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Karen Wedaman    Gold Group Coach

 I have been involved with the Vacaville Swim Club since 1988 when my husband Andy Wedaman was hired as head coach. During that time I have been a coach involved with all aspects of the team. Since May 2004 I have taken on the responsibility of coaching the Gold Group, which is composed of 24 young swimmers ranging in ages from 8 to 10 years old. We practice one hour every evening.

During my swimming career as a youth I had the privilege to learn from many outstanding swimming coaches including Vic Cook, Ken Ketchie, and Al Heinrich (my age group coaches), Ron Ballatore, Skip Kenney, and, most of all, Don Gambril. I now continue to add to my knowledge by constantly learning from the excellent coaches on our staff as well as from many other coaches involved in this sport, as well as attending clinics, listening to podcasts, and keeping up to date with the latest research.

I recently retired from UC Davis (at the end of 2006) after 18 years as a laboratory researcher in the field of molecular and cellular biology. I have now embarked on my next career as a teacher, having recently taught science and biotechnology classes at Vacaville High School. I am currently teaching science courses at Solano Community College.

Coaching Philosophy

 ü     Lead by example.

ü     Be positive, positive, positive.

ü     Keep the energy level high.

ü     Learn something new everyday.

ü     It’s FUN to challenge yourself.

ü     Smile. Laugh.

Accomplishments

 ü     9-10 Age Group National Record holder 200 individual medley (1963)

ü     Senior Nationals participant – 9 times

ü     Top 20 World times – 4 years

ü     Olympic Trials participant (1968)

ü     Masters World Championship medalist 200 butterfly (2006)

ü     Undergraduate degree from Stanford University (1975) - English

ü     Master’s degree from Texas Woman’s University (1989) – Molecular Biology

ü     Hiked the Wonderland Trail of Mt. Rainier (90+ miles and 22,000 feet of elevation gain/loss)

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