We begin this episode with a lengthy recitation of achievements by this noted coach and educator, but here are some highlights, courtesy of ASCA:
Coaching Since: 1977
Northside Aquatics
Coach George Block retired from the Northside Independent School District in San Antonio, Texas at the end of June 2009, where he served as the Director of Aquatics since 1977 and Assistant Director of Athletics since 1993. In that time, he developed the Northside Aquatic Center into an internationally recognized center for athlete development.
Email us at: swimtalk.a2b@gmail.com
Timeline for this episode:
00:01 – Disclaimer
00:21 – George Block bio
02:10 – San Antonio drownings
05:28 – Benefits of the sport
07:07 – Cell phone vs. swim lessons
08:03 – Introducing George Block
08:33 – Long course water
10:20 – AAAA
14:40 – The “D” word
15:15 – Northside Swim Center
16:11 – Acronym overload
20:13 – Limited Texas options
24:38 – WSCA & anti-doping
30:32 – New testing technology
33:44 – Long-term consequences
34:55 – Pan Zhanle
35:35 – Team USA issues
39:22 – Mike Unger
44:48 – Training the world
47:55 – What hasn’t changed?
50:13 – Flunking retirement
54:59 – Wrapping it up