Sports

keg

5-Year Member
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Feb 26, 2011
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I'm entering my senior year in high school and every fall I have been swimming. However, I'm not a fast swimmer who goes to competitive meets. I also was one place short of becoming captain (it was a team vote). So after some thought, I think I want to start cross country running. Will the academy question why I did swimming for 3 years + preseason then switched to another sport? I feel the the running is more beneficial for USAFA in the long run (no pun intended!)
 
Hello Keg,

First... congrats on your passion to serve!

As for your question... Maybe a better question to ask is why do YOU want to switch to a new sport after so many years of dedication?

If it's because you just suddenly decided you don't like swimming as much, fine. But then you have to decide if that's enough of a reason to risk the impression it might make in switching. The SA's do like to see dedication.

But if it has anything at all to do with not being voted captain... then you might want to re-examine your thought process. And decide if it's a reaction you would want from an officer you reported to.
 
I'd simply stick with the swimming based upon "building upon your strengths" if nothing else. You've got three years invested and I'm sure you can improve your times. Not saying you'll be All State or anything, but showing work and improvement in times can be beneficial. I perhaps begin to see a portion of a college application essay here....
 
I'd say stick with swimming. Again if you have been training for it in the pre-season then you're already in shape for it. While cross country season started a month ago. Again if it's something to do with not being team captain prove to your teammates and coaches that the choice was wrong. Step up and lead. You could get an awesome recommendation letter from your coach.
 
Why not do both?

My DD did both her senior year. She was able to talk to the CC coach and explain the need for the running experience for USAFA. He completely understood and worked around her swim schedule. Also consider Track in the spring to make sure you are ready for all the running :smile:

But I will say the Academy does like to see commitment and in my opinion continue to swim your senior year.
 
As for your question... Maybe a better question to ask is why do YOU want to switch to a new sport after so many years of dedication?

If it's because you just suddenly decided you don't like swimming as much, fine. But then you have to decide if that's enough of a reason to risk the impression it might make in switching. The SA's do like to see dedication.

But if it has anything at all to do with not being voted captain... then you might want to re-examine your thought process. And decide if it's a reaction you would want from an officer you reported to.

I want to switch because I don't enjoy swimming like I used to. I often find myself running after practice anyway, and I figure cross country will make me that much better at running. Also, I do nordic skiing, which is very similar to cc running (practically the first 2 months of skiing is cross country) and I have a much better chance at making states for skiing than any meet-cuts for swimming.

I think I decided to do swimming for the past 2 seasons with the wrong intentions, only with the hope of becoming a captain. However, not receiving the position made me reevaluate my goals... not "quit" as a negative reaction. I guess it motivated me to improve elsewhere where I'll see more positive results. I guess it's just difficult to work towards something I know I'll only minimally improve at, no matter all the effort I've put in year after year. I'm not someone who skips practices, I'm simply not a natural swimmer.

I think I'm making the right choice, just a little late :thumbdown::bang: I don't want to mess up my dream of going to the academy! Tough decision!!!

Why not do both?

My DD did both her senior year. She was able to talk to the CC coach and explain the need for the running experience for USAFA.

My school does not allow you to do two sports unless it's soccer (mainly) and football (kicker).
 
I want to switch because I don't enjoy swimming like I used to. I often find myself running after practice anyway, and I figure cross country will make me that much better at running. Also, I do nordic skiing, which is very similar to cc running (practically the first 2 months of skiing is cross country) and I have a much better chance at making states for skiing than any meet-cuts for swimming.

I think I decided to do swimming for the past 2 seasons with the wrong intentions, only with the hope of becoming a captain. However, not receiving the position made me reevaluate my goals... not "quit" as a negative reaction. I guess it motivated me to improve elsewhere where I'll see more positive results. I guess it's just difficult to work towards something I know I'll only minimally improve at, no matter all the effort I've put in year after year. I'm not someone who skips practices, I'm simply not a natural swimmer.

I think I'm making the right choice, just a little late :thumbdown::bang: I don't want to mess up my dream of going to the academy! Tough decision!!!



My school does not allow you to do two sports unless it's soccer (mainly) and football (kicker).

With that further explanation I endorse your decision. You also have a ready answer if/when the question comes up in an interview or something. Adapt and Overcome! :thumb:
 
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