THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1997, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Thursday, January 30, 1997 TAG: 9701290180
SECTION: SUFFOLK SUN PAGE: 14 EDITION: FINAL
SOURCE: BY BRIAN J. FRENCH, STAFF WRITER
LENGTH: 100 lines
Mike Powell has been on both sides of the pool.
Powell began his coaching career at area power Old Dominion Aquatic Club as an assistant under Bill Peak in 1984, soon after the Summer Olympics.
And Powell was still an assistant in 1989 when he saw Sandra Jones leave the club and form a competitive club called TIDE.
``There was a difference in opinion between them (TIDE) and us (ODAC),'' said Powell. ``They wanted to teach all kids, and bring them along very slowly. We wanted to be competitive.''
So wouldn't you know it: Six years later, and after 16 years in coaching, Powell became the head coach of TIDE.
After the club's previous coach departed in September 1995, Powell said, ``Most coaches looking for work already had it, and they didn't have many options.''
And Powell - at this point a head age-group coach for a swim club in Fort Eustis - jumped ship.
``They (TIDE) had made a commitment to competitive swimming,'' said Powell. ``I took the job at less than market value and told them they would need to make a five-year commitment in order for this to work. We both made sacrifices.''
To Glen Jones, the hiring of Mike Powell wasn't a means, but an end to TIDE's goal.
``We were always heading in this direction,'' the TIDE president and board member said. ``Our hiring Mike wasn't a shift in direction, but rather a catalyst towards becoming a competitive club like ODAC.''
In 1992, the club produced their first junior national qualifier in Brenda Jones, who would repeat the feat in 1993. Stephanie Jenkins - who has since left to join the Peninsula Area Swim Team - also made junior nationals in 1994.
Then came Conrad Mapp, a Cox junior with junior national credentials in the 200-breaststroke. Mapp's fifth-place finish at the last nationals is the best in club history.
``He's one of the most talented swimmers we've had here,'' said Jones.
But he almost had to do it somewhere else.
When Powell came aboard, the club had about 30 members. Suddenly, the main competition wasn't ODAC. It was fate.
``We teeter-tottered on the edge for a while,'' Powell said.
TIDE gradually rebuilt its base. In a span of 14 months, the club nearly tripled its membership. It fields teams at all age groups.
``It was a tough sell, all right,'' said Powell, who has earned an industry-best Level 5 accreditation from the American Swim Coach Association. ``It's always tough to compete against ODAC. And other clubs won't ask for the commitment that we will. But there were many people out there willing to put the time and effort in our philosophy.''
Once a new base of talent had been established - 70 percent of the TIDE membership is 10 years old or younger - the club began to aim again for its original goal: competing consistently with ODAC.
Actually, the closest TIDE has come to folding in the last year was in an erroneous Virginian-Pilot story, which had the club closing shop almost two years ago.
``When the story ran, I called Glen and asked him if I was still getting my check this week,'' joked Powell.
Still, Powell admits, selling the prospective swimmer on TIDE is difficult.
``Other clubs in the area can give options we can't,'' said Powell. ``They can offer these kids a reduced practice schedule and aren't really in it to compete. Some of these clubs are in it just to get bodies in the door.''
But both Powell and Jones say that TIDE can develop - and has developed - a share of the pie in this market.
``Both of us (ODAC and TIDE) can succeed,'' said Powell. ``Competition is good, and we both benefit from it.''
Jones credits a good working relationship with both the YMCA - TIDE members are required to be YMCA members - and the area military - home to the area's only two 50-meter pools - for TIDE's development.
``It'd be nearly impossible to practice,'' without a 50-meter facility, said Jones.
Ultimately, Powell hopes TIDE can evolve into more than just a good area club.
``My mission statement can be divided into three goals. One, to be the best club in the area. Two, to be the best in the state. And ultimately, to be the best club in the country.
``And even if we don't make all three goals, we still benefit from having been a part of the chase. So long as the means are working towards the ends, I'll be happy.'' ILLUSTRATION: Photos by L. TODD SPENCER
Conrad Mapp, a Cox junior with junior national credentials in the
200-breaststroke, is TIDE's stalwart. His fifth-place finish at the
last nationals is the best in club history.
Graphic
SWIM CLUBS
Following is a list of area swim clubs, phone numbers, and -
where applicable - contacts.
Old Dominion Aquatic Club - 683-3403
TIDE - 489-TIDE
Tidewater Aquatic Club - 471-3503, Meg Jaworowski
CYAT - 495-0682, Gary Rivera
Tri-Cities Aquatic Club - 460-3611
Salvation Army - 461-2683