Many variables go into psychology of swimming

By JOHN KOVACH
VINDICATOR SPORTS STAFF
YOUNGSTOWN -- Just like in all sports, psychology plays a big role in a swimmer's performance.
Although talent and endurance are important, the swimmer's frame of mind and focus are equally as essential in order to actualize potential and bring out the best in a competition.
Confidence, positive thinking and visualization of victory are important ingredients that can overcome some negatives and be the deciding factors in an outcome.
That was the general consensus from some of the top performers in Thursday's double-dual boys and girls high school swimming meet between Boardman, Canfield and Canton McKinley at Youngstown State's Natatorium.
"I was so tired from practice this week [that it becomes a] mental game," sophomore Conner O'Halloran of Boardman said. "If I think that I am not tired, than I won't be. You have to think positively."
O'Halloran, son of Boardman coach Terry O'Halloran and brother of University of Texas swimmer junior Tyler O'Halloran, was involved in three wins to help the Spartans win the boys meet with 135 points ahead of Canfield (124) and Canton McKinley (56).
Boardman wins seventh
O'Halloran, who won the 50 freestyle (22.55) and 100 (56.81) backstroke and was a member of the winning 200 medley relay (1:44.50) team to lead Boardman (7-2), said the team works hard almost every day and that he was worn out.
"We swim and lift [weights] every morning and swim every afternoon," said Conner, who is ranked No. 3 in the state in the 50 freestyle in 21.91.
But he said he conquered his tiredness with the will to persevere and win.
Chad DeAngelo also led Boardman by winning the 100 breaststroke (1:06.73) and participating on winning 200 medley (1:44.50) and 200 free relay (1:33.47) teams.
Sophomore Eric Davis of Canfield, who won the 100 freestyle and was a member of the winning 400 freestyle relay to lead the Cardinals, said he also has a demanding schedule that he has to manage it and convert it to success.
"We have been swimming two-a-days a week in the morning and evening for five days, and we still have to get up early on Saturday and that beats you down," said Davis, noting that weightlifting has made him a stronger swimmer. "The coach has been working us extra hard this week."
Herock leads Canfield
The Canfield girls, led by sophomore Bre Herock, won the girls meet with 115 points ahead of Canton McKinley (100) and Boardman (93).
Herock, who won the 50 freestyle (27.04) and 100 butterfly (1:07.33) -- both personal-best times -- said that her frame of mind -- how she thinks during a competition -- is a big factor on how well she will do.
"I guess mindset helped me the most today," Herock said. "You have to think that you can do this. You have to visualize that you will win, and I have to think victory and that will help."
Canfield coach Andrea Linnelli said she thinks that a talk she gave her team before the meet about rising to meet challenges and overcoming obstacles may have helped the squad do well.
"We've had illnesses and flu," Linnelli said. "One of our top girls, Margaret Matavich, pulled a muscle [and was out].
"I told the kids that we are going to have to give it our best shot and hopefully I hope that worked," Linnelli said.
Alecusan sparkles
One of the girls meet's top swimmers, Elaine Alecusan of Canton McKinley who participated in four wins, said self-confidence powered her performance.
"I have confidence that I can go out and compete and have fun with it," said Alecusan, who won the 200 freestyle (2:05.97) and 500 freestyle (5:36.16) and was a member of the 200 (1:49.09) and 400 freestyle (3:57.88) relay teams..
"I didn't feel well physically [during the meet] but mentally I was entirely all aces and my times surprised me. So, thinking that you can do it is the biggest part of the competition. You have to be mentally prepared to win and not lose."
Alecusan, who anchored both of her relay wins, said she was nearly at her best in the meet.
"The 200 and 500 freestyles were my season-bests and were close to my career bests," she emphasized.
Her coach, Rob Steinberg, said that team psychology, determination and camaraderie also helped his team.
"I loved the team's focus today," said Steinberg, believing that team focus affects individual performance. "I loved the way they raced and how they support each other. We're a family, one for all and all for one. Absolutely it' a team emphasis. The team can make or break [a swimmer]."
Katie Henson sparked the Boardman girls by winning the 200 individual medley (2:29.00) and being a member of the winning 200 medley relay team (2:03.94).
Emily Johnson of Canton McKinley won the 100 backstroke (1:05.09) and was part of the winning 200 (1:49.09) and 400 (3:57.88) freestyle relays.
kovach@vindy.com