Training Groups
The Sylvania Tsunami Swim Club offers five training levels that are assigned by our coaches based on age, ability level, and experience. While attendance is not mandatory, we strongly encourage regular attendance for your swimmer to maximize their individual level progress. Daily practices are closed to parents and spectators except for Friday practices. This is specifically designed to allow the coaches to coach without interference or distractions. You will notice that on Friday evenings, the pool is very loud, and the excess noise from parents chatting in the stands or siblings moving around interferes with the coaching and distracts our swimmers. Our practice schedule is designed to give each swimmer the appropriate training and instruction they need. We welcome all parents to come watch their swimmer's progress on Fridays, ask coaches questions, and meet with board members.
Stroke Development
This introductory group is for swimmers who are just beginning in the sport of swimming. Swimmers must be able to do freestyle with rotary breathing. Basic mastery of freestyle and backstroke, as well as the introduction to butterfly and breaststroke, are the primary goals of the Stroke Development Program. There are no meet requirements; however, all swimmers may be encouraged to swim at one swim meet. Practices will be held in the short lanes of the pool. The group is divided into two age groups, and assignments to a group will be determined after all swimmers are registered.
Coaches: Kelsey Mefferd and Austin Axe
Red
Red is our second level of developmental groups, designed for beginners who know the four competitive strokes but need coaching to combine them into effective swimming strokes that meet legal standards and are more efficient in swim meets. Basic mastery of the four competitive strokes and turns is the primary goal of this group. Practices will be held in the long lanes of the pool. This group is limited to a total of 40 swimmers.
Coaches: Austin Axe and Kelsey Mefferd
White
White is our introduction to the training group. These swimmers are proficient in all four competitive strokes. Swimmers are introduced to basic training methods with emphasis on proper stroke technique, technical refinement, and understanding the pace clock. Swimmers begin to utilize training methods to enhance their fitness levels, including dry-land conditioning. Practices will be held in the long lanes of the pool. This group is limited to a total of 40 swimmers.
Coaches: Kelsey Mefferd and Austin Axe
Blue
Blue is designed for swimmers making preparations for the Senior Group level of training and competition. Swimmers continue to utilize training methods to enhance their fitness levels, including more comprehensive dry-land conditioning, refined stroke technique, and practical training and race strategies. Technique is still emphasized, but a shift is made towards higher levels of training. This group is limited to a total of 40 swimmers.
Coaches: Austin Axe
Senior
Senior Group is for national, advanced, intermediate, and beginning-level high school swimmers. This group is for the post-high school season, as well as the long-course season. Swimmers in this group are offered training to reach their personal potential goals. Goals and training programs are developed to accommodate individual swimmers' abilities and will be divided into two groups. Swimmers will be encouraged to attend the uppermost levels of competition as discussed with the Senior Group coaching staff. Each group will have a limited number of swimmers.
Coach: Lori Yaross
