Lakenheath Barracudas prepare for season

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Erin O'Shea
  • 48th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
ROYAL AIR FORCE LAKENHEATH, England --  In 1973, the Lakenheath Barracuda Swim Club was born and began using their fins to swim around Europe pool by pool.

The Barracudas are part of the European Forces Swim League, comprised of multi-national members connected with American communities throughout the European region.

Head Coach Ian Gillingham volunteers his free time coaching the team, ensuring they perform the best they can during practice and competitions.  Gillingham has been with the team for many years, and is excited about the experience the coaching staff brings to the Barracudas this year.

"The coaches this year were high school or college swimmers themselves, or have had years of coaching experience back in the states," Gillingham said. "They dedicate many hours to writing sets and working with swimmers."   

"Our club depends on its volunteers," said Sharon Yancey, Lakenheath Barracudas Swim Club president. "From the coaches, to the parents who time, marshal or run concessions."

The swim team's season runs from August to February, and practices are held nearby at Royal Air Force Honington's indoor pool facility. This year the team is comprised of 47 American and British swimmers who attend practices several times a week in order to prepare for swim competitions held throughout Europe.

Being a part of the swim club provides exercise and a healthy activity for the swimmers, and it also provides many travel opportunities.

"It's a great cultural opportunity for the kids," Yancey said. "We are the only EFSL team here in England, so we travel quite a bit to compete against other EFSL teams in Europe, such as those located in Belgium, Holland, Germany, Italy and Spain."

Considering practices are held after school several evenings out of the week, swimmers must be disciplined when it comes to their academics and balancing extra-curricular activities.

"It's been my experience as a school teacher that most athletes are not only dedicated to their sport, but in their academics as well," Yancey said. "To be a swimmer or to play any sport, you must be disciplined because a big chunk of your time is taken up in practice and meets."

Due to the amount of time the Barracuda Swim Club spends together during practices and traveling, they tend to become close with one another and form a family-type connection within the team.

"Because we are away from our families and stationed overseas, this swim club becomes your family," Yancey said. "The team becomes your network of friends and is a big part of your community."

To view the team's meet schedule, visit the Lakenheath Barracudas website: http://lakenheathbarracudas.com