Finding Balance with Big 10 Champion Sarah Moraw

09/23/24 • 48 min

Sarah Moraw, a 2022 West Ottawa graduate and current gymnast at the University of Minnesota, sits down with us on the 29/1. From overcoming the mental hurdles of her freshman year to clinching a victory on the beam at the Big Ten Championship, Sarah's story is one of resilience and passion.
We reminisce about her involvement in multiple sports, running the "Circus" play in a lacrosse game, and the extraordinary support from her flexible coaches. Sarah's return to her old training facility, seeing the evolution of the program, brought a mix of emotions and reflections on how far she has come with the unwavering support from her mentors.
We dive into the impact of sports outreach programs like Team Impact, sharing how they bring joy and opportunities to children with chronic illnesses. Sarah speaks passionately about the transformative power of sports to unite communities and uplift spirits, especially highlighting the joy of integrating these kids into team activities. Wrapping up, we celebrate her triumphant win at the Big Ten Beam Championship, the thrill of performing in front of a home crowd, and the anticipation for the new gymnastics facility that promises to enhance the training environment. This episode is packed with Sarah's infectious energy and insightful reflections on balancing competitive sports with personal growth.
If you have a young athlete around, let them hear the words of Sarah Moraw.
This episode was recorded on August 16, 2024.

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Special thanks to Laura Veldhof Photography.

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It Takes A Village: Kaitlyn Lawton, Magaly Lemus and Varsity Girls Volleyball

Download and hit play on the 29/1 Podcast as we sit down with Varsity Girls Volleyball Head Coach Kaitlyn Lawton and senior middle blocker Magaly Lemus. Our conversation with Coach Lawton brings out her dedication to continuous learning and her passion for volleyball and Magaly shares her experiences as a multi-sport athlete who has taken on volleyball, basketball, and even pickleball.
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This episode was recorded in August 2024.

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Explosive, Powerful, Fast Athletes: with Frank Lerchen & Kyle McKenzie

Athlete Performance Coordinator Frank Lerchen and Peak Performance Instructor Kyle McKenzie join us on The 29/1, providing a comprehensive look at the innovative approaches they've introduced to elevate West Ottawa’s Athletic program.
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The Litvinov workout, for instance, is an intense combination of heavy lifting followed by sprints, inspired by legendary Russian hammer thrower Sergei Litvinov. This workout is designed to build explosive power and speed, crucial for dynamic athletic performance.
Middle school strength conditioning is another cornerstone of the Panther Strength program, laying the foundation for future success. This early exposure helps students develop proper movement patterns and build a solid base of strength, preparing them for the more advanced training they will encounter in high school. The long-term benefits of this approach are significant, as students are better prepared and more advanced by the time they reach high school.
The duo also tackle common misconceptions about in-season lifting. They emphasize that proper lifting protocols can maintain performance without risking fatigue or injury. The stoplight algorithm, for instance, is a tailored approach that adjusts the intensity of workouts based on whether an athlete has a game or practice. This individualized approach ensures that athletes can continue to train effectively while minimizing the risk of overtraining.
In summary, this episode provides a comprehensive look at the innovative approaches of Frank Lerchen and Kyle McKenzie. Their dedication to creating a thriving athletic environment at West Ottawa is evident in every aspect of their work. This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in the future of athletic performance and the holistic development of student-athletes.
This episode was recorded on September 26, 2024.

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The 29/1 - Finding Balance with Big 10 Champion Sarah Moraw

Transcript

Speaker 100:00:00.119

who you are as a person and how you treat other people and how you perform and how you hold yourself in a way that is positive and humble , and whatever that is like . That speaks volumes , way more than a record and a record book , a medal around your neck .

Speaker 200:00:22.280

Hey everybody , this is Rodney Valinga with the West Ottawa High School