Religious Instruction • Strong Academics • Foreign Language • Cutting Edge Technology • Leadership Programs • PE and Interscholastic Sports Instrumental and Vocal Music • “Arts Attack” Program • School Nurse • Bus Transportation Available Come see us in action at our Open House on Nov. 6 from 9:00am – 2:00pm 3901 East Indian School Road • 602-957-7010 • www.clsphx.org CHrist LutHeraN sCHOOL Christian Values. Quality education. Preschool through Grade 8 Page 61 October 2015 By Josh Cutlip Eighty five. This might be the number you think of when someone asks you, “How many players are on the Arcadia Titans freshman football team this year?” Or maybe, “How many girls are trying out for the volleyball program this season?” Well, what if I told you that it’s actually the number of athletes on the Arcadia swim team? Head Coach Erica McClurg has coached at Arcadia for 20 years, and she had a large turnout this year. “Since we are a no-cut sport, I think that athletes are not intimidated to come out for the team. We have so many different levels of athletes that everyone feels welcome,” said McClurg. While returning players are accepting of newcomers at every level of experience, McClurg admitted that the beginning of the season is often trying because the team is big and not everyone knows the routine. She said it doesn’t take long, though, to come together. “After a few weeks, we all settle in and the team – with the help of the captains – really runs itself,” said McClurg. She believes the swim program continues to get large numbers because the experience is fun, yet challenging. For McClurg, the daily workouts are a heavy influence on the attendance every week. “I try to make [sure] the workouts have a good variety of sets, and if I feel that the kids are starting to get bored, I will try and switch it up.” Creating workouts seems to come naturally for McClurg, who is an endurance athlete herself. On track to complete her 11th Ironman triathlon on October 11 in Hawaii, McClurg competed in sports all her life, including soccer, swim and track. It wasn’t until her sophomore year at the University of Arizona, however, that she fell in love with endurance racing. “During my sophomore year at [University of Arizona], I took a triathlon training class and ever since then I have been hooked. I was also a founding member of the TriCats [the UofA triathlon club],” said McClurg. Moving from athlete to coach, McClurg hopes to share her lifestyle goals, such as working hard, with her team. “I try to be a role model for my athletes, which is why I like to participate in dry-land workouts with the athletes as well.” McClurg said she’s not the only one doing the teaching. Her students have taught her that focusing on one sport allows them to more fully pursue that sport in college. She’s also learning, and enjoying, how serious they take their academics and how disciplined they are in balancing swimming and school. Between Coach McClurg’s enthusiasm for endurance, and the players’ willingness to embrace new teammates, maybe it’s not a surprise that 85 athletes showed up to join Arcadia’s swim program. “We have created a family environment that has stuck around for many years,” said McClurg. Arcadia swim team high in both numbers and enthusiasm Left to Right: Claire Pierce, Gabi Anastassatos, Skylar Ehrenstrom, Janae Hagen. PHOTO BY KELLEY PIERCE