Team Structure

In keeping with the philosophy of providing quality swimming programs for athletes of all ages, abilities, and interests levels, Mt. Hood Aquatics offers several levels of training and professional instruction.  The coaching staff determines the swimmer’s training level, with athlete and parent agreement.

MHA Swim School (aka East County Swim)

MHA Swim School offers a comprehensive “learn to swim” program for children of all ages.  Lessons are available on Monday and Wednesday evenings throughout the year at our Reynolds Middle School, Barlow High School, and Gresham High School pool locations.  Group and private lessons are also offered during weekdays and on some Saturday mornings during the summer at Reynolds Middle School.

White Squad

This level is for swimmers who can properly perform the basics of freestyle and backstroke and are ready to learn more advanced stroke techniques in addition to learning how to perform the butterfly and breaststroke.  Swimmers will be working harder and will need plenty of family encouragement, although having fun and personal improvement are still the primary objectives.  Athletes are introduced to Inter Squad swim meets at the point and begin to reap the rewards of their efforts.  The training schedule is 2-3 practices per week, plus Inter Squad and dual meets.  Membership on White Squad is a month-to-month commitment.

Red Squad

In this transitional level, swimmers move from primarily stroke instruction to actual competitive training.  Careful attention is given to stroke technique, but an equal emphasis begins to be placed on learning how to train.  Regular attendance is strongly encouraged to achieve the maximum benefit from training.  The training schedule is 3-4 practices per week, plus Inter Squad, dual and invitational meets.  Membership on Red Squad is a month-to-month commitment.

Silver Squad

Silver Squad constitutes the first level of the Mt. Hood Aquatics program at which training is emphasized.  Swimmers on Silver Squad receive a strong conditioning background that will prepare them for competition at higher levels of USA Swimming.  This squad provides committed and motivated swimmers the opportunity to train seriously and set goals for State and Regional competitions.  Training schedule: 5 practices per week plus comprehensive meet schedule.  Annual commitments are recommended, and full-season commitments are required for membership on Silver and Gold (Short Course: September-February and/or Long Course: March-August).

Gold Squad

Gold Squad is an introduction to the Senior Squad, Mt. Hood Aquatic’s highest level.  Swimmers practice in conjunction with the Senior Squad at Mt. Hood Community College while maintaining a training and meet schedule similar to Silver Squad.  Training schedule: 5-6 practices per week, plus a comprehensive meet schedule.  Annual commitments are recommended, and full-season commitments are required for membership on Silver and Gold (Short Course: September-February and/or Long Course: March-August).

Senior Squad

Senior Squad is a transitional level to the Senior III Squad, Mt. Hood Aquatics' highest level.  Swimmers practice in conjunction with the Senior III Squad at Mt. Hood Community College while maintaining a training and meet schedule similar to Gold and Silver Squads.  Training schedule: 5-6 practices per week.  Annual commitments are recommended, and full-season commitments are required for membership on the Senior II Squad (Short Course: September-February and/or Long Course: March-August).

Senior Elite Squad

Senior Elite Squad is the highest competitive level within the Mt. Hood Aquatics structure.  Swimmers engage in a training program enabling motivated individuals to successfully achieve personal and team goals.  Requirements to join and remain on Senior III are set by the Head Coach and include a full, one-year commitment (September to August) to training with the squad.  The training schedule includes 7-8 practices per week, weight training and dryland training as determined by the Head Coach.

Masters

Masters is an 18-and-over program with Mt. Hood Aquatics operating as Oregon Reign Masters.  Please visit Oregon Reign Masters website for more details at www.oregonreignmasters.org.