Stephen Hopta Waking up at 2 am is always a trouble; but Coronado is one trip I would do over and over and over again for. The training we went through pushed our limits mentally and physically while also helping us learn technique and teamwork. Our sets we went through had great deal on hard devilish intervals but keeping us in check. Coaches were a blast and helped us through each minute we worked. Meals were great and the hotel was fantastic. Weather was clear blue on the first day but slowly got more defective as the weekend went on. I believe the trip was short and long enough for all to get a feel for California and what it had to offer. During our alone time either at the zoo or beach, each group was taken care of and had memories to last a lifetime. To sum all in conclusion, from warm ups through the warm down, we slowly became a more close team as one; instead of different teams put together and would recommend ANY coach or swimmer to request again or attempt to join! Thanks for the trip, WE ALL HAD A BLAST! Jack Fitzpatrick The AMS elite training trip this year was full of excitement, joyfulness, and friendship. I was fortunate enough to be chosen to go on the AMS elite training trip to Coronado, California this year and I had such an amazing experience. From going to 2 beaches to training 6 practices in the span of 4 days, I learned so much. I came into this trip with 3-4 good swim friends and came out with 19 new best friends. I really hope I get the opportunity again to go on this trip and experience so much more. Ella Ogden This training trip really taught me so many new things. It brought me closer to not only others in ams but also my own teammates. I learned so many new things about my strokes and especially how to swim with a lot of older kids. I had a ton of fun at the beach even though the water was freezing, and the amusement park right next to it was a blast. We rode so many rides, bought lots of cool souvenirs, and ate a crazy amount of ice cream. In conclusion, I am really grateful for being able to be apart of this exciting trip and getting away from Pittsburgh. Stephanie Sipple The trip to Coronado was an amazing and unforgettable experience. The training was really hard but it was good for all of us. Even when we were extremely tired, we still kept pushing on and I think that's what makes us elite swimmers. Above the fun experiences and the great coaches, I think meeting new people and making new friends was what truly makes this experience a great one. Jack Wright This trip started off with a very early wake up, a long flight, and a long course practice (which I was not mentally prepared for). After that practice I thought this trip would be an impossible challenge, soon later at dinner, however, after becoming more familiar with the other swimmers and coaches, I realized they were a good group of people to have around. This made the trip much more enjoyable. After the Saturday morning practice, we had a nice relaxing day, enjoyed a nice breakfast at the executive table, and watched some college football. After practice we went to dinner and had a fiesta¡ However, my favorite part of the trip was visiting the San Diego Zoo on Sunday afternoon. Coach John and Steve took us around and were our "dads for the day." We saw many awesome animals, and got some pretty "grimey" souvenirs. That adventure was complete with a local Coronado gang chasing our van on their bikes.

Overall, I think this trip provided us with excellent friends, coaches, and experiences that I will remember for a long time. I would definitely come on an AMS training trip again. Trinity Ward I am so happy to have gotten to go on this trip! It challenged me a lot both physically and mentally. I've never been more sore in my life! I genuinely enjoyed everyone who went on the trip and am so happy I got to meet new people and form new friendships. I also enjoyed meeting the coaches who went out of their way to supply us with whatever we needed- whether it be food, drinks, etc. My favorite memory from the trip was getting to go to the beach on Sunday. It was freezing but totally worth it! We also enjoyed riding roller coasters at the amusement park on the boardwalk. My favorite swim practice was Monday morning when we did our test set because everyone was encouraging each other and pushing each other- it was awesome to see that even though we were all from different teams, we still came together and acted the way a true teammate should. Thank you to all the people who coordinated this trip, the coaches, and AMS for funding! Abby Hay The California training trip was an amazing experience. Not only were we able to do what we love, which is swim, we were able to savor the sensation of being in a completely different place than what we are used to. Being able to meet and train with other high level swimmers from my area is something that I personally cherish. This trip is something that I look forward to and love every single time I go. Ann Juneau This training trip was so much fun! I loved how we went to California and got to see and do so many fun things! The coaching staff was very good and they made some tough, but good practices. The pool was very nice and I'm so happy it was outside. Overall I had a blast and got some good training in too! Eben Krigger I had a lot of fun on this trip! Although the practices were comparable to hell week practices I still made the best of them. It is important to focus on what's good instead of the gut-wrenching practice you are trying to accomplish. I couldn't have asked for a better group of guys and girls to train with over this past weekend. My favorite part of the trip was going to the world-famous San Diego Zoo. It was a great experience to see all of the exotic animals (except I feel bad that they have to stay enclosed in those small pens). The beach after the last practice was also a great time! The only thing that I wish was different was the weather---but hey it was better the Pittsburgh's weather! I loved the feeling I got after I completed one of the tough practices. I really felt accomplished afterwards. I can tell you one thing---I respect everyone who went through the hard practices with me a whole lot more now! Ricky Mihm I thought the trip was an overall success. I had a great time and enjoyed every part of the trip. The training was very hard, but each coach encouraged us to go beyond our limits and work as hard as we could. Additionally, the facility and hotel were very nice. All the coaches were great and made the trip much better. I enjoyed the location of the trip in Coronado. Even thought the it was a little chilly and it rained, it was definitely a great experience in California.

Mary Clare Smith The AMS Elite Training trip was something that I will never forget. I really enjoyed meeting everyone on the trip and getting to experience different types of practice. Although they were very challenging I was able to learn why we train hard. This was my first training trip and I could have never had a better time I give thanks to the coaches for pushing me during the practices and taking care of us during the trip. They did a great job! thanks! Sophia Gaguzis The AMS Coronado Training Trip was definitely one to remember. The practices were challenging and pushed me, but I had so much fun and made many new friends. It was a great to be able to experience different workouts and get to work with different coaches. I enjoyed all of the activities that the coaches had planned for us. I had a great time overall and would definitely do it again. Max Gonzalez The AMS training trip was the epitome of work hard play hard. From day one we conquered intense and demanding workouts. In both long course and short course the elite athletes that I usually only get to race in meets pushed me hard. I was impressed with the fortitude of all the swimmers for enduring the high volume yardage works that over doubled what many of the athletes experience at home. The coaches were also fantastic. Not only did they write interesting and rewarding workouts, they helped me improve my technique in areas I normally struggle. The coaches were not all businesses; however, they had a great time with us exploring the many exciting experiences Coronado and San Diego had to offer. We spent one afternoon at the San Diego Zoo, and another on beach. We also ate at several cool restaurants in the area. My personal favorite was the Mexican restaurant we went to on Saturday. It was an authentic feeling experience complete with a live musical performance and amazing food. Overall, the trip was wonderful experience. Mason Gonzalez Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed my time on the San Diego training trip. Everyone in the group, swimmers and coaches, was very sincere and outgoing. In my opinion, no one was left out of group activities and all the athletes had an amazing time with each other. The practices, while intense, were still realistic and never elevated to a point that was excessive. Enthusiasm from the coaches and fellow swimmers drove all of us to our limits, and I think I speak on behalf of everyone when I say we were exhausted by the end of the weekend. My only advice for a trip in the future would be that the AMS could set aside a specific time for a team activity sometime during the trip, instead of attempting to cram it into a short time period between practices.Other than that, the trip was incredible and I had a once in a lifetime experience. I hope to join the AMS next year on the next training trip! Abby Matheny I got the opportunity for a trip of a life time to California with 19 other people from AMS. I had a ton of fun meeting new people and training with my main competitors. The food was amazing and I was never worried about being hungry. California was way colder that I was expecting, and the practices were very hard. I feel accomplished coming off this trip, and I am so grateful I got the opportunity to go.

Torie Buerger The Coronado Training Trip was a good experience despite the weather. It was cool to meet other AMS elite swimmers that I swim against and see but never knew. It was an honor to swim with all of them and be coached by the great coaches. All the workouts were hard but were definitely worth doing. The coaches pushed us to do the best we could. I appreciated that the coaches always had food for us before the morning practices. All the breakfasts, lunches, and dinners were very delicious. The coaches also gave us the privilege to go to the beach or zoo and have some fun times. I liked that it wasn't all about swimming but it was also about having fun with the people on the team. The hotel was wet nice as well as the swim pool. Compared to last year it was the same but I would prefer a place with a smaller time change and a little better weather that we can count on. Other than that I had a great time and am grateful that I was able to be apart of this special experience. Lauren McGrath The Coronado Training trip was overall a great experience for me. I was blessed to be able to meet so many elite athletes from AMS and work with a great coaching staff. I really appreciate how the coaches made sure at all moments that we were fed enough and had ample food available at a moments notice. We sorta became a team as we had numerous challenges to overcome- the weather being one of them. Ice rain during dry land and all of us freezing after practice were awful moments, but looking back on it now, it helped to make the trip one of a kind. Practices were extremely challenging with the change in time zone, however, I was glad for the opportunity to push myself physically and mentally. I'll miss the van rides and swimming in the freezing ocean with all my friends the most. If there was anything that I would suggest, it would be a location that doesn't involve a time zone change or fluctuating weather. Adapting to a new sleep schedule alongside our training schedule was a struggle. Nick Mudry The AMS elite training was very enjoyable. I was so happy that I got to train with a group of very talented swimmer. Practice was very intense and pushed everyone to the next level. I was very happy that I had this opportunity to attend this training trip, and I look forward to doing it again. Isaiah Gregory SEE ATTACHED Ryan Schonbachler SEE ATTACHED

Day 1: ~After a long day of traveling we took group pictures right outside of the airport. Personally it was my first time being in California and I was extremely excited. After a bus ride to Enterprise the boys van, led by Coach Ogden and Coach Kustra, went and enjoyed Inn-and-Out burger before finally stopping at the hotel and unpacking. After unpacking both boys and girls team hit the volleyball courts and had two very intense games of volley ball. Shortly after we drove to the Brian Bent Aquatics Complex where we did our first long course practice. It was a good workout where everyone did some pace and some race. The practice really let everyone know what to expect for the days to come. After practice we went back to the hotel and got ready for dinner. Dinner was at Village Pizzeria and some of us went out and took pictures on the dock. After dinner everyone was exhausted after the long day and went to bed early. Day 2: ~We woke up at 6:30 today and got ready to start the long day ahead. Coach Ogden had gone to the store and gotten a verity of fruits and bars for breakfast. After a quick snack we drove to the pool and started our last long course practice. I was apart of Coach Ogden’s “Middle Distance” group where we worked on 200 and 100 meter freestyles. Everyone showed hard effort and raced hard. After practice we raced back to the hotel to get some breakfast. The boys got to sit by an open fire table outside and the food was absolutely amazing. Afterwards we had some downtime where we played some ping pong, sat in the hot tub, and watched some college football. After our downtime we drove back to the pool and started our dry land. Our instructors were Carl and James from the foundry athletics and really kicked our butts. After our hour dry land, we hit the pool and did our first short course practice of the trip. I was a part of Coach Nemeth’s mid distance group where we worked on 200 freestyles’. After practice we went back to the hotel and went to the Old Town Mexican Café for dinner. It was some of the best Mexican food I have personally ever had and the Mariachi Band for entertainment was great. After dinner we went back to the hotel and had another early night. Day 3: ~Once again we woke up at 6:30 and grabbed a small breakfast before practice. Once at practice we split up again and I was apart of Coach Nemeth’s mid distance practice. We worked on 200’s but instead of doing them free I decided to work Butterfly and other kids worked on IM and Breastroke. After a killer practice and cold weather, we went back to the hotel and stuffed our faces with bacon and omelets from the hotel. After breakfast the group split up and I decided to go to Mission Beach and Boardwalk where we had a threat of a shark attack and bought tons of souvenirs for my family and friends. After our trips we came back together for practice where the coaches surprised us with water polo and it got a little over competitive but was still a lot of fun. After practice we went to a burger joint for dinner and had a good finger food meal. After dinner the boys hung out in the senior room and just talked and listened to music then went to bed. Day 4: ~Last day some of us woke up a little early and went to see the sunrise the stopped for a small breakfast at Coach Ogden and Coach Nemeth’s room. We then drove to the pool for our last practice of the trip. At practice we did a test set of a nine 100 as fast as you can. Everyone worked hared and produced fast times. After Practice we went to Coronado Beach where we built an epic snow(sand) man and played some ultimate Frisbee. After our short time at the beach we went back to the hotel, showered and packed. We arrived to the airport right on time and started our travels back home to Pittsburgh.

My thoughts: I believe that the trip overall was a success. The practices we really hard and everyone worked hard and pushed each other in them. Personally it was a big adjustment to the different coaching style but that is going to happened every time you practice under a new coach. The dry land was extremely hard and personally I have not anything like it, I believe this was the biggest complaint about the weekend besides the weather. The coaches did a fantastic job I never got to work with Coach Kustra or Coach Rachel but the other kids had nothing but good things to say and Coach Ogden and Coach Nemeth had challenging practices and did a good job motivating the group. Location wise I enjoyed Last years trip to Ft. Lauderdale Florida better. The facility was nicer and so was the weather.

My experience at the Coronado Elite training trip was amazing. The training, the memories, and the bonds are all something that I will never forget. Day one, was the beginning of a great adventure if I'd say so. My roommates constantly kept me entertained. Our first practice upon arrival, was long course which made the workout more intense and more exhausting. The first dinner was a bonding moment for everyone, a great icebreaker. Day 2, was exhausting physically but mentally Empowering. The first practice was great because we were able to separate into groups & focus on a specific training. I personally went with the Stroke & IM group. The rides to and from the pool were always interesting & entertaining. The second practice on day two was possibly the most crucial and different for me. It was great that not only did we push ourselves but, we had a coaching staff who cared about the technique. The dinner wasn't as exciting as the first one but we still seemed to pull the extra energy to have fun with each other as we ate. Day 3, was a very interesting one the morning practice was definitely But what was absolutely dreadful was the dryland I felt so drained after it, but it also worked muscles I never knew I had. The weather was depressing especially when it stormed. The training this day pushed me to my limit and broke it. But I didn't “die” I only suffered and cramped. But in between the practices a few of us went to the San Diego zoo. It was nothing but mesmerizing. I enjoyed every second of it and took many pictures. The second practice was just like the first except, less yardage. This is what made me realize something “big” was going to happen. Dinner was a fun time, the boys and girls both enjoyed themselves and had fun. Day 4,the final day. This was probably the least fun realizing that it all had to end. The workout wasn't high in yardage. But the Intensity, the energy, the competitive mentality and excitement was through the roof. At one point I felt like I was at a meet. The test set showed me how fast I can be and how fast I can be with even more training. The best part though was the beach, even though the water was freezing. The whole trip was one that I will never forget. Sincerely Thank you, Isaiah Gregory