindset and accountability framework Coach Mark taught her.

• Why raw physical talent alone isn't enough for peak performance.

• How Krista now applies similar principles to coach thousands of business leaders.

• The broader lesson: elite youth coaching methods can be scaled into powerful executive leadership strategies.

Thanks to Scott Grates, and his Referrals Done Right podcast, episode #122 for the interview with Krista. Hear their voices in Heavy Or Not, #98.

• Show link https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/122-krista-hawkins-the-leader-you-are-becoming/id1738602897?i=1000758278572

Linkedin - https://www.linkedin.com/company/future-legacy-partners
Personal FB - https://www.facebook.com/krista.hawkins.9
Business FB - https://www.facebook.com/FUTURELEGACYPARTNERS
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/_kristahawkins_

Get the quick how‑to on turning a book into ready‑made practice plans and learn why structural safeguarding is now non‑negotiable.

• The free mental‑skills lesson generator: pick a chapter, sport, age group, and time to get a custom 15‑minute practice plan.

• How the tool integrates Dr. John Hogg's animal‑character stories while keeping all data private—no accounts, no tracking.

• Quick overview of the "Mental Skills for Young Athletes" book and pricing options for individuals and whole teams.

• Key takeaways from the Future of Sport in Canada Commission report on systemic maltreatment in competitive swimming.

• Recommended safety reforms: independent safeguarding officers and decoupled oversight to protect athletes and coaches.

Coming soon!

Pillars of Team Success: Consistency, Trust, Adaptability, and Coach Leadership

Episode #94 of Heavy or Not, we hear from elite coach Harkai Hunor's playbook for building a winning team culture. Learn the concrete steps you can apply to any sport or organization today.

What you'll learn:

• The seven non‑negotiable pillars of on‑court discipline and consistency.

• Why off‑court community building is as crucial as X's and O's.

• Quick‑win tactics for gaining player trust and boosting performance.

• How to adapt coaching philosophy to players, leagues, and local culture.

• The coach's ultimate role: embodying the culture and earning respect through character.

In a WAFSU.org seminar, international coach Harkai Hunor explains why the real work of coaching happens off the court—through consistency, culture, mentorship, and the small psychological moves that help athletes believe in themselves. Drawing on experience coaching in eight different countries, he shares practical lessons about building team culture, developing players, motivating teams, and avoiding the biggest mistakes young coaches make.

If you coach athletes, or plan to, this talk is packed with ideas you can apply immediately.

• https://wafsu.org/course/building-team-culture-lessons-from-a-coach-across-eight-countries/

or on Substack at:

• https://wafsu.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/build-team-culture-transcript.mp3.pdf

Lifeguard Recruiting Campaign: Serve, Train, and Inspire While Safeguarding Water Activities Nationwide

We also share a visual preview of the ISCA Senior Cup teams.

Those with an audio only feed are missing out on the graphics of the short film and the logos of the teams.

• What it really takes to be a lifeguard – training, skills, and purpose

• How to apply through your local lifeguard agency (USLA & Ben Carlson Memorial and Scholarship Fund)

• Watch the full video on YouTube at https://YouTube.com/@ucanswim

• Fortune segment: "Don't expend energy trying to be someone you're not" and its link to Mental Skills for Young Athletes, https://swimisca.com

• Sneak peek of the ISCA Senior Cup 2026 team logos (to gather in St. Petersburg, FL)

• https://www.usla.org/
• https://www.bencarlsonfoundation.org/
• https://SwimISCA.org

Education, Safety Barriers, and Collaborative Funding Initiatives

In episode #92, we break down the stark reality of drowning worldwide and explore practical steps to keep kids and communities safe around water. We also discuss emerging grant opportunities in Florida and how local leaders can turn them into sustainable swimming programs.

Listen in as Barry and Mark aim to make an impact around the water.

• Eye‑opening drowning statistics and the WHO's top recommendations for prevention.

• Why barriers, constant supervision, and basic survival swimming are essential for children of all ages.

• How Florida's new grant program aims to get every child in the state to learn to swim and what it means for local clubs.

• Strategies for building multi‑stakeholder coalitions—councils, First Nations, schools, and sponsors—to fund and manage community pools.

• Tips for linking high‑school pools to instructor training, revenue generation, and sponsor outreach to create lasting impact.

• Water saves lives, but it can also silently kill – 23,000 drownings a year in the WHO European Region, 63 per day.

• Prevention starts with barriers and constant supervision for children; a moment's lapse can be fatal.

• Teaching basic survival swimming to all ages builds confidence, not Olympic ambition, and saves lives.

• Lifeguard and bystander rescue training must prioritize personal safety; one rescue shouldn't become two victims.

• Coordinated community plans—schools, councils, First Nations, sponsors—turn grants and facilities into lasting drowning‑prevention programs.

In this episode, I break down what's really happening, how you can take action, and why this affects every program in the country.

If you care about swimming, broadcasting, or protecting women's sports, you cannot skip this episode. I'm unboxing a new book Mental Skills for Young Athletes, calling out a blundering hurd issue, seeking bio insights for WPIAL athletes and asking YOU to help shape the future Hall of Fame Tribute for the class of 2026.

Pointer:

Jackie Johnson, a voice for women's sports at Facebook reels at https://www.facebook.com/jackie.johnston.5220.

https://SwimISCA.com for the book, Mental Skills for Young Athletes

WPIAL Show Insights at https://ISCA.blue

Upload for Hall of Fame Tributes to https://UCANSwim.WeTransfer.com

Broken Hurd.

Kate Lundsten

Matt Kredich

Ray Looze

Coach Mark Rauterkus worries that the looming crisis in college football will create a ripple effects across all college sports. He outlines a reform plan, highlights recent program cuts, and offers a path forward.

You'll learn in episode #89 of Heavy Or Not, The OG Swim Guide:

• The urgent need to reform college football before it collapses and drags other sports down.

• Key takeaways from Coach Nick Saban's interview (Episode 88) and the reform package available at 4rs.org.

• The fallout from Cal Baptist cutting its men's Division I swimming & diving team and the disappearing full‑time diving coach.

• How a "pod" system with promotion/relegation could replace money‑driven conference moves (e.g., North Dakota, Sacramento State).

• The risk of a 30‑team super league ("JV NFL") and why equitable, merit‑based structures are essential for the sport's future.

Here is your call to action.

1. Subscribe.

2. Suggest.

3. Comment.

4. Share.

• Are you in?

How Entitlement, Discipline, and Complacency Undermine Teams – Insights From Saban

In episode #88 of Heavy Or Not, The OG Swim Guide, you'll meet my new best friend, Paul Falavolito and a snip from his show, The 7 Minute Leadership Podcast. He shares Nick Saban's "Five Enemies of Greatness."

Paul's Site, The 7 Minute Leadership Podcast

Plus, we'll break down the money behind a powerhouse college athletic department. You'll get practical leadership takeaways and a raw loo

k at Penn State's finances.

• The five hidden threats to performance: entitlement, lack of discipline, choosing circumstance over vision, self‑pity, and complacency.

• How Saban's "standards over hype" mindset translates to everyday leadership.

• A step‑by‑step walkthrough of Penn State's $254 M athletic budget – where the cash comes from and where it goes.

• Why football alone generates 57% of the department's revenue and the impact on other sports.

• The razor‑thin profit margin and why college‑football reform (promotion/relegation, entry‑fee changes) matters now.

Outline

• Host – Mark Rauterkus introduces his "new best friend" in podcasting, Paul Falavolito.

• Mentions Paul's own show "7 Minute Leadership."

• Announces upcoming content:

  • A deep‑dive with Nick Saban.

  • "A bunch of sports news in college swimming and college sports" that will appear in Episode 89.

• Most successful modern‑sports leader; multiple national championships.

• Built dominant programs at several schools over decades.

• Known for selling standards, not hope – discipline, consistency, daily execution.

• Entitlement

  • Success whispers "you deserve comfort."

  • Leaders stop preparing, teams rely on reputation.

  • Rent‑based metaphor: respect, trust, results are "rented daily."

• Lack of Discipline

  • Doing the work when no one's watching; showing up on time.

  • Small lapses (late meetings, cutting corners, ignoring safety steps).

  • Sloppy habits ⇒ sloppy outcomes.

• Choosing Circumstances Over Vision

  • Letting conditions dictate effort.

  • Great leaders hold the line regardless of budget, morale, or external pressure.

  • Avoids "meteorocracy" (followers drifting with every change).

• Self‑Pity

  • "No one appreciates us" mindset; excuses become the norm.

  • Kills ownership and responsibility.

  • Leads to rapid decline.

• Complacency

  • Thinking you've "arrived" – winning becomes expected, effort drops.

  • Turns champions into former champions.

  • Blind spots, reduced hunger, maintenance mindset.

• Enemies sneak in quietly, sound reasonable, and cause damage before they're noticed.

• Saban's dynasties were built by refusing to tolerate these enemies.

• Call‑to‑action: Which enemy are you allowing right now?

• Quote: "Coaches become more knowledgeable by immersing themselves patiently in the systematic teaching of the mental and emotional skills."

• Presented as a reflection prompt: apply to training, competition, coaching, or life beyond the pool.

• Suggests writing about the insight to turn ideas into habits.

• Source: Mental Skills for Young Athletes – John Hogg, PhD (link: swimisca.com).

• Development First: Emphasizes "development as a person, student, and player" over money.

• Draft Call Statistics:

  • 35 early‑exit players → >1,000 calls from NFL teams.

  • No calls ask about freshman playing time; focus is on development into a player.

• Character Over Athleticism:

  • Teams ask about character, fit, teammate qualities, leadership.

  • Trustworthiness and ability to represent the organization are paramount.

• Advice: "Create value for yourself in all those areas."

• Website & Email List: nil.cloh.org – a hub for NIL information and community.

• Donations: $64.5 M (pure donor power).

• Media Rights: >$58 M (Big Ten TV contracts).

• Ticket Sales: >$50 M (fan attendance).

• Zero funding from university tuition, state taxes, or student fees.

• Personnel (Salaries & Benefits): >$84 M – the single biggest expense.

• Athlete‑Related Costs: ~$48 M total, broken into:

  • Scholarships / Athletic Aid: >$24 M.

  • NIL Payments: >$18 M.

  • Educational Awards: ~ $5 M.

• Facilities & Operations: Significant portion (second‑largest bucket).

• Generates ≈$147 M in revenue – >4 × the combined revenue of all other men's sports and >16 × women's sports.

• Accounts for 57 % of total department income.

• Total revenues vs. total expenses differ by only ≈$223 K – essentially a "rounding‑error" profit.

• Highlights the razor‑thin margin model and raises the question: Is this breakeven structure sustainable as NIL and revenue‑sharing rules evolve?

• Call for Reform: Need a functional, sustainable college‑football system.

• Geographic Remix of Conferences: Proposed plan (linked to Rauterkus.Substack and 4rs.org).

• Promotion & Relegation: Suggests a system allowing movement between tiers, avoiding punitive $5 M entry fees for new programs.

• New‑Program Examples:

  • North Dakota wanting "big‑time

    " football (Paul's comment).

  • Sacramento State—should not be penalized with heavy fees; discuss alternative handling.

When does "biohacking" become cheating?
Is TRT just wellness… or is it performance enhancement?
And what happens to sport when authenticity gets replaced with chemistry?

This episode dives deep into the ethics of performance-enhancing drugs, the rise of anti-aging clinics, and why racing with the body you've earned still matters.

If this conversation hit home, make sure to subscribe and share this episode with a teammate who needs to hear it.

• Strong performance doesn't start with talent — it starts with awareness.

Keywords

• masters athletics doping

• Gran Fondo doping scandal

• TRT in sports

• testosterone replacement therapy athletes

• performance enhancing drugs amateur sports

• cycling doping news

• enhanced games controversy

• World Anti-Doping Agency rules

• anti-aging clinics athletes

• integrity in sports

• amateur athlete steroids

• sports psychology and cheating

The Coaching Crisis is here, now. Few are talking about it — but Barry Healey of BC Canada is.

A SafeSport report on its coaches survey began by exposing the hidden crisis in U.S. sports — where passion for coaching is crushed by politics, pressure, and lack of support.

The biggest burnout driver for coaches? It's not the kids. It's the parents, the politics, and the impossible pressure.

National survey data uncovers the truth: Coaches are quitting, and it's not because they stopped caring. Verbal harassment, retaliation fears, and racial + gender disparities — sports coaches are under fire. It's time we talked about it.

Episode #87 of Heavy Or Not, The OG Swim Guide, examines the U.S. National Coaches Survey from SafeSport. The stark paradox of love‑filled coaching plus crushing burnout is woven in the today's profession. We want you to consider what it means for the future of athletics.

• 91.9% of coaches say coaching positively impacts their lives, yet ≈ 85% report burnout in the past five years.

• Safety culture gaps: athletes are prioritized, coaches' well‑being is largely ignored; 96% feel prepared to react to harm, but only ~50% hold proactive prevention talks.

• Disparities by gender, race, and disability: female and disabled coaches face higher burnout and fear of retaliation; Asian and Black coaches report almost 1‑in‑4 fear retaliation.

• Parent dynamics: verbal harassment from parents (and peers) tops the list of burnout drivers; coaches call it "worse than children."

• Recommendations from the field: stronger top‑down leadership and accountability, concrete support for dealing with parents, and expanded training/educational resources.

The full PDF report is within a lesson at the course, CYA as part of the Learning Management System of the International Swim Coaches Association at Read.SwimISCA.org.

• Direct link to the report, PDF, 4.3mb, 94 pages.

• https://iscaart.sirv.com/wp/pdf/Coaches-Survey-Report-SafeSport-1-28-26.pdf

• Direct link to the CYA course.

• Direct link to Read.SwimISCA.org.

• Link to the Headquarters site for ISCA.org.

The path to elite swim coaching isn't what you think—mentors, conversations, and unspoken rules are more powerful than any degree or software.

Episode #84 of Heavy Or Not, The OG Swim Guide explores truths behind elite swim coaching with insights from a 2023 international survey of 123 top coaches. Discover how these pros actually learn, coach, and use (or ignore) technology. And, we wonder have things changed so much in the past few years.

• Peer‑to‑peer learning dominates – 89% say conversations with other coaches are their primary knowledge source.
• Mentorship matters – 81% have a mentor; over three‑quarters rate that relationship as "extremely influential."
• Coaching philosophies evolve – 97% report their approach changes over time, driven by reflection and "episodic" experiences.
• Technical expertise over communication – Hard‑skill knowledge tops the list of coach priorities; communication ranks near the bottom.
• Tech and education split – Only ~52% use performance‑analysis software, while university‑educated coaches are far more likely to read research, adopt LTAD models, and employ advanced tools.

You'll be shocked how elite swim coaches actually learn—it's not through certifications, but a surprising underground network of mentorship and peer wisdom.

Even though swimming feels ultra‑individual in the water, self‑discipline (62.3%) and self‑confidence (58.4%) outrank "team mentality" as the top life‑skills coaches want their athletes to develop. In a sport where you're literally alone in a lane, those inner traits are the real secret sauce.

Discipline ranks high. Communication ranks low. The world's top swim coaches are flipping everything we thought we knew about leadership on its head.

1. Soak in the episode now.
2. Then join the conversation – hit reply with your thoughts, questions, or a coaching story you want us to explore next.
3. Become an ISCA member (just $75) for unlimited access to our Global Library at Read.SwimISCA.org, exclusive content, and the learning laboratory we're building with WAFSU.org. 

Thanks for being part of the swim‑coach community. Your curiosity fuels the next lap!

Stay warm and buoyant,

Mark Rauterkus
Host, Heavy Or Not – The OG Swim Guide
International Swim Coaches Association (ISCA)

P.S. Got a friend who'd love these insights? Forward this link -- HON.LAP.red —let's keep the ripple effect rolling!

Heavy Or Not, The OG Swim Guide, episode #86, goes to the realm of a TRACK coach. Much of the planning is similar to swimming and other sports.

Unlock the secret behind elite performance: a step‑by‑step guide to building a winning training matrix. Learn how to turn a chaotic schedule into a precise, adaptable roadmap for any athlete.

• The three‑tier hierarchy: training plan, program, and matrix explained
• Coach Jose's 8‑week sprint matrix: phases, intensity, volume, and recovery
• How to progress workouts safely while boosting performance
• When and how to adjust the matrix for real‑world athlete needs
• Core coaching principles: athlete‑centered design, balanced structure, and recovery importance

The full seminar is available, for free, at the website, https://WAFSU.org. A course there is called, Bygone Seminars. Login and pay nothing. 

Dennis and Coach Mark host weekly seminars on Saturdays. Join in and then you can ask your questions to the expert coaches.

1. Why a Structured Plan Is Critical for Athletes

• "Wing‑it" = high risk of overtraining, injury, and uneven development
• Inconsistent performance when peak condition is left to chance
• Planning hierarchy: Training Plan → Training Program → Training Matrix

2. The Three Levels of Planning

• Training Plan – 30,000‑foot view; season‑long roadmap, ultimate goal, timeline
• Training Program – Detailed roadmap; phases (general prep, pre‑competition, etc.), weekly objectives
• Training Matrix – Day‑to‑day "coach's bible"; specific exercises, reps, intensities for each session

3. Building an 8‑Week Matrix – Coach Jose Case Study

• Six basic steps

  1. Start with competition date, work backward
  2. Set phase‑specific goals
  3. Choose key skills to develop
  4. Plan intensity, volume, recovery
  5. Assemble high‑level program
  6. Populate the matrix

• Four clear phases

  • General Preparation – Build foundation
  • Specific Preparation – Hone speed
  • Pre‑Competition – Sharpen race rhythm
  • Taper – Reduce workload, maximize recovery

• Week 1 (General Prep) sample matrix

  • Monday: High‑intensity acceleration
  • Tuesday: Lower‑intensity tempo run (active recovery)
  • Wednesday: Hard max‑velocity work
  • Thursday/Friday: Rest days
  • Saturday: Full‑body circuit (moderate load)

• Week 2 – Progressive Overload

  • Same exercises, but:
    • Acceleration effort ↑ to 100%
    • Jump repetitions increased

• Phase 3 (Pre‑Competition) shift

  • Goal moves from building fitness → sharpening skills & race rhythm
  • Volume ↓ to limit fatigue; intensity stays very high
  • CNS kept "firing" for peak performance

• Taper Week

  • Workouts become almost rest‑like
  • Light activities to keep CNS primed
  • Primary aim: full physical & mental recovery for race day

4. Flexibility & Real‑World Adjustments

• Matrix is a guide, not a set of immutable commandments
• Coach must watch for warning signs: excessive fatigue, aches/pains, external stress (e.g., school exams)
• If red flags appear → adjust matrix immediately
• Two core coaching principles:
  1. Know the athlete as an individual (age, history, life context)
  2. Avoid classic pitfalls – e.g., treating recovery days as optional

5. Key Takeaways / Coaching Principles

• Balance structure with flexibility – a solid plan + the ability to adapt
• Athlete‑centered planning – design around the person, not just the goal
• Recovery is a training component, not the absence of training
• Evolve the plan alongside the athlete – continuous monitoring & tweaking

6. Seminar Context & Call‑to‑Action

• Concepts presented at a recent UCSSC & WAFSU seminar (Saturday)
• Invitation to attend future seminars; resources available at wafsu.org
• Archived seminars (track & field, aquatics) also on the site
• Closing note: thanks for subscribing & encouraging peers to explore "Heavy or Not."

Welcome to episode 85 of Heavy Or Not, The OG Swim Guide, where we reveal a grant proposal to the Remake Learning Network to build an AI‑powered Coaching Wizard for youth swimming programs. We'll explain the vision, the tech, the partnership model, the budget, and the roadmap to launch.

• The core concept: AI as a connector, not a director, to spark reflection and conversation.

• How the Coaching Wizard works: personalized prompts, voice/text reflections, and 3‑D avatar feedback.

• The ecosystem of partners: schools, nonprofits, tech developers, national coaching networks, and media.

• Funding breakdown: $92 K total, $50 K grant request, $42 K in‑kind partner contributions.

• 12‑month rollout plan: co‑design workshops, pilot launch, storytelling phase, and final evaluation.

1. AI as a Connector, Not a Director
   We flip the usual AI‑fear script. The Coaching Wizard isn't a boss—it sparks conversation, reflection, and real‑world connections between kids, coaches, and mentors.

2. See Learning in 3‑D
   Imagine a digital avatar that mirrors a swimmer's stroke in real time. Those visual cues make progress tangible—no more "I feel I'm getting better" guesswork.

3. Co‑Design From Day One
   The project runs a summer co‑design workshop where middle‑schoolers actually help build the tool. Their voice shapes the AI, not the other way around.

4. Kids Become Teachers
   One of the biggest shifts? Youth teaching youth. The plan trains middle‑school swimmers to mentor younger kids, creating a confidence‑boosting feedback loop.

5. Tech That Serves People
   The Coaching Wizard is built for connection—it prompts reflection, guides dialogue, and fuels empathy, proving tech can be a bridge rather than a surveillance device.

Catch the full video in the link above and also on our YouTube channel, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts.
We've also dropped a quick link to the proposal on LAP.red if you want to see the grant application yourself.

From rigged playoff paths to disappearing rivalries, NCAA Division I football has become less about performance and more about power. In this summary of the 4Rs.org reform proposal, we explore a bold new structure: 80 top teams, regional pods, and real accountability with promotion and relegation.

Whether you love or hate the idea, this plan puts fairness, geography, and competition back at the core of the game.

• Comment your thoughts — would your school survive under this system?

• Share this with fellow fans, athletic directors, or anyone in the college football world.

• Full source materials and visuals: [4Rs.org]

Episode #83 – Heavy or Not: The OG Swim Guide

In Episode 82 of Heavy or Not, Mark Rauterkus and Barry Healey break down how relegation and promotion work in European soccer and why these concepts could transform American sports. They dive into the mechanics, incentives, and how a U.S. version might look.

• How parachute payments soften the financial blow for relegated clubs

• The playoff system that lets teams 3‑6 fight for promotion

• Real‑world examples: Wolves beating Man U, Canadian owners climbing from the bottom

• Why a tiered "two‑tier" college football model could succeed in the U.S.

• Applying relegation concepts to MLB and other American leagues to curb public‑funded stadium builds and keep competition fierce.

Details of the college football reform structure elsewhere at the Substack and also with the Sports Reform web site, https://4Rs.org.

Also see:

• https://rauterkus.substack.com/p/fsb-regional-pods-explainer
• https://4Rs.org

College football needs a structural reset, and Mark Rauterkus lays out a clear, geography‑first plan for a top‑flight "pod" system.

In this episode we break down the proposed 80‑team tier, regional pods, and how promotion and relegation would work.

• The 80‑team "top tier" built on performance, not brand prestige.
• Eight regional pods (Gridiron, Trench, Tackle, Pressure, Block, Blitz, Huddle, Grandstand) and their member schools.
• Promotion/relegation: yearly movement of five teams between the top tier and sub‑tiers.
• Preserving traditional rivalries and reducing travel through geographic clustering.
• How the model controls spending, improves competitive balance, and gives every program a pathway forward.

Rethinking College Football: A Geographic Pod System for Competitive Balance and Tradition

"Imagine a season where every game matters, every rivalry lives, and the only thing that moves you up or down is what happens on the field—welcome to the pod‑powered future of college football."

In this episode you'll learn:

• The history of Cal Baptist's swim program from NAIA champs to Division I.

• How facility decisions and budgeting errors contributed to the cut.

• The impact of Title IX and NCAA rules on men's non‑revenue sports.

• Coach Friederang's perspective on recruiting, performance analytics, and athlete development.

• Community reactions and ideas for preserving swimming opportunities (club teams, alumni support, etc.).

We hit "publish" on an episode with newsworthy significance that covers the shocking cut of Cal Baptist University's men's swim & dive program. Hear from longtime CBU coaching helper, Steve Friederang, the episode unpacks the history, the politics, and the human stories behind a decision that's shaking the college‑swim world.

1. A Quick History Lesson

   • From NAIA champions to Division II glory and the bold leap to Division I—discover how CBU's rapid ascent set the stage for today's dilemma.

2. Why the Axe Fell on the Men's Team

   • Steve explains the "budget‑vs‑Title IX" crunch, the ripple effect of big‑sport revenue, and why the women's program survived while the men's didn't.

3. The Hidden Cost of Going Division I

   • Learn how NCAA rules forced CBU to treat all sports as Division I, inflating compliance costs and squeezing smaller programs.

4. What You Can Do About It

   • From sharing your own stories on our site to joining upcoming webinars, see concrete ways you can amplify the voice of "cut" programs and help protect future teams.

5. The Future of Swimming at CBU (and Beyond)

   • Hear about the club‑team proposal, alumni‑run training groups, and why some coaches argue the university should re‑evaluate its Division I status altogether.

We hate to report on this type of story again. It is more than just a single sports team. Here is another sad snapshot of how athletics, finances, and policy intersect in today's collegiate world. Enough is enough. Whether you're a swimmer, a coach, a parent, or just a curious fan, there's something in here for you. And, we're putting out a call to action with some webinars where you can share your comments.

1. Watch the episode now:

2. Join the conversation: Head over to HON.LAP.red, drop your name, email, and a comment. We'll add you to our mailing list and keep you in the loop for the next webinars.

3. Share your story: Got a personal experience with a program cut or a club team thriving? Submit it on the form—your voice could be featured in a future episode!

4. Spread the word: Forward this email to teammates, coaches, or anyone who cares about keeping swimming (and all sports) alive on campus.

Thanks for being part of the Heavy Or Not community. Your curiosity and passion keep the dialogue flowing.

Stay safe and buoyant,
Mark Rauterkus
Editor, Heavy Or Not, The OG Swim Guide podcast
HON.LAP.red and this Substack!

She had a proposal to slash $600 K in sports programs and the comprehensive counter‑proposal helped keep those programs alive. It wasn't a victory, but it wasn't a defeat.

Coach Mark walks through the financial, strategic, and community arguments that turned a budget cut into a reform opportunity.

• The district's cut list (high‑school swimming, tennis, golf; middle‑school volleyball, wrestling; all intramurals) and the $600 K savings claim.

• Highlights from the 45‑page "Alternative to Fewer Sports" position paper that challenged the cuts.

• How the paper reframed athletics as a revenue source—e.g., the PPSH2O citywide aquatics model.

• The three‑step reform plan: community‑led task force, an Olympic‑sports incubator, and lobbying for flexible state rules.

• The broader value of sports: scholarship dollars, academic gains, attendance boosts, and community pride.

Sadly, the biggest blocks come from those at the top of the organizational chart — the superintendent of schools, the mayor, the athletic directors, the league administrators.

https://aforathlete.fandom.com/wiki/Fewer_Sports_Alternatives_(position_paper)

https://notebooklm.google.com/notebook/8afb93c2-e0db-43be-92af-0c7c45a22211

• Coaching philosophy: discipline, patience, and individual attention as the foundation for swimmer development.

• Essential safety & pool‑management practices (pre‑session checks, shadowing, emergency preparedness).

• Setting clear parent‑coach boundaries and communication rules.

• Teaching fundamentals for 10‑and‑under swimmers: water confidence, breathing, kick drills, and fun‑based skill games.

• Sample 60‑minute session structure and effective motivation/ethics strategies for young athletes.

Mastering Youth Swimming: Discipline, Fun, and Fundamentals with Coach Yash Daryanani

Building Confident Swimmers: Goldwater Coaching Philosophy, Safety, and Parent Boundaries

From Pool Deck to Olympics: Coach Yash's Blueprint for Developing Young Athletes

Discipline, Patience, Individual Attention: Core Values for Successful Swim Coaching

Essential Safety Checks and Pool Management Tips for Youth Swim Programs

Fun Games, Agility Drills, and Technique Fundamentals for Under‑10 Swimmers

Managing Parent‑Coach Boundaries and Maintaining Professional Ethics in Competitive Swimming

Effective Communication Strategies to Motivate and Protect Young Swimmers

Goldwater Level One Coaching: Structured Sessions, Technique Reviews, and Progress Tracking

Overcoming Common Beginner Mistakes: Kicking, Breathing, and Body Position Solutions

Barry Healey cares about the coaching profession and aims to improve sports

In this candid conversation, episode #77 of Heavy Or Not, The OG Swim Guide, coaches Barry Healey and Mark Rauterkus discuss the real‑world challenges of running a swim program. Wellness matters to those on the pool decks. Burnout to compliance…. They sharing practical tricks that actually work. Learn how small changes can protect coaches, calm parents, and boost program growth.

What you'll discover:

• The hidden costs of coach burnout and why many lack a support system.

• Proven strategies for managing young swimmers and easing parental stress on race day.

• How a simple "whistle‑and‑wait" routine cuts chaos and keeps kids on schedule.

• Designing bite‑sized, interactive coach training that fits busy lives.

• Using the LAP (Lifestyle Aquatics Programming) platform to turn swimmers into repeat, paying customers

1. What are the biggest hidden costs (time, emotional, financial) that coaches like Barry experience, and how can clubs help mitigate them?

2. Barry mentions that many coaches feel "stubborn" and resistant to change. What strategies could a swim program use to foster a culture of openness and continuous improvement among staff?

3. How does the lack of a formal support system (e.g., a "chaperone" or mental‑health resource) affect coaches, athletes, and parents, and what low‑cost solutions could fill that gap?

4. The story about the senior referee orchestrating a calm "first‑year" session demonstrates a simple yet powerful intervention. What other "small‑scale" practices could be replicated to reduce stress for young swimmers and their families?

5. Barry talks about coaches being sued for either bullying or "lack of attention." How can a swim club create clear policies and documentation that protect both coaches and athletes while still encouraging a supportive environment?

6. In what ways do mandatory requirements (CRB checks, first‑aid certification, etc.) serve as a quality‑control model for swim programs, and how might those standards be leveraged to market the program to parents?

7. The conversation touches on the need to break down online courses into bite‑size chunks for busy coaches. What are the most effective formats (micro‑learning, webinars, interactive PDFs, etc.) for delivering professional development in this context?

8. How can swim programs balance the tension between keeping fees affordable and maintaining high‑quality, "must‑have" resources that justify a premium price point?

9. Barry and Mark discuss the importance of "win‑win" outcomes for both coaches and the organization. What specific metrics or feedback loops could be implemented to measure and reinforce these mutually beneficial results?

10. Considering the moderator's "playbook" (capture swimmers → generate leads → convert → get reviews → reactivate), what role should community building and storytelling play in each stage, and how can clubs authentically integrate them into daily operations?

Nicole's heavy lift. A vision for data collection for swimming instruction.

She aims to fill the research gap and is planting seeds for scientific validation for all types of aquatic developmental benchmarks.

She also outlines the vision for a secure, comprehensive database to track developmental and adaptive outcomes.

In this episode, #76, of Heavy Or Not, The OG Swim Guide, you'll hear from the ambitious instructor in Georgia and learn:

• Why current swim‑lesson reporting (e.g., Red Cross) misses critical information like caregiver involvement and birth order.

• How Joyful Waters combines trauma‑aware, developmentally‑informed methods for babies, kids, and adults.

• The plan to build a secure, national database that collects detailed learner and instructor data for IRB‑level research.

• Real‑world applications: adaptive swimming for children with special needs and preparation for Customs & Border Patrol swim tests.

• Steps instructors and parents can take today to start contributing data and improving aquatic education outcomes.

In this episode of Heavy Or Not, we dive deep into Coach Ron Usher's 30-day growth system built for young water polo players but powerful for any athlete striving to improve.

From mindset to skill development to daily habits, this episode unpacks the core principles behind real athletic progress — consistency, clarity, and character.

Whether you're in the pool, on the field, or chasing personal goals, this playbook offers a step-by-step approach to getting better without burning out.

🧠 Discover how to:

• Take an honest self-assessment

• Turn vague dreams into actionable goals

• Build daily momentum through check-ins

• Make progress that actually sticks

SUBSCRIBE to the Heavy Or Not Podcast for more elite mindset and training insights
📤 Send this episode to a teammate or coach who needs to hear it
📘 Grab the journal Coach Usher created → Link in the show notes!

Buy the ebook on Gumroad.com.

Unlock the secrets behind mastering the 400 IM with elite coach from India, Partha Pratim Majumdar. Learn the strategic, aerobic, and mental tools that power world‑record swims like Phelps and Marchand.

In this video you'll discover:

• Why the 400 IM is a strategic race, not just brute strength nor conditioning, and how the "lactate penalty" impacts performance.
• How to build a massive aerobic engine by focusing on long‑axis strokes (freestyle & backstroke).
• The "200‑meter rule" and why mastering each 200 -meter stroke guarantees a smoother 400 IM.
• Training methods for negative splits, including progressive 400 IM intervals and race‑pace simulations.
• Mental‑strength drills that turn physical training into unstoppable confidence for race day.

The full seminar and clinic on the 400 IM is in the course of bygone sessions at WAFSU.org.

Be sure to check out and subscribe to the World Aquatic Federation of Schools & Universities at WAFSU.org -- supported by the International Swim Coaches Association at SwimISCA.org and also by UCSSC. 

"From Drowning Stats to Million‑Dollar Swim Schools: How Coaches Turn Pools into Profit (and Safety)‑First Empires"

Swim Coaches Can Earn Six Figures by Adding Structured Lesson Sessions

The Australian Success Secret: Integrated Lesson Programs Drive Performance and Profit

In this episode, Steve Friederang breaks down why every swim coach should run a lesson program—and how it can become a serious revenue stream while boosting safety and recruitment. 

He shares real‑world numbers, proven strategies, and the pitfalls to watch out for.

• Why lesson programs are essential for recruiting elite swimmers and keeping kids safe.
• The financial upside: a simple model that can generate six‑figures annually.
• How to structure lessons (group size, pricing, scheduling) for maximum profit.
• Leveraging partnerships with organizations like ASCA and the American Swim Teachers Association.
• Navigating insurance and legal hurdles to set up a successful swim school.

See: https://UCANSwim.org

Safety Dilemma and League Issues. Have mercy on the Foxes as they are sly!

In episode #72 of Heavy or Not we break down the bizarre "vote‑of‑no‑confidence" resignation tactic of a Fox Chapel Area high‑school coach and its athletic department. Sure, there is a deeper safety and fairness crisis driving it. Plus, I'm certain some wire pullers are lurking like sly foxes do.

We also explore the district's league‑restructuring proposal and why athletic reform matters now more than ever.

What you'll learn:

• How a coach's "negotiated surrender" forces parents to vote on his job.

• The safety risks caused by extreme roster size mismatches in high‑school football.

• Fox Chapel's three‑step data‑driven plan to create balanced, safer leagues.

• Why some districts are considering alternative fall sports like water polo and swim.

• Ongoing calls for broader athletic reform—from high‑school leagues to college‑level playoffs.

Coach Barry Healey, BC, Canada, and Mark Rauterkus, International Swim Coaches Association in the USA, break down the roadblocks and propose concrete steps.

Why coaches aren't at the table with health and policy makers.

The tangled insurance landscape (LEI, Lloyd's, Marker, SwimBC, Swim Canada, Club Policies) and coverage gaps.

Three major risks for professional coaches:

1. intimidation,

2. defamation, and

3. performance issues.

Strategies for coach retention, education, and making the profession sustainable.

Action items: advocacy, quizzes, and partnerships to drive change in the swimming community. More at the course, CYA at Read.SwimISCA.org. Inside the Coaching Crisis: Insurance Loopholes, Board Exclusion, and the Fight for Fairness.

Free CYA Course with additional details is at https://Read.SwimISCA.org

Take a peek at Coach Jonty's holistic approach to athlete development and the geopolitical factors shaping swimming. This clip highlights a few insights from Jonty Skinner's recent WAFSU seminar.

In this video you'll learn:

• How Coach Jonty connects with kids and leverages holistic development.

• The genetic and regional patterns that produce world‑class runners and swimmers.

• South Africa's historical impact on elite athletics and its modern swimming scene.

• Emerging swimming talent from Tunisia and broader African nations.

• Where to watch the full two‑hour seminar on wafsu.org and how to stay updated.

https://WAFSU.org

The Swim Team Song You Didn't Know You Needed

You won't believe what happens when AI writes a holiday anthem for swim teams heading into Christmas break!

Episode #68 of Heavy Or Not, The OG Swim Guide drops a brand new AI-generated song to launch your holiday training with serious vibes!

This AI-generated track is about to become your new favorite swim team anthem for winter break. Okay, we let AI take over the studio. Do you have room on your holiday training playlist, for travels, for guilt trips, for staying motivated? Happy to give you all something fun to kick off your Christmas season. Don't skip this episode.

AI + swim culture = a podcast moment you'll never forget.

• Steve Friederang drops in to share his wisdom.

• Thanks to Coach Kile for raising this concern of winter breaks in a prior episodes.

Matt made signs and took them to the recent games and sent a letter to the President of Penn State University to support Terry Smith.

It seems like you are under a lot of pressure to deliver a national championship.

You may not remember me, but we met briefly in the Marriott lobby the day before the Rose Bowl. You were kind enough to record a quick, encouraging message for my friend's wife while she was battling cancer. That moment stayed with me—and with my friend—for a very long time. That video meant more to their family than you could ever know.

From a fan of over 30 years who embodies what it means to be a true Penn State supporter, I'll be brave enough to say this: it is okay if we do not win a national championship. If we define success solely—or even primarily—by that single standard, we risk losing the joy, purpose, and identity of what it truly means to be a Penn Stater. If we stay true to the mission and values Penn State Football has always stood for, the results—and the championships—will come in time.

I say that not because I don't want to see Penn State win a national championship in my lifetime. I absolutely do. I say it because of what I've observed across the college football landscape—the game I love—where an unreasonable belief has taken hold among countless fan bases, a belief that has distorted—and in many cases captured—the love, enjoyment, and true purpose of what college football is all about.
There is a growing notion that because of the transfer portal and constant player movement, national championships can be won overnight. And if they are not, then the season—and even the purpose of a football program—is labeled a failure.

That belief is utterly false.

Would it be the worst thing in the world to pause for a moment and reflect on what our true mission is for Penn State Football in this process?

• Is it to win at all costs?

• Is it to make every last penny possible?

• Or is it to build something we can proudly tell our kids—and the next generation—about, something "We Are" proud to protect and build?

I've been a Penn State fan for over 30 years. I've collected more than 100 game-worn jerseys, flown all over the country for bowl games, and flown back several times a year while living in Hawaii—often a 35-hour round trip—just to be in Beaver Stadium supporting my team. I also took my son to his first Penn State game at just five months old—the Rose Bowl. Along the way, I've formed genuine relationships with other fans, coaches, and players because my support has always been authentic and rooted in love for this program. Some people know me simply as Matt from pennstatejerseys on Instagram.

After tough losses, I still find myself asking a familiar question: Why do I watch Penn State Football?

The answer never changes—it's the people, not just the outcome.

Every fall Saturday, Beaver Stadium is packed, and "We Are" chants unite this community in a way nothing else can.

I also want to be transparent.

I am the individual who printed 150 "Hire Terry Smith" signs and personally handed them out at the Nebraska game—followed by another 500 signs at the Rutgers game. I did this for one reason only: to show visible, genuine support for a man who has spent his career serving Penn State without fanfare, leverage, or entitlement.

This was not about attention, pressure, or influence. It was about standing up for a coach who does not have a powerful agent shaping his narrative, who is not represented by a major agency, but who has consistently served this university with humility and loyalty—without asking much of anything in return.

It was a simple gesture of respect—for service, commitment, and belief in what Penn State Football is supposed to represent.

I want my children to care deeply about things—and to see that their father did everything he could to stand up for someone he believed needed a true voice, simply to get the conversation started about being seriously considered for this job.

Over time, the bigger picture has become clearer to me, and that clarity has only made Penn State Football more meaningful.

Purpose Before Position:

We tell Penn State students—and our kids—all the time: find something you truly love, and you'll never work a day in your life. When someone is driven by passion and purpose, that energy leads not only themselves, but everyone around them, toward success.

The opposite is also true.

When someone is motivated primarily by money, titles, promotions, or simply the next job on the résumé, they often find themselves stuck in a constant cycle—one that is never fully satisfying and never deeply purposeful.

When I look around college football today, that is exactly what I see in many coaching searches and coaching careers. Too often, coaches are not building something—they are chasing something. The result is constant turnover, fractured locker rooms, and programs that never quite know who they are.

Purpose matters. Motivation matters. And who a leader is when no one is watching eventually shows up everywhere.

Culture, Fit, and Why It Matters More Than Ever:

One of the biggest mistakes across college football today is schools cycling through head coaches like cheap shoes—constantly chasing the next résumé, the next scheme, the next quick fix—while ignoring the most important characteristic of a head coach: the ability to understand culture, lead people, mentor, and motivate young boys into men.

As the saying goes in business, culture eats strategy for breakfast. College football is no different.

Look at Kirby Smart at Georgia. He played there. He understands the expectations, standards, and identity of that program. His success is amplified because his leadership is rooted in authentic connection—something that cannot be replicated by someone passing through.

The same is true with Brent Key at Georgia Tech. He played there. He knows the institution. The culture he is rebuilding is credible because it's personal—and it's working.

And consider Kalani Sitake at BYU. He played there, served a mission, and embodies the values of the school. His ability to lead, motivate, and develop young men is amplified precisely because he fits the culture.

In every one of these cases, coaching ability is magnified by cultural alignment. These leaders are not installing culture—they are living it.

That brings me to Penn State.

Terry Smith is Penn State.

He represents service, success, honor, integrity, humility, and stewardship. He understands what it means to lead young men at this university—not just as athletes, but as people. He has earned trust through years of quiet, consistent leadership.
He mentors. He motivates. He holds standards. And he treats coaching not as entitlement, but as a privilege.

In an era when college football feels increasingly transactional, Penn State has the opportunity to choose alignment over impulse—leadership over trend—culture over constant churn.

If you choose to hire him and give him the time and opportunity to lead, and for some reason it ultimately does not work out, you will still have my full support—and the support of the people who matter most—to make another hire. You should not be held to the same unreasonable, reactionary standards that athletic directors across the country are holding themselves and their coaches to. No one is asking for promises or guarantees. We are simply asking for an opportunity; an opportunity to let a leader who understands this program, this culture, and this responsibility be given a chance to succeed. History shows us that the greatest athletic directors and leaders—the ones who are ultimately remembered—are those who had the courage to take chances and the conviction to believe in their own people.

In Closing:

Dr. Pat Kraft, you have a unique opportunity in front of you—one that very few athletic directors truly recognize while they are living it. By choosing to prioritize culture and purpose over short-term pressure and outside noise, you have the chance to build something at Penn State that endures far beyond any single season, record, or headline. If you choose that path, it will define your legacy here in a way championships alone never could. While many of your peers across college football continue to miss this moment—cycling through coaches, chasing trends, and slowly losing their identity—you have the opportunity to lead differently. To protect what makes Penn State special and to build something rooted in belief, alignment, and integrity. That kind of leadership does more than shape a program; it leaves a lasting legacy—one that your family can be proud of long after your time in this position has passed, and one that will be remembered at Penn State for generations.

From a fan who cares,
Matt Wolosz

UPJ Might Be the Best Kept Secret in College Swimming. D2 schools can attract elite talent, and Coach Kile Zimmer is building at UPJ. He might change your mind about the value of a branch campus!

From Dubai to Johnstown – This Coach is Recruiting Worldwide too. Coach Kile Zimmer isn't just building a swim team, he's crafting a campus community. Hear how he's reaching athletes from India, France, Brazil, and beyond.

Understand what makes a coach go from good to unforgettable. Coach Zimmer reveals the one thing most coaches overlook, but he lives by.

The #1 Cause of Death for Kids Under 8… And What This Coach is Doing About It This episode goes deeper than college competition. Coach Zimmer is on a mission from God to prevent childhood drowning. In his past position in an assistant at a rural college campus, he taught 200 kids to swim.

One of his prior club swim teams, with just 48 swimmers, produced elite athletes who dominated at Spring Juniors? Coach Zimmer shares how he built a powerhouse in a tiny town. Now he is gearing up for the next challenge of building a program at D2 UPJ.

"Serve selflessly and inspire through swimming."

This philosophy shows up repeatedly in his words and actions:

• He volunteers with USA Swimming and values giving back without expecting anything in return.

• He emphasizes building relationships, not just recruiting stats.

• He talks about instilling a love of swimming and helping others reach their potential—whether that's coaching kids, mentoring

  coaches, or serving underserved communities.

• He refers to his mission as a "calling from God" to help people through swimming—from preventing childhood drownings to developing elite athletes.

In his own words:

"When you're blessed to help people… you instill the love of swimming and inspire them. It's my mission from God. That's what I do in life.".

That's the heartbeat of his message—and it's powerful.

From Tears to Triumph: How St. Francis Swimmers Stayed Strong After Division Change

There is no playbook on that heavy administrative downgrade.

The Coach‑Athlete Relationship: Trust, Recovery, and Performance in Collegiate Swimming

Balancing Academics and Athletics: Affordable Tuition and Scholarship Strategies at UPJ

Recruiting with Heart: Why Coach Zeller Prioritizes Team Fit Over Finances

Taper Strategies Across Sports: Lessons from Wrestling Applied to Swimming Success

Embracing D3 Opportunities: Why St. Francis's Division Drop May Benefit Swimmers

Inside a Growing Swim Team: Challenges, Bus Rides, and Community Support at UPJ

Staying Present in a Distracted World: Coach Zeller's Advice for Young Athletes

Learn how a funds its swim team, and what his day‑to‑day coaching philosophy looks like. He also shares insights on recruiting, athlete‑coach relationships, and campus collaboration.

• The transition of St. Francis from D1 to D3 and its impact on swimmers

• UPJ tuition costs, academic aid, and the limited athletic scholarships available

• Recruiting approach: honesty, fit, and keeping athletes on campus for the long term

• Coaching style: trust, communication, recovery work, and individualized stroke analysis

• Cross‑sport support at UPJ: working with wrestling, soccer, compliance, and campus resources