“One of the best!” That’s quite a statement, but that’s exactly right. Dr. Sam Freas, currently head swimming coach at Oklahoma Baptist University allowed me to preview a few chapters of his latest book Sprinting II: It Takes Guts. After reading it I’ve concluded he has to be one of the best of all time. Why, you may ask?
First of all, when you read it, it becomes glaringly evident he knows how to make people swim fast, have fun, love swimming and get the best out of his athletes. Period. Take a look at every team he has coached: Allegheny, State University of New York at Potsdam, Iowa, Arkansas, LSU, Hawaii, and Oklahoma Baptist University (OBU); all were turned from lack luster teams to having their best years during Sam’s tutelage. Every one of his teams came into national prominence in a short period of time.
Sam gives his athletes the spark they never knew existed. You will discover why many of them become Olympic, world and national champions. Perhaps even more amazing is that many swimmers who never indexed major success went on to become world-class swimmers under Sam. I speak from personal experience as I had nearly given up on my college swimming career when I got connected with Sam, and decided to transfer to OBU. That next year, my final year of eligibility, I posted my lifetime fastest times and helped achieve something remarkable for a first-year team, capturing the NAIA national championship title. I am not a swimming historian but it had to be the first time in swimming history for such an accomplishment.
My dad Ian also swam for Sam at the University of Iowa where Sam was doing doctoral studies. He and my mom met there and subsequently moved to Arkansas where he still coaches after nearly 40 years. I recently have proudly accepted the reins from my dad, and we can now be found side by side on the pool deck in Fort Smith.
You’ll get a lot of personal stories in this book while learning valuable truths. Sam has never been boring, and in Sprinting II he recounts many adventures during his coaching tenure—stories swimmers and coaches can relate to and use to enhance their own perspectives. It’s an entertaining and easy-to-read book; everyone will get something out of it.
One thing I love about Sam is that he admits his mistakes, and this makes his discoveries very interesting. You will see why he creates a team atmosphere of caring, love, and family while at the same time educating and entertaining. I have read several chapters, and can’t wait to get my autographed copy which is coming soon. I know you’ll enjoy reading it too! Go to sprintswimming.com to get your copy.
Tom Bullock is the coach of the Fort Smith Tideriders, in Fort Smith, Arkansas and an NAIA All American swimmer while at Oklahoma Baptist University. He also serves as the swim coach for Fort Smith high schools.
How I miss this dear friend and his swimming knowledge!
Sam is Sam, the one and only. Not sure the world could handle another one like him. He coached me to a world ranking of 6th for the long course 50 meter freestyle in 1984. He can get the most out of a person when they think they have nothing. I remember being sick at a dual meet in Kansas one year during my tenure at the UofA (I was there 81-85). I was whining and complaining about feeling like crap. After talking with Sam, I went up and set a pool record at that time in the 50 free. He is a heck of a coach.
I have gotn
…To know Sam over the years. I have read several of Sam’s work and have have had the opportunity to swim for the Legend. I became a top 50 world ranked swimmer with his training. I was no special talented swimmer by any means, but under his training regime I excelled as a swimmer. I’m excited for this new release and interested to see what exercises are included. His first sprinting book had great visuals and explanations of how each exercise works. I’m sure this sequel will be even better!
I swam for Sam as well. He taught me to swim at age 6, and then I returned to swim for him after college at LSU Aquatics. He is THE best sprint coach ever. As with many great coaches, he is wildly misunderstood by those who cannot replicate his success.
The “square shoulder” approach is not anything of oddity. If you understand centrifugal force theory than you understand that rotation must decrease with increased movement to carry increased force, or in this case, velocity.
Looking forward to it! His original book was entertaining. I wonder if he’s revised his “square shoulder” freestyle?
Nope. For the most part, his sprinters are up, square to the wall, and flat like a drag boat. mid-distance and distance he has rotating more.
looks like it’ll be a great read. I wonder if his book will ever be sold on Amazon 🙂
Can’t wait to read this!!!! Nice post Thomas.
The first Sprinting book Dr Freas released is still my favorite read since I started coaching. I am excited to get my hands on this one!