Grantman

Grant's case for moving from the swim club's Allegheny Group to the PA Group

2011-09-30T06:25:00.001-07:00

Dear Coaches,

I have developed goals in swimming that will allow me to improve as a swimmer and water polo player. I hope to now gain admission into the PA group.

I tried out for and was picked as an Olympic Development Program participant through USA Water Polo. This season I hope to increase my ability in swimming to broaden my skills in the two sports. I have the opportunity to go to Colorado Springs to the Olympic Training Center in December for 5 days to play water polo in a camp/clinic. Water Polo has opened my understanding for the importance of swimming, and I want to become a serious swimmer that can handle and excel with workouts in the PA group.

Through this winter's season, I want to achieve a 25.90 second 50 free. I also want to become a respectable distance swimmer, by working to get an A time cut in the 500 free. As a secondary goal, I want to do really well in the city championships for my school, but understand the degree of a swimmer I am devoted to become beyond the needed ability to achieve this goal. I want to get a lot better in backstroke as well and my goal is to go under 1:10.00. I can devote myself to this goal because I aim to swim almost all of my middle school practices doing backstroke.

I work out every day. Often it is at the JCC, but when I am not at the JCC I am playing water polo at North Allegheny. I will do doubles for the majority of the winter with 2 hour AM practices with my school and JCC workouts along with a couple water polo practices every week. On Sundays, I will be in attendance at swimming practice in the mornings and water polo games and practices in the afternoon. Because of my water polo team and zone team through ODP, I will have to miss some practices for matches and games.

I have also competed in biking, running, and triathlon races that have helped me to get in shape and I will continue to do these to help my swimming and overall strength. I also work out and weight lift at the JCC. I think that having these additional things will help me to focus on my swimming techniques with workouts and not suffer with any conditioning breakdowns at PA practices. Next summer I want to do the Pgh. Sprint Trathloni and open water races if they return with AMS.Thanks for your help and coaching,

Grant Rauterkus

Tryouts for the ODP, Olympic Development Program, with US Water Polo are in June

2011-06-02T08:07:00.000-07:00

Grant and I will go to Philly in June for a tryout to the ODP, Olympic Development Program with USA Water Polo.

Last Splash entry

2011-02-14T08:00:00.000-08:00

Meet Date = March 19
#14 = 100 back = EntryTime1 = 1.23.71
#18 = 50 free = 33.33
#26 = 500 free = NT - 6:35.35

#59 = 100 breast = 1.35.35
#62 = 100 free = 1.11.30
#66 = 100 fly = 1.35.35
#72 = 200 free = 2.35.35

Golf Clinic

2010-09-03T07:52:00.000-07:00

A PGA event at Southpoint included a golf clinic. Grant is on the right.

Head is shaved for Middle School Swim Meet

2010-01-27T06:02:00.001-08:00

This isn't just a swim meet. It is the Middle School Swim Championships. Grant swims the 200 free and 100 free in individual events. Plus, he'll be on two relays, 200 medley relay and 200 free relay.

Grant should win the 200 without too much effort. That is the plan, at least. Then in the 100, he is a second seed next to another guy on his own team. That's the race he is going to go all out for.

Time will tell. Good luck to all. Videos expected soon.

The meet is at 2 pm at Oliver High School. The party was at the home of another swimmer.

Got to check this out soon.

2009-12-22T06:23:00.000-08:00

TeamUnify: "OnDeck from TeamUnify is a revolutionary mobile coaching tool that will enable swim coaches to coach more and administrate far less. OnDeck is FREE and connects wirelessly to BackOffice making OnDeck easy-to-use. MORE"

Play some music this season.

2009-12-22T05:40:00.000-08:00

Looping Electric Violin

2009-12-16T15:18:00.001-08:00

For 12th birthday

2009-12-06T15:34:00.000-08:00

Christmas

2009-12-05T18:22:00.000-08:00

The holidays are really feeling like they are coming fast. Everyone is starting to decorate and we have put up a lot of decorations here.

New Phone

2009-12-05T18:11:00.000-08:00

For my birthday, on the 4th, I got a new phone called the Samsung Moment from Sprint with Google. I really love it and have been downloading various apps. I am actually sending this post from it now. It's great. I hope I will be able to put more posts out now because of the convienience.

new

2009-12-05T18:10:00.000-08:00

Our Squads

2009-10-23T10:52:00.000-07:00

Pirate game! Free Tix!

2009-09-23T07:32:00.001-07:00

The Pirates beat the SD Padres, 5-1. Pirates started with 2 triples in the frist inning. First baseman, Garrett Jones, played a good game for the Pirates.

Water Polo Tournament At IUP

2009-08-30T06:38:00.000-07:00

My water polo team recently had a tournament at IUP against the Lawrenceville Prep school from New Jersey. It was a lot of fun and went really well. We had three games. The first, a boys varsity game (I played in that one.), a girls game (Some boys played in that one because we needed subs so the girls could rest, so I played a little in that one.), and a novice game (In which I played a little, and then was retired in the second half.). It was my team's overall first game, and we were happy with our results.

We had practiced for three weeks with pool time at Citiparks pools: Highland and Ammon.

I scored once in the second game, and my brother scored an amazing half court shot to cap the four goals he made. I had a good amount of assists and I played pretty well in all three games, playing the best in the varsity mens' game when I was more fresh. The only set back was that I am an eleven year old and the opposing team was made up of high school kids. I think that I can honestly say that I definitely kept with them and held my own.

I was reasonably nervous, but I guess that is understandable considering the circumstances in which I was playing, the circumstances including age and experience. It was a bit intimidating in the beginning. But when you start to really play, there are some set backs, but the rules are the over all equalizers.

Some of our 'go-to-guys' included my brother in the hole, and Tate Williams playing strong as well in different positions. We had a pretty well rounded team, and did rather well.

This is what should be eaten

2009-05-20T10:07:00.000-07:00

http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/05/090513215408.htm

Cancer Patient Meets Olympic Gold Medalist | Firstcoastnews.com | Sports

2009-05-13T12:30:00.000-07:00

Cancer Patient Meets Olympic Gold Medalist | Firstcoastnews.com | Sports: "She says swimming helps keep her spirits high and her energy up.

Coutant also finds inspiration in Olympic Gold Medalist Michael Phelps. She says they have something in common.

'He had something to overcome and he did,' says Coutant, referring to Phelps' ADHD. 'It was hard but he kept going with it and that inspired me.'

Coutant's dream has been to meet Phelps. This weekend, the local non-profit organization, Dreams Come True, made her wish come true.

Coutant and her family were flown to Phelps' hometown of Baltimore. They spent the day with him, eating lunch and watching him swim. Phelps also autographed her swim cap.

'It has definitely inspired me to try even harder and go even farther,' says Coutant.

Guys with Ties of Jacksonville is Coutant's sponsor for Dreams Come True. Dreams is the only locally based non-proft organization dedicated to fulfilling dreams of children with life-threatening illnesses.
©2009 First Coast News. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, rewritten, or redistributed."

Grant entries for Cleveland

2009-05-07T18:43:00.000-07:00

Busby - CSU Meet
MeeDate: June 19,20,21, 2009

EventNumber1: 22
Event1: 200 free
EntryTime1: 2:52.47 LCM

EventNumber2: 28
Event2: 50 breast
EntryTime2: 53.22 LCM

EventNumber3: 32
Event3: 50 free
EntryTime3: 35.24 LCM

EventNumber4: 62
Event4: 100 free
EntryTime4: 1:19.33 LCM

EventNumber5: 68
Event5: 50 fly
EntryTime5: 50.10 LCM

EventNumber6: 72
Event6: 100 back
EntryTime6: 1:39.11 LCM

EventNumber7: 98
Event7: 100 breast
EntryTime7: 1:51.92 LCM

EventNumber8: 102
Event8: 50 back
EntryTime8: 45.82 LCM

EventNumber9: 108
Event9: 100 fly = 1:53.65 LCM

50 free as part of relay and 100 free, meters, from meet on Sunday

2009-04-29T16:54:00.000-07:00

100 meters:

Lewis, Clark, Jefferson, Seaman, and other travel mates

2009-04-16T08:58:00.000-07:00

Dress rehersal #1:

Save as above but via another video server:

school humor isn't always so funny

2009-04-14T06:30:00.000-07:00

Ready to golf

2009-03-24T09:41:00.001-07:00

Grant got golf clubs

2009-03-21T06:56:00.000-07:00

Wow.

Today the boys are to go golfing, but it is going to be cold.

200 IM

2009-02-20T11:02:00.000-08:00

Idita Splash

2009-02-04T05:42:00.001-08:00

The Nome Northstar Swim Team, a USA Swimming affiliated team in Nome, Alaska, is asking for some help. They are trying to spread the word about their "Idita-Splash" fitness event. Visit their web site at www.idita-splash.com. The Idita-Splash fitness event was created at the request of Iditarod and water fans, as an event to promote physical fitness (through aquatics) in the spirit of the famous Iditarod Sled Dog Race. The Iditarod Sled Dog Race begins in Anchorage, Alaska and ends 1049 dog miles away under the finish arches in Nome, Alaska. Anyone, anywhere, can complete the Idita-Splash (while keeping themselves fit) by totaling all of their water activity minutes (lap swims, water aerobics and classes, etc.) from January 2nd to March 31st, 2009, with a goal of logging 1049 minutes. You can log your minutes anywhere you swim! They hope that we will join them for this year's event and get in the best shape of your life! Registration is $25.00 for the event, which includes an event T-shirt. For a $45.00 registration fee, you can get an event "hoody" sweatshirt. All proceeds go to the Nome Northstar Swim Team, a team of 39 swimmers aged 7-16 years old. Funds are used to pay for team costs, which includes airfare to meets, as their team has to fly at least 500 air miles to compete against their nearest USA Swim team!

19 and with a thriving business

2009-01-25T17:41:00.000-08:00

We love Star Wars, mostly

2009-01-15T09:57:00.000-08:00

Star Wars: Retold (by someone who hasn't seen it) from Joe Nicolosi on Vimeo.

Christmas Letter top ten for 2008

2008-12-15T07:47:00.000-08:00

10 Maintaining straight as through the first report period
9 Making time standards for the Junior Olympics
8 Joining a rock strings group called Xtreme Strings Orchestra (xso)
7 Thoroughly enjoying the sport of golf
6 Joining the JCC
5 Having a new president
4 Choosing a new middle school to attend next year
3 Welcoming two new kittens to our family; we have three cats: Samson, Delilah, and Sarah
2 Having the privilege to go to the Beijing 2008 Olympics
1 Completing another great year with my loving family

the17thman: Umm...excuse me. But there's a rat in my swim lane...

2008-12-08T07:59:00.000-08:00

the17thman: Umm...excuse me. But there's a rat in my swim lane...: "Heat nine was over and as we were approaching the blocks with our counters on the other end all ready to count the official told us to step back. Then he called for the lifeguard. My coach came over to let us know that a rat was swimming. Swimming in my lane. What? Yes, seems like the rats in Long Beach joined up with the Grunions to swim the 1500 SCM. After a few attempts of fishing the rat out a brave soul dove into the pool and fished out the rat with a kickboard. The race was back on."

We swam here the day before this master meet.

Happy Brithday to .... Grant

2008-12-04T07:55:00.000-08:00

Energy and Music: Venezuela Youth Orchestra

2008-11-18T10:17:00.000-08:00

Steven Vance, the leader of Extreme Strings, sent along this note and pointers:

Thought you might enjoy seeing this group from Venezuela . A musican friend had shown me this before but over the weekend it came up at the Yamaha String Educators Summit. The Dean of Music at Indiana U. (Bloomington) was discussing their new outreach program which was designed after the Venezuelan model.

These are mostly concert clips but you've never seen anything like the energy and enthusiasm. This is something like what I'd like to see Extreme Strings events become. There are more clips available once you get to YouTube.

The Promise of Music:

From Bonn:

Neighborhoodwalk (s) while in Beijing

2008-11-11T04:53:00.000-08:00

What is great to one, may not be great to another.

The Great Wall isn't my true "neighborhood." However, it is a place that was visited in 2008 and five years prior. It is a wonderful place to experience. You can't 'walk' it -- rather -- you need to "climb."

And we're less without friends. These are our Beijing friends. Photo shows Erik, Grant, Fay (Simon's mother), and Simon.

Going to swim at meet in Cleveland

2008-10-07T07:58:00.000-07:00

The Mark J. Braun Fall Classic 21-Nov-08 to 23-Nov-08 Yards
Location: Cleveland State University

Our Entries:

Rauterkus, Erik (14) JCCS-AM
# 22 Men 13-14 200 Breast seed = 2:47.47Y

# 34 Men 13-14 50 Free seed = 27.09Y

# 72 Men 13-14 100 Breast seed = 1:28.88L

# 76 Men 13-14 100 Free seed = 1:00.42Y

Rauterkus, Grant (10) JCCS-AM
# 40 Men 10 & Under 100 Free = seed = 1:11.36Y

# 44 Men 10 & Under 50 Breast seed = 53.22L

# 50 Men 10 & Under 100 Back seed = 1:26.66Y

# 60 Men 10 & Under 200 IM seed = 3:08.47Y

# 96 Men 10 & Under 200 Free seed = 2:35.41Y

# 100 Men 10 & Under 100 IM SEED = 1:25.25Y

# 114 Men 10 & Under 50 Free seed = 32.50Y

We don't watch this show, generally

2008-09-29T09:42:00.000-07:00

Nana Update

2008-09-25T07:52:00.000-07:00

Hi everyone, Especially grandchildren,

The school year is becoming routine. It was wonderful to see the game and band festival in West Chester. Joanie is a beautiful cheerleader, One of the tallest with long thin legs. They are very good. Pop Pop really liked the dances to the Bands cheers. There are girls they lift but not Joanie. (I am glad).

The band is great because they have such a good drum major. Both are very sharp. They got 2nd at the Cavalcade. I think the 1st laid down their instruments and danced. Lots of applause from other bands influenced the judges. The Guyers, like everyone is are busy.

Sorry we didn't get to visit with McLaughlins. John is back in school with arbitration going on. Geri is very busy adjusting to her job. Helen is also going to play the Bass.
She is so good with the violin, I am not sure about that.

The girls are taking aerial lessons. On a trapeze in the air. I hope they are in a harness but I am afraid to ask. Of course they love it.

Erik and Grant are busy with swimming. Erik is also running Cross-Country. Both have to make decisions about school for next year. This year, Erik stays with his friends in most of classes. He likes that. Violin lessons and Special Strings Class have started.

The Majewski family just seem to drive. Adam has an Internship at the Aviary. Twice a month he will spend a couple hours there. Martin loves the Band. I haven't made a game. Last weekend they beat Penn Hills in the last 4 seconds with a field goal while West Chester was losing in the last minute with a field goal.

Casie and Tess continue with a big commitment to North Star Kids, playing piano and Dancing a couple times a week. They will be in the Columbus Day Parade with North Allegheny Band. Cassie and Charlie made Select Ensemble in Chorus which is good because they have no room for chorus in their schedule.

Joey is enjoying pre school. Megan enjoys her mom and family. Everyone enjoys them. Katie dances,plays trumpet, swims, does gymnastics, made select ensemble and piano. She loves it all. Kelli has started Goal, does gymnastics and piano. And Charlie continues swimming and piano. Loves the Middle School.

Keep us posted with all the concerts etc.

We leave Sat. for a bus drive to New York Harbor. Sail past the Statue of Liberty to arrive in Boston the next day. Then on to Portland Maine near Kennebunkkport. A day at Sea. Next stop will be Saint John NB There is the Bay of Fundy which has the highest tides in the world and a natural phenomenon called Reversing Falls.(??).

Then on to Hallifax NS. We return home the next Sat.

We are excited. Say a prayer for us. We will miss you all.

Love,Nana

Phelps to start swimming foundation -- baltimoresun.com

2008-09-03T09:54:00.000-07:00

Phelps to start swimming foundation -- baltimoresun.com: "Phelps to start swimming foundation"

Fast Water -- Beijing Review

2008-09-03T09:53:00.000-07:00

Fast Water -- Beijing Review: "Fast Water
Beijing's Water Cube tailor made for swimming success"

CollegeSwimming.com::Kenyon's Steen Addresses Ohio State Football Team

2008-08-28T05:31:00.000-07:00

CollegeSwimming.com::Kenyon's Steen Addresses Ohio State Football Team Steen, who just returned from the Olympic Games in Beijing, spoke to the Buckeyes about the accomplishments of eight-time gold-medal swimmer, Michael Phelps. Using Phelps as an example, Steen explained that the hardest thing to do in any sport was to 'win when you are expected to win.' He also spoke of his obsession with being successful, the importance of overcoming complacency, and of avoiding expectations set by those outside of the program.

Grant and N at the Citiparks Swim Meet

2008-08-03T12:50:00.000-07:00

From playground - usa

Entry for Summer Celebration

2008-05-25T20:49:00.001-07:00

Grant P. Rauterkus
Sex: M

MetName: Summer Celebration

MeeDate: June 20, 21, 22

EventNumber1: 18
Event1: 100 free
EntryTime1: 1.26.44 LC
EventNumber2: 26
Event2: 50 back
EntryTime2: 48.39 LC
EventNumber3: 40
Event3: 200 IM
EntryTime3: 3.41.93 LC
EventNumber4: 50
Event4: 200 free
EntryTime4: 3.00.45 LC
EventNumber5: 58
Event5: 100 back
EntryTime5: 1.45.16 LC
EventNumber6: 72
Event6: 50 breast
EntryTime6: 47.93 = SCY * ONLY SCY *
EventNumber7: 78
Event7: 50 free
EntryTime7: 38.15 LC
EventNumber8:
Event8:
EntryTime8:
EventNumber9:
Event9:
Comments: All LC (Long Course) times except #72, 50 Breast.

Big Mo the tortoise, zoo's oldest resident, dies at 75

2008-03-28T10:43:00.000-07:00

Big Mo the tortoise, zoo's oldest resident, dies at 75: "The Pittsburgh Zoo announced today that Big Mo, a yellow-footed tortoise who was the zoo's oldest resident, died Sunday.

Big Mo's estimated age was 75.

A news release said he was being treated for a respiratory infection, common in older animals, particularly reptiles.

The tortoise was acquired by the zoo in 1972 as a wild-caught adult."

Wierd Al

2008-03-25T18:31:00.000-07:00

One of my favorite musical artists is Weird Al Yancovic. My favorite song of his is by far Ebay. Another of my favorites is Eat It. He really knows how to make fun of a song. From Amish Paradise to "White and Nerdy" it never gets old.

Ncaa Brackets

2008-03-24T12:48:00.000-07:00

It's March and that means NCAA tournament. My final four picks are all no.1 seeds:
University of North Carolina, Kansas, Memphis, Ucla. I don't have any upsets so I played it by the rules. My overall winner is UNC with Tyler Hansborough leading them to victory over UCLA.

Coaching Resource: keep those suits away from the kids

2008-03-14T13:39:00.000-07:00

ASCAOnline - Your Coaching Resource One of the most disturbing trends that I have seen is age group swimmers, particularly 12 and unders and 10 and unders, in the new hi-tech suits made by all the swimsuit companies, in prelims and finals of these local meets.

I agree.

50 back -- Age Group Championships

2008-02-29T08:36:00.001-08:00

Grant is slated to swim next Sunday in the Age Group Championships. Here is the psych sheet.

#104 Men 6-10 50 Yard Backstroke
Meet Qualifying: 38.39
Name Age Team Seed Time

1 Liu, Kevin H 9 USCS-AM 34.27
2 Nass, Gabriel A 10 CVSC-AM 36.10
3 Mihailescu, Andrei 10 TWST-AM 36.16
4 Baun, Ian G 10 MLAC-AM 36.35
5 Smith, Trevor E 10 ANSC-AM 36.47
6 Burkett, Nathan J 10 SVSC-AM 37.17
7 MacDonald, Colin J 10 ANSC-AM 37.41
8 Kairys, Jack L 9 ANSC-AM 37.75
9 Schmidt, Brody M 10 CVSC-AM 37.98
10 Rauterkus, Grant P 10 JCCS-AM 38.11
11 Hofmeister, Adam H 10 NHA-AM 43.38
12 Ragoowansi, Evan A 10 NHA-AM 47.78
13 Belanger, Luke D 9 NHA-AM 48.61
14 Lovasik, Brian D 10 NHA-AM 51.70
15 Tommarello, Matthew A 10 NHA-AM 53.88
16 Ragoowansi, Kieran T 6 NHA-AM 56.32
17 Belanger, Joey D 7 NHA-AM 2:02.19

I don't know what's up with NHA. I expect that they had a glitch and the entire team got entered in events. So, I expect that there will be 10 in the event. Only 8 make finals.

BB Meet entries

2008-02-19T09:22:00.001-08:00

Rauterkus, Erik (13) JCCS-AM

# 22 Men 13-14 100 Free 1:00.81Y

# 62 Men 13-14 50 Free 27.11Y

Rauterkus, Grant (10) JCCS-AM

# 36 Men 6-10 50 Free 33.31Y

# 40 Men 6-10 100 Back 1:26.66Y

# 48 Men 6-10 200 IM 3:16.10Y

# 78 Men 6-10 100 IM 1:29.78Y

# 82 Men 6-10 50 Back 41.02Y

# 86 Men 6-10 100 Free 1:13.39Y

# 98 Men 6-10 200 Free 2:39.23Y

Steve Prefontaine

2008-02-17T14:12:00.000-08:00

We enjoyed a family movie night. I got to go to the video store. They didn't have "Forrest Gump" -- so -- I got the next best one, "Pre".

We loved it.

Steve Prefontaine - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia: "Steve Roland Prefontaine (January 25, 1951 – May 30, 1975) (nicknamed Pre) was an American long distance runner. Prefontaine is considered to be among the greatest and most inspirational runners of the modern era by many of his fans, both during his lifetime and to this day. Prefontaine helped inspire a running boom in the 1970s along with contemporaries Frank Shorter and Bill Rodgers. Born and raised in Coos Bay, Oregon, Prefontaine was primarily a long distance runner who once held the American record in the five distance track events from the 2000 meters to the 10,000 meters.[1] Prefontaine had one leg longer than the other (a common condition that does not affect running speed), and due to this he was told to give up on his dream of being the fastest runner on earth.[citation needed] He is known for his extremely aggressive 'front-running' racing style and for always believing in giving a full effort. Prefontaine died at the age of 24 in a car accident."

We need to check out more and more Olympic movies in advance of the 2008 Games.

All other suggestions are welcome.

Heads up on the Last Splash Meet game

2008-02-13T08:44:00.001-08:00

Good Morning Coaches!

In keeping with the fun spirit of the last splash at NHA's Last Splash meet will be playing "Deal or No Deal." (Sorry Pete - but we had to have something to compete with last year's walking the plank!)

At the conclusion of each session, the team with the highest number of heat winners for that session will have a representative select from one of 10 "cases" (envelopes) on the deck wall. Those cases will have a task that one of their coaches must complete. It could be anything from making a paper hat out of their heat sheet, a lap of lunges or some kind of swimming event (beware of the 200 fly or 400 IM).

The coach must either complete the task or can take their chances and trade in that envelope for the envelope NHA's Board President has which will contain one of four pre-determined tasks (one for each session). The four tasks will be swim a 50 free, swim a 100 butterfly, 1 lap of lunges or just HAVE A NICE DAY (basically this is a get out of jail free card).

Hope to see you there - have a great rest of the season!

Happy Trails
Erin

Why superathletes are a step ahead - Gee-Whiz Science- msnbc.com

2008-02-09T10:38:00.000-08:00

Why superathletes are a step ahead - Gee-Whiz Science- msnbc.com: "Why superathletes are a step ahead"

Pending meet entries for B and BB champs

2008-02-05T06:06:00.000-08:00

B Meet Entries:

Rauterkus, Grant (10) JCCS-AM
# 9 Men 6-10 100 Breast 1:47.24Y
# 12 Men 6-10 50 Fly 51.41Y
# 51 Men 6-10 50 Breast 49.79Y

BB Meet Entries:

Rauterkus, Grant (10) JCCS-AM
# 36 Men 6-10 50 Free 33.31Y
# 40 Men 6-10 100 Back 1:26.66Y
# 48 Men 6-10 200 IM 3:16.10Y
# 78 Men 6-10 100 IM 1:29.78Y
# 82 Men 6-10 50 Back 41.02Y
# 86 Men 6-10 100 Free 1:13.39Y
# 98 Men 6-10 200 Free 2:39.23Y

Second game, on the road, at a charter school

2008-01-30T09:24:00.001-08:00

327 N. Negley Avenue 15206

View Larger Map

What a relay

2008-01-17T07:12:00.001-08:00

The frames at 1:20 into the clip shows the style of swimming that Grant does.

2008-01-17T06:05:00.001-08:00

Image:Canada provinces evolution.gif - Wikimedia Commons

2008-01-17T05:53:00.000-08:00

Smart kids study and know this.

Image:Canada provinces evolution.gif - Wikimedia Commons An animated GIF of the evolution of Canada's internal borders, from the formation of the dominion to the present.

Mates had a party. If Grant ever pulls this, ... don't get me started

2008-01-16T20:04:00.001-08:00

Funny Kid Isnt Sorry About Huge Party - Watch more free videos

Home | Organizers Database (ODB)

2008-01-10T08:54:00.000-08:00

Home | Organizers Database (ODB): "Does your nonprofit need to manage contacts and contributions without making a huge investment of money or time?"

Grants squad wins the Geography Bee

2008-01-10T07:07:00.000-08:00

Grant was the captain of a four-student squad and led the team to a classroom victory in the Geography Bee. The team had a few hard rounds in the first day and was way behind. But, they caught up and finished in a tie for first on the second day (last Friday). The playoff was Monday and Grant team won.

Grant reported that he found the fifth Great Lake. (see comments)

Grant has been doing a good job at attending swim practices, four in a row. Thursday is without practice and we have a violin lesson. This weekend is a USA Swim Meet. Should be with a lot of good races.

Get to bed already

2008-01-02T18:28:00.000-08:00

Study: Sleep more - weigh less!

A newsgroup, Supertraining@yahoogroups.com, had this conversation:

Sleep has been demonstrated to be an important regulator of many physiologic functions such as energy balance, appetite, and weight management. Lack of sleep has been linked to alterations in leptin and ghrelin levels (both regulators of appetite) and impaired glucose tolerance. Through these hormonal changes, long-term reductions in sleep may lead to weight gain. The link between sleep duration and obesity has been well established in adults; however, the potential association between short sleep duration or sleep problems and childhood overweight has not been well described.

Adequate Sleep Duration in Childhood May Help Prevent Overweight
> News Author: Laurie Barclay, MD CME Author: Hien
> T. Nghiem, MD

Additional information below:

Children: Study Ties Too Little Sleep With Too Much Weight

http://www.nytimes.com/2008/01/01/health/nutrition/01chil.html?
_r=1&ref=fitnessandnutrition&oref=slogin

A study of 7-year-olds has found that sleeping less than nine hours a
night was associated with being overweight or obese, even after
accounting for amounts of television watching and physical exercise.

More Vital Signs Columns »The study, being published Tuesday in the
journal Sleep, also found that short sleep duration was associated
with mood swings. The researchers had followed the subjects — 519
children in New Zealand — since birth, making periodic health and
developmental assessments and interviewing their parents.

Sleep time did not affect I.Q. scores or measures of attention-
deficit/hyperactivity disorder, but children who averaged less than
nine hours' sleep were significantly more likely than the others to
be overweight.

Using sleep monitors, the scientists discovered some other patterns
in the 7-year-olds. On average, the children stayed awake for 48
minutes after they went to bed, and slept about a half-hour longer on
weekdays than weekends. They slept the least in the summer: 40
minutes longer on winter nights, 31 minutes longer in the fall and 15
minutes longer in the spring. Having a younger sibling cost a 7-year-
old an average of 12 minutes of sleep per night.

"The study is important from the perspective of providing another
means of preventing the development of obesity," said Ed Mitchell,
the senior author and a professor of child health research at the
University of Auckland. "At least in New Zealand — and it needs to be
confirmed in other age groups — this seems to be an important factor."

Under his breath -- in class -- Grant gets in "t r o u b l e"

2007-10-19T17:37:00.000-07:00

From Mark Rauterku...

Not a good afternoon for the 4th grader. Today he had some time out with the principal. Seems he was working in a small group with two girls. Well, under his breath, he did some thinking out loud.

Thought bubbles and talk bubbles need to be different!

Motivational clinic from 8 to 4:30 on Sunday

2007-09-16T16:56:00.000-07:00

Cousin, Charlie B., in the middle, was with us last night for a sleep over and throughout the day at the clinic.

Yesterday was a big family picnic. Today was a one-day swim clinic.

Grant at Idlewild Park, on his dad's favorte ride

2007-08-24T07:54:00.000-07:00

Grant on Grant Road, in Ohio, after the WV State Swim Championships

2007-08-13T16:04:00.000-07:00

Houston Community Newspapers Online - Neighbors: Swim coach laps up life in The Woodlands

2007-07-16T12:42:00.000-07:00

Houston Community Newspapers Online - Neighbors: Swim coach laps up life in The Woodlands: It took Hurricane Katrina and a third retirement to make him slow down. Now one of the United States' most recognized swimming coaches has made his home in The Woodlands.

Great article about Coach Bower and Barbara. Only one typo, Steve Lunquist was a breastroke swimmer, not backstroke.

There's still a good chance a person could run into Dick Bower, a member of the International Swimming Hall of Fame, by a pool at the Woodlands Athletic Center. But the 76-year-old, who has had dozens of his swimmers win high school all-American honors over the years, has stepped back from the swimming scene a little.

Bower still offers private and semi-private lessons at the WAC, competes with his wife Barbara in swimming tournaments almost monthly and serves as an expert witness in legal cases that have elements that occurred under water. He just no longer manages his own swimming club and pool or coaches five college, high school and masters teams at the same time.

It was his height, more than anything, that got Bower into swimming.

While attending high school in the Buffalo, N.Y. area, the 5-foot 4-inch 10th-grader tried out for every sport but was cut because he was too short. The swimming team wasn't turned off by his lack of height, and before long he was performing well at meets and had earned a letter.

He went on to swim on his college team, even being awarded the title of captain during his freshmen year. He started coaching right out of college, and has been coaching and swimming competitively ever since.

His first coaching job was in 1952 with the Jamestown, N.Y. YMCA. Soon he began coaching the local high school team as well. The first year he had only one boy try out for the team. The boy became an all-American, and the next year 20 boys turned out.
After six years, and three state YMCA team championships, he left for Bethel Park High School in Pennsylvania. There, Bower organized a new team, taking them to a 92-8 record over the next six years.

From there, he moved on to manage the Greater Pittsburgh Swim Club. In 1966, he moved on to the Pittsburgh Club, which had never won a meet. During the next three years Bower led the club to 64-consecutive Class A and open meet wins.

Brandon, Fla. came calling next, along with the opportunity to manage a pool and run a competitive swimming school. He left the Brandon Swim and Tennis Club in 1970 to coach the Tulane University swimming teams.

Bower stayed in New Orleans for the next 25 years, coaching multiple high schools and masters' teams. His club team, the Bolts, won 38 Louisiana State Swimming championships and even traveled to Georgia to win its state championship one year.
Bower's coaching prowess resulted in a number of honors. Among his awards are a National High School Coach of the Year honor and multiple Coach of the Year awards in Louisiana.

His swimmers have achieved a number of honors as well. They have gone on to win medals in three different Olympics. One of those stars was Steve Lundquist, who set the world record in the 100-meter backstroke.

Among Bower's legacy in the swimming world is the origination of "cruise intervals." The technique is used to keep swimmers from swimming too fast and running out of energy at the end of a race or swimming too slowly and falling off their pace.
The concept, which has been adapted to other sports like running and biking, was popularized by Bower in 1971 after he discussed the technique in several swimming magazines. He developed the technique working with his friend James "Doc" Councilman in New York in the early 1950s.

Despite all his years coaching, and the thousands of hours spent at the pool, Bower still turns to swimming for relaxation and for his health.
"Health is my main thing. I don't need to be in meets, but I need to go to meets to practice," he said.

Amazingly, he continued to improve as a swimmer as he aged. While in his 40s he set his first national masters swimming records - beating his top college times at the same time.

"There's a secret," Bower said of his success at an age when many swimmers slow down. "Have slow times in college."

Ever humble, Bower downplays the success he's had in the national tournaments.
"There's a saying in masters swimming; if you live long enough you'll win.
"I'm not fast in any way," he said. "I'm just competitive with the old guys."

But he keeps swimming. Recently, Bower won four gold medals at the masters national meet; in the 50 meter, 100 meter, 200 meter and 500 meter freestyle.

His family has been a big part of Bower's life in swimming as well.

His wife Barbara joined him in the pool for the first time at age 37. For the next 17 years she improved her times, slowly getting faster and faster. She still swims, and still wins medals in masters' meets.

The couple's seven children have spent their share of time in the pool as well. Five of them committed to swimming enough to garner all-American status.
The Bowers evacuated their apartment in New Orleans in 2005, leaving ahead of Hurricane Katrina.

Loading up their suitcases, they headed to The Woodlands, where one of their daughters lives, with seven of their friends in tow. As luck would have it, their daughter had a townhouse for sale the refugees could pile into - with their three dogs and two cats.

It took the Bowers' seven trips to transport their property from their New Orleans apartment to a different townhouse in The Woodlands they leased and then purchased.
"New Orleans is no place to live right now," Bower said. "There are still
neighborhoods that don't have (basic amenities)."

To top that off, The Woodlands has everything Bower would want in a community. He's already gotten involved with the WAC, teaching clinics. These days he doesn't usually commit to a regular schedule because of the moments-notice demands expert witness testimony duties place on him.

"It's a Mecca for swimming," he said. "It has the best diving program in the country, maybe in the world."

Camp AK-O-Mak swimmer to cross the lake again -- a great lake

2007-07-16T12:21:00.000-07:00

Camp AK-O-Mak: Sam logged 82 miles in the next 10 days and the following summer (August 2006) she swam Lake Ontario in the second fastest time ever recorded by a woman! Having missed the World Record by a mere 71 seconds, Samantha Whiteside will once again swim Lake Ontario this July, 2007…her second lake swim in less than a year! Coach Joni will be by her side for the 32 mile endeavour as before, but this “A” team will involve another Ak-O-Mak sister this year. Colleen Shields will act as Swim Master for the 2007 Lake Ontario Swim. Who could be more qualified than this gutsy Ak-O-Mak Alum who ALSO conquered Lake Ontario last summer and made the record books as the oldest female to achieve a successful crossing?

At the helm

2007-06-05T14:42:00.001-07:00

Maori

2007-06-05T03:28:00.000-07:00

No Child Left Behind

2007-06-05T02:25:00.000-07:00

Grant placed a call to his classroom back in the third grade at Phillips Elementary School, PPS, on the South Side. He misses his friends, teachers and classes.

From family - travels

He told them that on Thursday afternoon, the day before his call, he had been walking around the crater of a volcano. That day he was up early to travel from Auckland, the largest city in New Zealand and up north to Christchurch, on the main land, by plane. Then we were to get onto a bus at 12:30 pm to ride with the team down the east coast of the south island to another city, Dunedin, for a swim meet for the next two days.

There seems to be a "Grant box" in the home classroom. Students could write their questions to there and they'd get passed along in nearly daily emails.

Grant did well in the swim meet. But most of all, he did very well with the trip with the team making lots of new friends over the three day journey on bus, hotel and swim pool. Grant can be very social, even with older kids. Grant was one of the younger, if not the youngest, from our team on the trip. But, Grant, the "wee one" had his big brother and parents with him as well.

In the swimming, Grant set some personal records and made it to finals in the 100 fly and the 100 back.

We're now working on the final presentations for the classroom. And, of course, we have some treats for all the classmates.

Giddy up -- and over about 8 different streams

2007-06-04T18:37:00.000-07:00

View of Queenstown from Deer Park

2007-05-29T02:55:00.000-07:00

Lord of the Rings tour guide -- and sound engineer for all three movies

2007-05-15T02:14:00.000-07:00

Grant talked with a kiwi, a sound guy for the movies -- and this day -- the tour guide. Many photos are in the album.

From lord of the r...

Rugby

2007-05-08T14:15:00.000-07:00

A few days ago I went to a rugby game, I was cheering for the team called The Crusaders. Though they lost, but it was exciting to even know what was going on.

Dear Ms. Riggle and Class

2007-05-04T03:49:00.001-07:00

Yesterday I had my first major tour. It was swimming with Hector's Dolphins. We went out on a boat from the port of Akaroa early in the morning (it is a lot like Rockport, MA but with beautiful mountains all around). We went out suited in layers of wet suits, waterproof hoods, gloves, and shoes. It is really cold in the water because this is a South facing port which means it is facing right to the Antarctic so it gets the winds and the water from there. The water was 13 degrees celcius. Any easy way to go from C to F is to multiply the celcius by 2 and add 30. So email back if you can figure out what 13 C is in F.

The Hector's Dolphins are about 4 feet long. They are the smallest oceanic dolphin in the world. As we went out looking for a pod of dolphins to swim with, we saw penguins (the white penguin) floating in the water. To actually swim with the Dolphins you have to find a pod that does not have a baby (calf) and they pod has to show interest in the boat. It takes a while to find a pod to swim with. It was very exciting to be 12 inches from a wild dolphin.

We are going to an intense rugby game tonight.

Write back soon-
Grant

posting from New Zealand to class

2007-05-01T13:12:00.000-07:00

Hi Ms. Riggle:

I am writing you at 6:30am on Wednesday and it is 2:30pm on Tuesday your time (in New Zealand they would call this 14:30).

It took two days to fly from Pittsburgh to New Zealand and we never stopped. We took off the 28th and landed the 30th. First we took a plane to Dallas, Texas. After that we got on a plane and flew to LA California. Once we were there we got ready to be on the overseas flight to Auckland New Zealand. We had one more destination to fly to and that was Christchurch, our final destination.

We've already gotten bikes and joined a swim team in forty-eight hours. We also have a violin teacher (we're pretty tired). Our house is huge and we all have our own rooms (a like jumping on the two beds in my room). We have a big backyard where I can get as dirty as I want to. It is fall here and yet it is may. The leaves are changing color and it is really nice outside. We've taken jogs multiple times and biked and swam multiple times.

So my Mom found the grocery store and asked for a pound of turkey. The man behind the counter just looked at her like she was nuts. They use the metric system. A pound would be 1/2 kilo. The turkey is good anyway.

We're mostly packed. Headed to New Zealand in the AM

2007-04-27T18:58:00.000-07:00

We depart Pittsburgh on Saturday, April 28 at noon. We arrive in Christchurch on the 30th. Stops in Dallas, LA, Auckland.

Crafton Crocodiles 2007 Swim Meets and Important Dates

2007-04-05T14:29:00.000-07:00

June 2 – Registration at Crafton Park 9 a.m. – Noon

June 6 - Registration at Crafton Park 6 p.m. – 8 p.m.

June 9 – Car Wash Fundraiser at Busy Beaver 9 a.m. – 1 p.m.

June 12 – Practice starts 9:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.

June 15 – Last day to join Crocodiles – Registration at pool 9:30 a.m. – 10:30 a.m.

June 16 – Car Wash Fundraiser at Busy Beaver 9 a.m. – 1 p.m.

June 22 – Picture Day: Individual pictures 9 a.m., Team picture 9:30, practice will start following the team picture, more individual pictures can also be taken at that time

June 28 – Flick n Float (Movie and swimming fundraiser at Crafton Pool) 8 – 10 p.m.

June 30 – Relay Carnival Meet at Scott Pool, Arrive 8 a.m., Warm-ups 8:15 a.m.

July 4 – No practice

July 5 – Dual Meet at Green Tree Pool, Arrive 5:45 p.m., Warm-ups 6:00 p.m.

July 10 – Dual Meet at home versus Scott, Arrive 4:45 p.m., Warm-ups 5:00 p.m.

July 14 – Dual Meet at Mt. Lebanon Outdoor Pool, Arrive 7:15 a.m., Warm-ups 7:30 a.m.

July 18 – Dual Meet at home versus South Fayette, Arrive 4:45 p.m., Warm-ups 5:00 p.m.

July 24 – Championships Meet at Crafton Pool, Arrive 4:45 p.m., Warm-ups 5:00 p.m.

July 25 – Froggy Frolic (Private swim team party for swimmers and their families) 8 – 10 p.m.

July 26 – All Stars Meet at South Fayette, Arrive 5:15 p.m., Warm-ups 5:30 p.m.

July 27 – Last day of practice

July 29 – Banquet and Slide Show, Crafton Park 6:00 – 10:00 p.m.

Stanford Records Allegations a Hoax

2007-04-01T17:37:00.000-07:00

CollegeSwimming.com::Stanford Records Allegations a Hoax The most bizarre story in collegiate swimming just got a little wierder. Two weeks ago, former Stanford swimmer Michael McLean made allegations that Cardinal men's swimming coach Skip Kenney had erased his and other swimmers' records from the team media guide. In a press conference today, Kenney admited that the whole ordeal was just a put-on in an effort to motivate the team prior to the men's Division I Swimming and Diving Championships.'

'We were talking about ways to fire the guys up,' said the longtime coach. 'It's pretty tough sometimes when you consider how good it is for these guys. For one, they're smarter than everyone else-it takes a 1400 SAT to even get a look. Second, they get free school (or they've got parents who can spring for $46K in tuition, room and board. They get great jobs, have hot girlfriends and get tons of free stuff from Nike.'

Opera, opera

2007-03-29T07:26:00.000-07:00

Grant gets to go to the Opera today. They got on the bus at 9 am from school.

Then again tomorrow. Grant, Erik and Catherine are going to the opera in the evening, Friday night. They leave at 6:45 pm from Brashier.

Magic Flute, I think.

Quiz: Where is the hammer head shark?

2007-02-24T10:29:00.000-08:00

From Grant

Frick Middle School's swim mascot is the blue dolphin.

Climing a tree outside of our Hotel California

2007-02-07T08:43:00.000-08:00

We'll miss you.

2007-01-04T17:31:00.000-08:00

Photo from Jan. 29, 2006. Erik, Grandpa and Grant. We always provided a concert to our grandfather. May he rest in peace. We'll miss you.

School Concert solo

2006-12-24T19:49:00.000-08:00

Watch the Video

Playing "Joy To The World" at Christmas Eve Service

2006-12-24T19:17:00.000-08:00

Watch and hear Erik, Grant, Phillip, Tess and Marina (left to right) at Christmas Eve service, December 2006.

Kevin Matthews - KevHead.Com University of Stupidity

2006-12-07T06:35:00.000-08:00

Today I introduced my 9 year old to Kevin Mathews. He just turned 9 and is now of age to understand the humor, I hope. And, Erik has AM swim practices on many days and is taken to school by my wife. So, in the mornings, Grant and I are home alone. Now we'll be in the habit of being with Kevin and Jim Shorts and the weather from Michigan. Kevin Matthews - KevHead.Com University of Stupidity Fat Ass Looses Her Dog

Posting a lost puppy sign.

I wish Kevin had some podcasts. Oh well. We can listen to the live stream.

2006-10-23T10:23:00.000-07:00

Coaches

2006-10-12T18:18:00.000-07:00

Thumbs up... Swim practice at Carlynton High School.

2006-10-08T14:15:00.000-07:00

This is a test of the new web writting software.

Hope it works well.

Ta.

2006-10-08T10:30:00.000-07:00

Swimming is such a clean sport. G and a buddie from NA's team. They guys hang together, a bit, at meets in the summer and here at South Fayette.

2006-09-30T06:03:00.000-07:00

Ohio River looking upstream under the West End Bridge to the Golden Triangle,

2006-09-26T17:05:00.000-07:00

Before the 2.5 mile swim. Grant is in the middle of a pack of girls.

2006-09-21T17:55:00.000-07:00

These are hard days. Grandpa's health isn't doing that well. We all worry, call, and send cards. We hope you get well soon Grandpa. We're thinking of you.

2006-09-07T17:58:00.000-07:00

Peek a boo.

2006-09-07T07:06:00.000-07:00

Thumb up.

2006-09-04T12:36:00.000-07:00

Ready for a story from Ryan as we went on a five-star camping and canoe trip for three days and two nights.

2006-09-04T12:34:00.000-07:00

Feet deep in fast water...

Sunset in Canada -- Grant and Mark

2006-09-04T11:26:00.000-07:00

Just getting my photos in order and this one said -- post me next! The sunsets in Canada's Camp Chikopi were fantastic.

Behind the Waterfall

2006-08-28T10:59:00.000-07:00

Click To Play

Waterfall in Canada, and Grant comes out from the air pocket behind the water.

Grant swims to the end of 2.5 mile open water race

2006-08-25T13:05:00.000-07:00

Watch the Video

2006-08-25T10:17:00.000-07:00

In the water at the 2.5 mile swim.

Grant: Holder of TWO team records at Crafton

2006-07-24T12:34:00.000-07:00

Grant is the holder of the 25 fly and the 25 breast team records for Crafton!

Team Record Holder, Grant Rauterkus, 8 & under 25 Fly = 20.78

Team Record Holder, Grant Rauterkus, 8 & under 25 Breast, 25.04

2006-07-24T12:12:00.000-07:00

Froggy Frollics is tonight. It is a fun time at the swim pool for the swim team. These guys will be there to collect their milkshakes.