by By Dan Ninham (Oneida)
Star athletes make themselves better by putting in the time and distance of training. They put in these variables in possible adverse conditions of less than best training facilities. The star athletes find ways to win by overcoming the odds not to win.
“My name is Andrew Innerebner. I am 6’0″, and 185 lbs. I specialize in mid-distance freestyle and butterfly. I attend Sault Area High School (MI) and I am a senior.”
“I am a Sault Tribe of Chippewa Indians member in Sault Ste Marie, MI,” said Andrew.
“I was raised on the Seven Grandfather Teachings: Honesty, Humility, Respect, Truth, Love, Wisdom, and Courage,” said Andrew. “As I swim in practice and in competitions, I try to remember these and live my life showing them. I use them to make decisions about my work ethic and my behavior during meets.”
“My personal coach, Coach Dyke Justin has been with me since the beginning… since I was 10 years old. He has taught me how hard work pays off, as well as teaching me stroke and race techniques. Coach Justin has invested a lot of time, effort and wisdom in me. My high school coach, Coach Steve Habusta has given me the ability to learn how to be a good teammate and a good leader. Another real positive role model I have was my personal trainer, and owner of a local gym, GYM 906, Phil Woolcocks. He worked with me for a couple of years and gave me an understanding of nutrition and muscle development.
“I have actively coached Andrew for 7 years,” said Coach Dyke. “We have been through it all from his being 10 and jumping from 46th in the 50 backstroke to 11th at the USA State meet, and after being taught how to swim the stroke to placing second in the USA Regional’s in Minnesota, where 12 States were represented. Andrew has always taken the time to pass on his skills. He volunteered to help a group to special needs swimmers that were competing in the Special Olympics. It takes someone very special to take the time and care for that instruction, in addition to the 6,000 plus yards he was swimming on a daily basis. This of course, was in addition to showing various swimmers a turn or two in the water. He never acted like he was better than anyone else. And for that he had my admiration. He right now is coasting for the last couple of months of his high school career. After it he will be back at it to the tune of 7,000 yards in get ready for the MTSL State meet and his final USA State meet. Then a short break and it will be time for his competing with University of Wisconsin at Milwaukee.”
“I have observed a real generosity spirit that Andy possesses. That is why I have coached him for seven years while practicing Law at the same time. He was worth it and I got as much out of it,” added Coach Dyke.
“Leadership in the water?” asked Coach Dyke. “Words fail me when I try to describe what a competitor he is. He wills himself to win and it is done with every yard he swims. He knows how you win … you put in the time.”
“I live in a rural area of the Upper Peninsula of Michigan,” said Andrew. “My nearest USA Swimming competitions are 4 hours away. Two years ago my high school pool was closed. Thankfully the college pool, Lake Superior State University, kept their pool open although they were thinking of closing it as well, so I do have water to train in. Unfortunately the pool is a distance of short course meters. We can’t use the pool to compete in since competitions are in 25yards for high school and short course in USA Swimming. We also do not have starting blocks or professional coaches.”
Andrew addressed his coaches and where he is going with swimming after high school: “My two coaches are a lawyer (Justin) and a pastor (Habusta). Besides when I am practicing with the high school, I am practicing alone. Just Coach Justin, myself, and the clock. I am very excited to swim in college next year when I will have a whole team of guys to train with! I have signed a National Letter of Intent with the University of Wisconsin Milwaukee and begin there in the fall studying Civil Engineering.”
“I dig down deep for the motivation to get up at 5 am every day to work out alone in a pool that is the wrong size and doesn’t have all the equipment necessary for a race,” said Andrew. “I have been able to keep up with my counterparts that have Olympic size pools and training equipment that I can only dream of. But I do realize that by doing this all alone, I have learned good lessons in work ethic and dedication which I’m told will help me succeed later in life.”
“I have a 4.02 GPA and am an active member of the National Honor Society,” said Andrew. “I am an Ambassador for my school’s Career Technology Education (CTE) program and have won school honors, and competed in State, competitions in Masonry and Drafting. I have been the MVP of my high school swim team for the last three years, and I am in my third year being team captain for the swim team. I was honored with Male Upper Peninsula Swimmer of the Year last year. I have three UP records, and a lot of team and pool records around the Upper Peninsula. I have also earned varsity letters in both soccer and football.”
“The advice I have for other student athletes is to push through adversity. Whatever is trying to bring you down or hold you back, push through and show that thing or person that you are stronger or tougher than it is,” added Andrew.
Photo Credits: Mom and Shari Robertson
