Swimming – Boys Varsity
Westtown Swimming has two founding principles: commitment and communication. A certain level of commitment is expected, as well as the necessary communication it takes to keep any relationship intact. From a coaching perspective, we are here to build real relationships and help every swimmer in the pool reach their full potential. We do this by promoting a safe environment where swimmers feel appropriately challenged and encouraged to push themselves out of their comfort zones. We will develop swimmers here into leaders in and around the pool and the community.
How We Train
The team practices five days a week after school. Typical practices begin with brief dynamic stretching on deck and a warm-up swim set in the pool. The body of practice typically focuses on a skill area such as endurance, sprinting, or stroke mechanics. Practices will also include working on starts, turns, and finishes throughout the week. On various days in the week, swimmers may engage in more dryland exercises or workouts, or yoga, depending on the facility schedule. There are additional optional practices for students to attend on Saturday mornings and in the off-season.
Player-Focused Philosophy
Our team comprises students who have swum competitively for years and those who enjoy the activity and have never competed before joining the team. This year, we have also added a Learn to Swim component for students to learn the basics of swimming with a goal to compete in one or more meets by the end of the season. These students also support the team as managers.
Swimmers are encouraged to push themselves physically but also to set goals and work towards them incrementally. Swimming is a team sport that requires a strong individual commitment. The coaches work together with the captains and experienced swimmers to cultivate relationship-building and mentorship. There is room on the team for all levels of competitors, from beginners to competitive swimmers in the region. We aim to attract swimmers both locally and internationally.
Wrestling – Varsity
At Westtown, we firmly believe that wrestling is a team sport, and we place emphasis on positive character, unselfish teammates, and reliable leadership. Beyond any individual wrestling accomplishments, our wrestlers are challenged to be scholar-athletes, leaders, and good citizens in our school community.
How We Train
Wrestling practices typically start with about 20-30 minutes of aerobic conditioning and stretching, followed by a review of tactical issues and accomplishments from the previous meet and a preview of strategies for an upcoming event. The remainder of practice time includes skills development, live wrestling, and aerobic conditioning drills. All wrestlers are expected to actively and continuously participate in every aspect of the two-hour practice. During the regular season, there are generally one or two dual meets on weekdays and wrestling tournaments (individual or dual) every weekend. Westtown Wrestling competes in the Friends Schools League (FSL) and the Pennsylvania Independent Schools (PAISAA) state and national-level tournaments. A 10-week fall preparatory wrestling program is offered before the regular season. After the winter season, wrestlers often attend a summer wrestling camp(s) during which they can learn folkstyle techniques and other styles of wrestling, such as freestyle or Greco-Roman.
Player-Focused Philosophy
Westtown Wrestling has been fortunate to have had over four decades of consistent wrestling coaching. With a coaching staff with decades of combined experience, the wrestling program has provided wrestlers with a consistent programmatic philosophy and clear expectations regarding participation, team ethos, and shared goal-setting. As a boarding school, wrestling coaches are also available to wrestlers on campus 24/7 to provide individual support and to offer team activities both in and out of season. Many of Westtown’s most successful wrestlers began their wrestling careers in high school. We develop wrestlers into state- and national-level competitors by a wrestler’s second or third season, especially if they bring a strong work ethic, positive goal-setting, and a courageous mindset to the sport.
Swimming – Girls Varsity
Westtown Swimming has two founding principles: commitment and communication. A certain level of commitment is expected, as well as the necessary communication it takes to keep any relationship intact. From a coaching perspective, we are here to build real relationships and help every swimmer in the pool reach their full potential. We do this by promoting a safe environment where swimmers feel appropriately challenged and encouraged to push themselves out of their comfort zones. We will develop swimmers here into leaders in and around the pool and the community.
How We Train
The team practices five days a week after school. Typical practices begin with brief dynamic stretching on deck and a warm-up swim set in the pool. The body of practice typically focuses on a skill area such as endurance, sprinting, or stroke mechanics. Practices will also include working on starts, turns, and finishes throughout the week. On various days in the week, swimmers may engage in more dryland exercises or workouts, or yoga, depending on the facility schedule. There are additional optional practices for students to attend on Saturday mornings and in the off-season.
Player-Focused Philosophy
Our team comprises students who have swum competitively for years and those who enjoy the activity and have never competed before joining the team. This year, we have also added a Learn to Swim component for students to learn the basics of swimming with a goal to compete in one or more meets by the end of the season. These students also support the team as managers.
Swimmers are encouraged to push themselves physically but also to set goals and work towards them incrementally. Swimming is a team sport that requires a strong individual commitment. The coaches work together with the captains and experienced swimmers to cultivate relationship-building and mentorship. There is room on the team for all levels of competitors, from beginners to competitive swimmers in the region. We aim to attract swimmers both locally and internationally.
Rock Climbing – Varsity
The Varsity Rock Climbing team started as a group of students who liked rock climbing and wanted to form a club. As the interest from students and teachers grew, the program did, too. Now, in our fifth season as a varsity program, we aim to develop our climbers. We have a mix of new climbers and experienced climbers. The varied range of skill levels helps to bring a sense of team building as there is always someone to help and give “Beta” or advice to. We train on the wall three days a week and focus our strength and mobility on the other days. The core value of the team is community. We all work together to accomplish challenging tasks and trust others when we are on the walls.
How We Train
Our typical practice begins with a 7-minute dynamic warm-up and a 30-45-minute session focused on skill development. During those drills, the climbers will do various exercises depending on the day to develop a broad range of skills. Next is a 15-20-minute conditioning session, where the goal is to get as much volume on simpler climbs as possible. The following 10-15-minute block is dedicated to individual projects, whether boulders or sports climbing. The practice will always close with a short core and mobility cooldown.
Player-Focused Philosophy
The coaching team’s approach is based on encouragement and support through practicing the fundamentals of climbing. Our daily practice focuses on a fundamental skill to build and grow. The climbers are encouraged to work in a small pod when projecting or developing skills. That way, as coaches, we can travel between the different groups and observe and adjust. As coaches, we see a different perspective and can help others by pointing out the subtle differences.
