Dippers

Coach: Sally Gerlach

The 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. Dippers learn how to use equipment (board/fins/etc), read and understand basic sets, and are introduced to the use of a pace clock. 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

Orion

Coach: Sally Gerlach

After learning the 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. The Orion group participates in local invites and finals meets when appropriate.

Expectations:

• Attend 3-4 practices each week
• Participate in one meet per month

Equipment:

• Fins
• Kickboard
• Pull-buoy

Polaris

Coaches: Debbie Doyle, 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.

Expectations:

• 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

Sirius & Sirius Select

Coaches: Pat Underhill, Chris Hydukovich

The Sirius groups are the top groups 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.

Coaching staff will select and/or approve membership in Sirius Select. Commitment level of Sirius Select athletes will be evaluated on a rolling basis.

Sirius Expectations:

• Ages 12+
• Attend 3+ practices per week
• Meet attendance encouraged
• Strength training encouraged
• Bring all equipment to practice every day
• Provide leadership to teammates, whether by words or actions

Sirius Select Expectations:

• Ages 13+
• Attend 4-5+ practices per week
• Meet attendance required (2-3 meets + finals meet per season)
• Strength training expected
• Bring all equipment to practice every day
• Provide leadership to teammates, whether by words or actions

Sirius & Sirius Select Equipment:

• Fins
• Kickboard
• Center mount snorkel
• Paddles
• Pull-buoy