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Heavy Or Not, The OG Swim Guide

Heavy Or Not, The OG Swim Guide

By: ISCA
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A thought-provoking and insightful exploration of the intersection of aquatics, swimming, sports, technology, and human potential.CC0 1.0 Universal Exercise & Fitness Fitness, Diet & Nutrition Hygiene & Healthy Living Water Sports
Episodes
  • Kate Lundsten's Hall of Fame Induction: Stories of Impact, Humility, and Lifelong Swimming Family

    Kate Lundsten's Hall of Fame Induction: Stories of Impact, Humility, and Lifelong Swimming Family
    May 11 2026
    Aquajets Legacy Lives On: Kate Lundsten's Hall of Fame Celebration and Athlete Testimonials Kate Lundsten's induction into the International Swimming Coaches Hall of Fame is celebrated with heartfelt tributes from athletes, fellow coaches, and friends. Hear the stories that show why she's a legend in the sport. Kate's Hall of Fame induction, walk-up video and the significance of the award. Personal testimonials highlighting her impact on swimmers' lives and careers. Memorable moments from Aqua Jets training trips and competitions. Her coaching philosophy: humility, tough love, and life‑skill development. The lasting legacy she's created within the swimming community and beyond. Aquajets Home Page Heavy Or Not — Episode #103 ISCA Coaches Hall of Fame Celebration — Kate Lundsten Mark Rauterkus Heavy or not, episode number 103. The ISCA Coaches Hall of Fame celebration shared this video about new inductee, Kate Lundsten from Minnesota. Greatness leaves clues. Subscribe and share with your friends. And this is going to be the first episode that also goes out on Apple with video. Jay Chambers Hi, Kate. I just wanted to congratulate you on your induction into the International Swimming Coaches Hall of Fame. Your contributions have been essential to the growth and success of swimming in the United States. Thank you so much and congratulations. I'm so lucky to have been coached by you and then later in life to coach with you. Coach Kate, you deserve this award, not only for the way that you develop the speed and technique of your athletes, but the way that you prepare them for life with their attitude, work ethic, and as community members. I could not think of a better person for this honor. You coached my three daughters over 12 years and gave me my first coaching job. And what we have all taken away from those experiences goes way beyond the pool: humility, integrity, perseverance, and mostly the importance of trying hard to be a good human being. All the athletes and coaches that have worked with you, we all know that we're better off because of you. That whistle echo on the pool deck air. We didn't know how long we'd stay there. Three lanes full and a team just starting. Somehow she knew where. Built something strong at our closet. Before the banners, before the fame, she already knew every swimmer's name. She didn't just teach us how to swim, she helped us become who we are. She changed our game. I'm here on Rocky Top right now, and I just want to say congrats on being inducted to the Hall of Fame. You are the most deserving person I know, and I think it's pretty cool that you and Matt are both being inducted in the same year, because I've had the privilege to work with two very amazing people in my swimming career so far. And I just want to say you helped me become the swimmer and person I am today, and I wouldn't be here where I am without you. When you came up with my nickname Goose— Well, now the whole team calls me Goose, and I just think that that is so special that you have put that in my life. And I just, like, I remember the days when we had to swim in the terrible Brooklyn Center pool, but somehow you would always say something stupid enough to make us laugh through it all. You've never once doubted me, even when I wanted to try something new like open water. And while it might have ended with me going blind for a few days, I still got so many experiences out of that. Furthermore, I wouldn't have had the opportunity without you and your support through it all. I remember when we were at a Pro Series here in Knoxville, and you were like, "Avery, I could see you going here. I think you should look into this when you get recruited." And I was like, "Kate, the colors are neon orange. What are you talking about? I'm not going to go here." And well, look at where I am now. I ended up here. And you planted that seed in my head, and you supported me throughout the whole process. Congratulations. We are so proud of you. We love you so much. We cannot think of anyone more worthy of this than you. You and I have a lot of history, amazing history, and I can't think of a single person in my life that has single-handedly changed the trajectory of my life and has given me so many incredible opportunities that still impact me now, almost 20 years later. It has been an incredible honor to be coached by you and still remain very close to you and still consider you a very dear person in my life. Your belief in me and your ability to squeeze every ounce of effort out of me at all times, even if it meant pushing my buttons just a little bit, has made such a difference in helping me become the person and the swimmer that I am today. Your impact goes far beyond the pool. Hi, Kate. I wanted to thank you so much for not only making me into a great swimmer, but for also pushing me to become a great ...
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    11 mins
  • Coach Speaks to City Council in Buffalo, NY, - AI Moonshot in PPS Arsenal - and asking a favor with a link

    Coach Speaks to City Council in Buffalo, NY, - AI Moonshot in PPS Arsenal - and asking a favor with a link
    May 9 2026

    Join the WAFSU Movement: Simple Code Adds Support Button to Any School Website

    Mike Switalski's Swim Project Tackles Security, Not Safety, in Buffalo Communities.

    In episode #102 we hear from Buffalo high‑school teacher and nonprofit founder and swim coach, Mike Switalski, then dive into a new AI‑powered swimming grant and a quick call‑to‑action for coaches.

    • Mike's testimony on Buffalo's security challenges vs. traditional safety approaches.

    • Impact numbers from the City Swim Project (500 kids served, $350K budget, national swimmer stats).

    • Introduction of the Moonshot AI grant partnership with Remake Learning & the Grable Foundation at Arsenal Middle School.

    • "Cannon" analogy: AI as modern power for community‑focused swimming programs.

    • How to add the WAFSU logo code to your website to support coaches – no cost, just a click‑through to https://wasu.org.
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    7 mins
  • Pitt Swimming Coach Resigns Amid Strategic Shift. Move Brings Athlete Uncertainty. Resignation in Serbia too.

    Pitt Swimming Coach Resigns Amid Strategic Shift. Move Brings Athlete Uncertainty. Resignation in Serbia too.
    May 7 2026
    It is depressing when people in power make terrible moves that make no sense.
    Student‑Athletes Question Pitt Swimming Future After Leadership Meeting Yields No Answers

    Two coaching shake‑ups fill episode #101 of Heavy Or Not, The OG Swim Guide. One hits close to home, in my city, as Pitt lost its head swim and dive coach with an abrupt departure at graduation weekend.

    Many are wondering what is going on with coaching — and what this mean for college and international aquatic sports.

    • Chase Kreitler's abrupt resignation from Pitt swimming & diving and the key points from his farewell letter.

    • Athlete backlash, unanswered questions for AD Alan Greene, and the surge of transfers to the NCAA portal.

    • Jerry Chen's perspective on funding cuts and the broader impact on non‑revenue sports at Pitt.

    • Serbian water polo legend Juroš Števanović's sudden departure and the federation's reform moves.

    • Announcements: Join us for the NISCA National Convention in Grand Rapids in June.

    • Join Coach Steve Friederang at a one-week Altitude Swim Camp at NAU.

    • Get the book, Mental Skills for Young Athletes at https://SwimISCA.com.
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    14 mins
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