Fresno State Athletics
Bulldogs Learn Early Lesson about Teamwork
9/23/2002 12:00:00 AM | Swimming & Diving
Teamwork lessons can sometimes be learned through routine practices, but the Fresno State swimming and diving team learned some of those skills through a more unorthodox route. In the second weekend of September, head coach Daniella Irle and the Bulldog squad headed to Yosemite National Park for an experience that will soon not be forgotten by them. Sports psychologist Tom Hamill set the team up in Yosemite as part of an event designed to bring out the competitiveness, leadership, quick thinking and team dynamic skills of the Bulldogs.
"The coaches and I purposely let the girls go alone on the hike," said Irle. "We wanted them to deal with adversity alone and see what would happen and what kind of roles individuals would take in the group dynamics."
The 2002-03 squad was faced with a hiking challenge in the mountains of Yosemite. They were broken into several groups and had to hike a trail to see which group would make it to the rendezvous point first. The hike would be 14 miles round trip and designed to push each other competitively. The swimming and diving team had to maneuver their way through rough trails, trees and bushes and endure hot weather. Only subtle designated signs point the way. But as the squad found out, things are not always as easy as they seem.
"I thought it was a good idea to be put in a unique situation like that," said senior co-captain Jessica Klenner. "You don't know how you're going to feel or what to expect with the environment. We were forced to learn things quickly because of it."
After hours of hiking, and going higher up in the mountain terrain, the teams were in disarray. The rendezvous spot they were shooting for was elusive and the groups were faced with some questions. The answer that seemed to put all questions to rest was that the competitiveness of the groups would have to be left aside; they would have to unite in order to complete the mission. The teams avoided turning on each other and instead turned their frustration into teamwork. It was that strength that kept them going over the long day.
"After getting lost we combined our group with two others," said junior co-captain Kristi Collins. "Then once we saw the final group we were so happy to see each other. It was a special moment because we knew we were going to have to do it together."
Once united, the exhausted Bulldogs made it back down the hill and completed the mission, setting a tone for the upcoming season.
"You find out a lot about your team early as far as personalities go," said Coach Irle. "You see who the leaders are and who stands tough when faced with a challenge. I'm really proud of the team. We showed what we're made of when faced with mental adversity like that."
In a sport usually dominated by individual achievements, the Bulldogs realized that team effort is just as important. Each swimmer and diver is a member of a team that is shooting for the same goal of winning meets and invitationals. As the new season gets underway, one thing that can't be disputed is the mental toughness of the squad. The Bulldogs demonstrated in their preseason hike that they can rise to the occasion and pull through as a team. Each season Fresno State will be tested by other schools, but each preseason, the Bulldogs will test themselves to see what they are made of.
"There's a twinkle in the team's eyes because they feel proud of what they accomplished. Despite what it seems, we are a team sport and this team has showed something really special during their experience," said Irle.
