It is always a nice advantage to take the pool in familiar digs during a competition and the Riverbank Barracudas enjoyed that feeling as the squad hosted its final tri-meet of the season July 24 in Riverbank.
Riverbank rolled out the welcome mats for the final time as the squad played host to the Delhi Dolphins and the Patterson Pirates in front of a large crowd at the Riverbank Community Pool.
The Barracudas took to the pool in front of a raucous home crowd that showed up in droves to support the squad in a meet that will lead up the season finale this Friday, July 31.
"It was great seeing that many parents show up for the meet," Riverbank head coach Tristan Long said. "It really makes the kids happy to see every parent there. I could not be happier for how much the parents of the Barracudas are supportive.
"Not only for their kids, but for the coaches too."
The Barracudas coaching staff put on a clinic for the rival squads on how to run a meet, roping off sections behind the swimmers, keeping things under control but leaving some parents with longer views to handle during their photo taking opportunities.
All may not have applauded the decision, yet the kids jumping in the pool is truly who these meets are about.
"I feel that was something that had to be done," Long said. "It was absolutely necessary and I do not regret it. I don't feel that it was rude; it was just something that would better our swimmers.
"Everything is less confusing if their parents are not right there behind them at the blocks."
Now the Barracudas will look to close out the season on a high note as they make the long trek to Patterson, bringing the season to a close and ushering its swimmers into the championship stage of the season.
"I think this is an exciting time for our team," Long said. "Because every single one of our swimmers has improved greatly. I think they are all excited to see how well they are going to do at Championships."
Riverbank rolled out the welcome mats for the final time as the squad played host to the Delhi Dolphins and the Patterson Pirates in front of a large crowd at the Riverbank Community Pool.
The Barracudas took to the pool in front of a raucous home crowd that showed up in droves to support the squad in a meet that will lead up the season finale this Friday, July 31.
"It was great seeing that many parents show up for the meet," Riverbank head coach Tristan Long said. "It really makes the kids happy to see every parent there. I could not be happier for how much the parents of the Barracudas are supportive.
"Not only for their kids, but for the coaches too."
The Barracudas coaching staff put on a clinic for the rival squads on how to run a meet, roping off sections behind the swimmers, keeping things under control but leaving some parents with longer views to handle during their photo taking opportunities.
All may not have applauded the decision, yet the kids jumping in the pool is truly who these meets are about.
"I feel that was something that had to be done," Long said. "It was absolutely necessary and I do not regret it. I don't feel that it was rude; it was just something that would better our swimmers.
"Everything is less confusing if their parents are not right there behind them at the blocks."
Now the Barracudas will look to close out the season on a high note as they make the long trek to Patterson, bringing the season to a close and ushering its swimmers into the championship stage of the season.
"I think this is an exciting time for our team," Long said. "Because every single one of our swimmers has improved greatly. I think they are all excited to see how well they are going to do at Championships."
