Tyler Rounds (TYPHOONS 1)
Tyler Rounds has been chasing his goals hard and fast, every practice. Like the Flash, he swooshes by, nothing but a blonde blur in a jammer. Even on days where he is not practicing, one can see him in the pool, working on his kick. Between practices, we were able to catch up with Tyler and ask him a few questions. So Tyler, what has been your favorite meet this year, and why? “The mini-meets, because I got all my best times.” Mini meets are exciting! They are some of the most fun meets of the year. What strokes do you like to swim? “Backstroke and breaststroke.” Nice! Those two can be really hard on the legs. Why do you like them? “I think they’re nice and easy.” Well, then as your coach, I may have to get you to kick a little harder during practice, haha. Now Tyler, we know you are a competitor. A racer. How do you get in the zone before you race? “Dancing on the blocks.” That is fantastic. Chicken dance? Hokey Pokey? Gangnam Style? Or just crazy? I’m picturing just crazy. It has been said that swimming is a very challenging sport. It takes a lot of time and effort to improve. What would you say is the most challenging part about swimming? “You have to keep trying.” Spoken like a truly mentally tough person. When the going gets tough, the tough put their heads down and keep going! What do you like about being on Blue Wave? Is it the water? The teammates? The coaches? Getting to dive off the blocks? “Everything.” Wow, even the tough practices? That is great to hear! What are some goals you have for this year? “Work hard, and do the right thing.” Those are some of the best goals I have heard! Coach Mike would be proud! Often times swimmers get stuck just working hard. But that can get boring. The true challenge in swimming is working hard while doing the right things, like technique, kicking, streamlines, all that good stuff. I am glad you are staying focused! Enough about swimming though, we hear a lot about that every day. What are some things your teammates might not know about you? “I love the CAPS!! I play hockey.” That is awesome! I’m guessing you like hockey? “Hockey is my favorite. My brother Ryan is a Blue Wave too.” Yes, we remember your brother from earlier this year. So Tyler, what kind of healthy and delicious snacks do you love to eat? “Chocolate!” You must be one of those people who thinks chocolate is a veggie. If only it were true… Well, what kind of entertainment do you enjoy? “Dog with a Blog.” That sounds adorable! I would read that blog. Besides swimming, what do you like to do? “Play hockey, and baseball.” So an all around sports man! Nice dude. What accomplishments are you proud of outside swimming? “I’m a really good goalie, and a good pitcher.” Congratulations Tyler! So you don’t mind fast moving objects. Brave man! Last question, if you could have any super-power, what would it be and why? “To fly. It’s easier to get around.” Didn’t I just say something about flying objects? I take back what I said earlier about being like the Flash. You’re definitely a Superman kind of guy. Congratulations Tyler on being our Blue Wave Swimmer of the Month! #SOTMTyler
Andrew Char (TYPHOONS 2)
Well, the Typhoons have been just a whirl-wind of fun and improvement! The group has seen a lot of success this year, and we are so proud of everyone! Andrew Char has been helping to lead the ‘CHAR’ge with a lot of the success. Andrew has gone above and beyond the call of duty, focusing on his strokes, and being a team leader for his lane, and his age group. At the banquet this year, Andrew was honored with two individual team records, and he was one of the top fundraisers for the Swim-A-Thon! We are proud to have him as a member of the team. Let’s ask Andrew some questions! Now Andrew, with the long course season coming up fast, and you setting the course for fame and glory, can you reflect back for us and tell us what was your favorite meet this past season? “The SNOW LC Meet.” And why is that? “Because I got to swim the whole length of the pool! It’s cool. I like the challenge.” Bring it on man! Way to go! What are your favorite events to swim and why? “25 breast of course, because it’s the hardest event of all. I love breaststroke because I think it’s the most difficult stroke of all. It makes me feel good to challenge it, and be good at it!” Part of me thinks that the 1650 free is the hardest event, but you are definitely on the money with breaststroke being the most challenging stroke. It is very technical, and requires precision timing. I’m glad you are up for the challenge! How do you prepare for competition? Any secret sauces you put on your breakfast? “I stuff my face and drink lots of water. I bring a water bottle of homemade honey-water. Mom says it boosts my energy between events.” That is fantastic! I will have to try that honey water at the next meet. And I really love the idea of stuffing my face. About keeping hydrated, you know most of our bodies are made up of water. So we always need to be replenishing our cells with plenty of H2O! Besides breaststroke, what do you think is the most challenging part of being a swimmer? “Getting up early and the cold pool water.” I could not agree more. But I tell you what, it makes the rest of the day feel great knowing you have accomplished great things in the morning! What are some things you like about being a part of Blue Wave? “Great teammates and wonderful coaches. I made a lot of good friends on the team, and I’ve known all the coaches for years. I get to joke with them.” I’m very glad to hear that! I know that all of us hear at Blue Wave appreciate you too man. Do you have any goals you want to achieve in swimming? If so, how will you achieve them? “I want to own all the breaststroke records. I will work hard at practices and focus on my strokes.” That sounds like a great goal, and a great plan! We will be cheering all the way! Let’s talk more about you. What is something your teammates may not know about you? “I was born 10 pounds! Doctors told my mom that I will average out in a couple months, but I didn’t until much later. Coach Gabe taught me how to swim at swim lessons. He once told my mother I had huge ankles. That might be why for the longest time my lower body always sank.” I bet that means you will be very tall man. Keep working hard, and you will be a very VERY strong guy! Speaking of growing up strong, what is your favorite food to eat? “Bacon and burgers!” Yum! Who doesn’t love bacon? What kind of TV do you like to watch? “FOB (Fresh off the Boat), because it’s funny! I speak Chinese and it’s funny to hear it in shows.” Well that sounds funny! I don’t know Chinese, so when I watch it I might have to have you there to translate some of the jokes. What activities do you do outside swimming? “Playing with friends, watch TV, and play video games.” What accomplishments have you achieved outside swimming? Don’t be afraid to brag a bit here! “I made FUTURA, the Loudoun County gifted and talented program. Swimming made me focus and determined to succeed. No one in my class even knows what hard work is! I was the youngest player on my tackle football team, the Hornet, with AYFL. Our team had an undefeated season. And I played the entire Championship game as a running back and a linebacker with Aaron (Lee).” That is an impressive list of accomplishments man! Congratulations! I am happy to hear that what you learn here at the pool translates so well to what you do in life outside swim team. Last question, if you could have any super power, what would it be? “Speed!! I’d be fast in everything!” The Andrew, faster than a speeding bullet! Well man, congratulations on being our Blue Wave Swimmer of the Month! Keep up the great work! #SOTMAndrew
