Minnesota Swim and Vibe is always making connection with others in the Minnesota Swim and Dive community to see what they are doing to help enhance the sport. We had the opportunity to connect with Aaron Rooney, diving coach at Alexandria High School, and Heath Calhoun, diving coach at Clarion University, of the Diving Pod!
These fine gentleman run a website and podcast called the Diving Pod. If you’re a diving coach, it’s heaven. They talk everything diving and have articles that are anywhere from basic diving to like uber advanced. They have amazing guests on the podcast and everything you need to fill your diving needs.
So why do I care about a diving site? First, As a high school or college coach with diving as part of your program, I believe you need to know the sport of diving. It’s part of your program and as a head coach, you are responsible for its growth and success. To me, it’s no different than a specific stroke. You may not be an expert in all of them, but you need to know them and know what they need.
Secondly, there are aspects of coaching that are sport agnostic. I have learned plenty to help my coaching from coaches in other sports. When you find coaches that are this dedicated to teaching and promoting their sport, you should listen. There’s good stuff in there, if you take the time, that you can apply to coaching swimming.
Finally, if you think swimming is underappreciated, look at diving. Many fans at a swim and dive meet will wait for diving to “take a break” and get some fresh air. In college, a diver is considered one third of a person on a roster. How many diving clubs exist in our state where kids can work year around on their craft? Name three. It’s rough man, but such a beautiful sport, and you have two guys busting their butts to make it better for anyone who is interested. That’s the really good stuff
Check out their site, check out their podcast and keep an ear open for an upcoming podcast where yours truly talks about the value of a cohesive swim and dive program and how to build it.
Vibe on Diving Pod!