Clark Campbell, the head coach of the Kansas Jayhawks women’s swimming and diving team, hosted a clinic at the Parsons Municipal Swimming Pool on Friday.
About 40 kids of varying ages from local swim teams, including the Parsons Dolphins and Chanute Sharks, received instruction from Campbell and his coaching staff.
“We don’t do that many clinics. But (Parsons Dolphins coach) Ben (Legler) is from Lawrence and he wanted to do one here,” Campbell said. “I grew up in Coffeyville and I wanted to give back. We’re both Southeast Kansas guys. Ben is doing a great job here, so hopefully the sport keeps growing.”
Legler felt getting the Jayhawks’ coach to Parsons was an opportunity for the region.
“I swam at KU back when they had a men’s team,” Legler said. “So Coach Campbell coached me. I’ve known him for a while. Anytime you can get a major program to come host a clinic, it’s always great. You can get more excitement around the sport. We thought it’d be a great way to get other teams in the area involved, as well. Our kids learned some things and it was a great day.”
Chanute Sharks coach Betsy Olson brought nine swimmers from her team to the clinic in Parsons.
“For them to hear from coaches that have been in the industry for decades and have had tremendous success, it was a huge opportunity,” Olson said. “I just want them thave an attitude of gathering tools and being detectives for learning.”
Olson added that she learned new techniques as a coach from Campbell.
“He was able to break things down and I was learning things as a coach,” Olson said. “Some of the drills are drills we do. But the verbal cues are different, and some of the kids said it made more sense to them.”
Improving access to swimming in Southeast Kansas, where few towns have the infrastructure to support year-round training en masse, was part of Campbell’s mission.
“The biggest thing is to do as much as your community has available,” Campbell said. “Swimming is one of those sports that you have to do quite a bit to get good at. So maximize your time and stay consistent and positive. Then, good things will happen.”
Legler wants to grow the sport.
“We’re trying to get some year-round training,” Legler said. “Here, you have to link up with bigger cities and you have to travel. There definitely are challenges with swimming in a small town. It’s tough, but we do the best we can. We’re blessed with great parents. If you have the passion, you’ll do well.”
