Matt Lyons, a junior at Lewis-Palmer High School, is preparing for another swim season by taking advantage of pre-season training. Pre-season is practices that are put together by coaches Alan Arata and Rick French to help swimmers and divers work on their technique, form and skills rather than strenuous workouts.

“Pre-season is not only for getting in shape for next season, but also for meeting the new swimmers on the team,” Lyons said. “Usually during pre-season, the workouts start out easy but get progressively more difficult throughout the fall.”

Lyons swam on the team last year at ten of the eleven regular season meets.  Lyons’ races were mostly butterfly and freestyle. Lyons’ favorite stroke is butterfly, and he claims it requires the most raw power and technique.

“Swimming gives you killer abs and thighs. It also improves your abilities to hold your breath and your endurance for regular season practices,” Lyons said.

Lyons has been enjoying pre-season so far.

“My favorite things about pre-season are the lack of pressure and socializing with my friends,” Lyons said. “My least favorite things about pre-season are the kick sets and breath control. Preseason gives me more experience and it better prepares me for the next season.”

Matt Lyons is confident that with pre-season he will be ably prepared for the challenges to come and that he will be able to improve his race times next spring.