In order to determine a swimmer’s appropriate training group, please email
[email protected] to set up either an evaluation or to decide with the coaches where
they belong. Swimmers will be assessed at the beginning of each season by the coaches to
ensure they are placed in the optimal training groups. When age group swimmers move up,
parents do not make this decision alone. Moving to the next level must be approved by the
swimmer’s coach and Head Age Group Coach or Head Senior Coach.
Mini Minnows (ages 8 under)
Benchmarks for entry: Child is-
1) interested in swimming,
2) can swim 25 yards unassisted.
This group is our most novice group. Swimmers only need to be able to swim 25 yards
unassisted with any form. Practices are designed to teach the fundamentals of Freestyle and
Backstroke. Butterfly and Breaststroke will be introduced. Practices are offered 3 times per
week. It is recommended that swimmers attend at least 2 days per week.
Minnows (ages 10 & under)
Benchmarks for entry: Child is-
1) interested in swimming,
2) can swim 25 yards Freestyle and Backstroke unassisted without stopping.
Swimmers are able to complete 25 yards of Freestyle and Backstroke. Swimmers are gaining a
better knowledge of what competitive swimming entails. Butterfly and Breaststroke are being
implemented a bit more into the daily practice. Technique of all four strokes is the main focus.
Competitive skills including turns, starts, and rules of competition will be emphasized. Practices
are offered 4 times per week. It is recommended that swimmers attend at least 3 days per
week. Swimmers should not be wearing a wetsuit unless medically necessary.
Bronze (ages 8-12)
Benchmarks for entry: Child is-
1) interested in swimming,
2) considers swimming to be a main sport,
3) can swim all four strokes,
4) wants to improve technique, and 5) desires to compete in swimming.
This group is comprised of swimmers who can complete training sets using all 4 competitive
strokes legally. Improvement of technique of the four strokes as well as starts and turns is the
main focus. Longer swims will be introduced while maintaining proper technique. Swimmers
will learn to read a timeclock and begin to understand time intervals. Dryland and organized
activities will be implemented to build strength without putting too much strain on younger
bodies. It is recommended that swimmers attend at least 3 days per week.
Silver (ages 9-15)
Benchmarks for entry: Child is-
1) interested in swimming,
2) can swim all four strokes well,
3) wants to improve technique, and
4) desires to compete in swimming.
Swimmers must be able to-
a) complete 10x 100 freestyle on a 2:00 interval
b) swim a 200 IM without stopping.
Swimmers will be making a transition from technique training to more interval/endurance
swimming. Technique will always be monitored and focused upon even though the training will
be slightly more intense than Bronze. They will develop more sprint, distance freestyle and IM
type training. Dryland will be implemented to build strength without putting too much strain on
younger bodies Group members also will start to make a commitment to the sport of
swimming. Decisions about attendance, quality of work, and attitude will be made by each
athlete and his or her parents. Attendance will be a part of deciding the future group of the
swimmer.
They will concentrate on performing their best at the Regionals, Junior Olympics, and
Zones Championships. The coaching staff will make invitations to this group after evaluating
training sets, attitude, and meet performances from the previous season. It is recommended
that swimmers attend at least 4 days per week.
Gold (ages 12-15)
Benchmarks for entry:
Child is -
1) interested in swimming,
2) can swim all four strokes well,
3) wants to improve technique
4) desires to compete in swimming.
Swimmers must be able to-
a) complete 10x 100 freestyle on a 1:40 interval or faster,
b) swim a 200 IM in under 3 minutes,
c) have achieved at least one Junior Olympic cut.
This group is for swimmers who have made the commitment to swimming. Group members
must show the ability to endure sprint, distance, and IM training. Dryland will be implemented
to build strength without putting too much strain on younger bodies The swimmers in this
group have made the decision to start more intense training and are willing to strive toward the
highest levels of competition. Technique will always be monitored and focused upon even
though the training will be slightly more intense than Silver.
They will concentrate on performing their best at the Regionals, Junior Olympics, Zones, and Sectional Championships.
The coaching staff will make invitations to this group after evaluating training sets, attitude, and
meet performances from the previous season. It is recommended that swimmers attend 6 practices
per week during Winter/Spring season and 8 practices per week during Summer season.
Senior Group & National Team: High School Over
Benchmarks for entry:
All high school swimmers and older will be able to swim with the Senior Group if they are
willing to attend the required number of practices with a positive, growth mindset.
To make the National Team: Swimmers must have at least one Sectional cut and/or be invited
by the Head Senior Coach.
Swimmers will continue to focus on sprint, distance, and IM training. Technique will always be
monitored and focused upon even though the training will be intense. Dryland will be
implemented to build strength and athleticism. Training will emphasize the development of
good work habits, attendance, and a positive attitude, which will lead to higher levels of
achievement and more challenging training. Swimmers will concentrate on performing their
best at the Ohio Senior Championships, Sectional Championships, and various high school
meets.
Swimmers who desire to achieve Junior Nationals, Senior Nationals, and Olympic Trial
cuts will be given the tools and strategies to obtain those goals. Practices will be offered 6 days
a week. Swimmers are required to attend a minimum of 5 practices per week.
