Coach: Pat Underhill

The Sirius group is the top group in our program and the leaders set the tone for the team. Training becomes an equal partner with technique, racing skills are emphasized, and practices are challenging and fun every day. Training includes dryland as well as swimming, and practices are creative and goal-oriented. Swim meets are offered in a variety of different formats including season-ending meets.

Recommendations:

•  Attend 4+ practices per week.

•  Bring all equipment to practice every day.

•  Provide leadership to teammates, whether by words or actions.

•  Compete in 1-2 meets per month and a finals meet.

Equipment:

•  Fins

•  Kickboard

•  Center mount snorkel

•  Paddles

•  Pull-buoy

Coach: Pat Underhill

The Polaris group continues to refine stroke, turn, and start technique. The primary focus adjusts slightly to allow for more advanced training. This includes dryland exercises integrated into swim training, intermediate race strategy education and practice, and the development of leadership skills necessary for our Sirius group. Regular meet participation in a variety of formats is recommended and finals meets are essential. Finally, individual and group goal setting are part of the curriculum.

Recommendations:

• Attend four or more practices a week.

• Bring all equipment to practice on a daily basis.

• Attend at least one meet per month, including your highest level season-ending meet.

Equipment:

• Fins

• Kickboard

• Pull-buoy

• Center mounted snorkel

Coach: Sally Gerlach

After learning the basic fundamentals of swimming, the Orion group builds on that knowledge base with the addition of basic interval training and an introduction to race strategy, and group goal setting. The primary focus remains on good technique for all 4 strokes, including starts, turns, and finishes. This Orion group participates in local invites and finals meets when appropriate.

Recommendations

• Attend 3-4 practices each week.

• Bring a water bottle to practice.

• Participate in one meet per month.

Equipment

• Fins

• Kickboard

• Pull-buoy

Coach: Sally Gerlach 

The Little Dippers group focuses on developing the fundamentals of good technique while learning what it means to be on a swim team. They learn and refine all four competitive strokes as well as learn the specific starts, turns, and finishes associated with each race. This group pays particular attention to freestyle and backstroke skills. Little Dippers learn how to use equipment (board/fins/etc), read and understand basic sets, and are introduced to the use of a pace clock. Little Dippers participate in novice level meets along with smaller invites at the discretion of the coaching staff.

Recommendations

• Arrive at practice on time and prepared to participate 

• Attend 2-3 practices per week

• Attend meets as developmentally appropriate 

• Have fun!

Equipment

• Fins

• Kickboard