The Marlins Advantage
The Cincinnati Marlins provide a competitive swimming program that is one of the most highly regarded in the nation. Our history, traditions and accomplishments make membership on our team a unique and special experience. For over 45 years swimmers from all over Greater Cincinnati have been proud to be part of the Marlins tradition. Our athletes come from a variety of backgrounds but all share a common trait – a passion for the sport of swimming and for their team.
Coaching stability –
Our team’s first priority is to find, hire and retain the very best coaches possible. We believe we have one of the finest coaching staffs in the nation. Our head coach is entering his tenth year leading our team, our Head Senior coach has been with the Marlins for eleven years. This means that our swimmers are being trained in a consistent program with a focus on the swimmer’s long-term development.
Professional coaching –
The Marlins employ nine full-time professional coaches and nine part-time assistants. In addition, a sport science consultant is part of our staff. Our coaches take part in seminars and clinics to further develop their knowledge and to keep abreast of the latest trends in coaching. Our coaches are ASCA (American Swimming Coaches Association) certified and no other team in the area has more ASCA level 4 and 5 coaches than the Marlins.
Facilities –
The Marlins built and manage our home pool, Keating Natatorium. Keating is a
50-meter indoor pool which can also be configured into two 25-yard short-course pools. With seating for 1000 spectators, Keating is the venue for most Marlins home meets. The Marlins also operate training sites at Northern Kentucky University, at Taylor High School natatorium in North Bend, OH and at Princeton High School natatorium in Sharonville, OH. The Marlins have ample pool time at our facilities to ensure that swimmers are not overcrowded. This helps to develop proper stroke technique and ensures effective practices. Our practices average around 6 swimmers per lane in the short-course season. Practices are offered six days a week to provide flexibility for our swimmers and their families.
Team Results –
Few competitive swimming programs can equal the accomplishments of the Marlins. 24 Marlins have qualified to represent the United States in the Olympics. Marlins have won 19 Olympic medals. The tradition continues into the 21st century where two Marlin alums represented the U.S. at the 2000 Sidney games and the 2004 Athens Olympics. The Marlins won the U.S. National Championships in 1980 and the U.S. Junior National Championships in 1983, 1984, 1997, 1998, 1999 and 2000, holding records in numerous events. In 1999, Swimming World Magazine named the Cincinnati Marlins the best Age-group program in the country. In 2006 the Marlins won the men’s Junior National Championship with the combined team taking the runner-up honors. The Marlins have won over 30 Ohio Junior Olympic Championships and have won 10 consecutive Sectional Championships. In 2007, 66 Marlins, swimming for 25 different high schools, qualified to swim in District and Regional (Kentucky) Championships. 41 Marlins advanced to State High School Championships, with 6 Marlins winning State Championships. The Marlins regularly swim at national-level meets, giving our athletes the opportunity to compete at the highest levels. While the Marlins are proud of these accomplishments, it’s important to note that they are the outcome of a larger goal. Not every swimmer will reach the Olympics, but our team is dedicated to enabling every swimmer to reach their personal potential. We are proud of all of our swimmers who experience the sense of accomplishment and pride that comes from knowing they have done their very best.
High Performance Swimming
The Marlin National Team is the home of Cincinnati’s premier swimmers. Marlin members have the opportunity to earn a spot among the best swimmers in the area, training and competing with national and international-level athletes. This group is provided with the resources to succeed on the national and collegiate stage – outstanding coaching, generous pool time and high-caliber meets. No team in the region offers a comparable training experience for advanced swimmers. The Marlins training philosophy is evident in the high proportion of swimmers who develop into Sectional, National and International qualifiers.
Organizational Stability –
The Marlins were founded in 1961 and have been one of the nation’s leading teams for 47 years. The club is financially sound and is an important contributor to swimming in the state of Ohio, the Midwest and the nation. The Marlins have been named a Level 4 program in USA Swimming’s Club Recognition Program, which is the highest rating for business operations and financial stability. We are parent-owned and professionally-managed. The team employs a full-time team manager and a business manager to oversee the day-to-day operation of the club.
Club Rankings –
The Cincinnati Marlins have been named one of the nation’s best swimming programs by USA Swimming. Sixteen teams out of 2800 nationally are recognized as Gold Medal Clubs. In 2006 the Marlins were ranked 12th nationally and in 2007 the team was ranked 8th. No other team in the area has earned this designation. This recognition is given for team performance, organizational effectiveness and stability and support for the sport on a state and national level. The Marlins were also ranked 22nd nationally in the Toyota Virtual Club Championships which ranks team performance from the youngest age group to the oldest.
Tradition and Identity –
The tradition of the Marlins is one of our team’s greatest strengths. Our swimmers learn to value dedication and hard-work in pursuit of their goals. Marlin swimmers learn to support and encourage one another. We are privileged to be able to provide our swimmers with opportunities to meet and learn from our Marlin Olympians. As a team, we respect and are inspired by our team’s history, traditions and accomplishments.
Fees –
Marlins fees are among the most reasonable in the area. Our fees are structured on an annual basis, so there are no additional costs for the long-course (summer) season. Our fees cover many costs that are extra at other programs.
Volunteer requirements –
Like other teams that host meets, the Marlins depend upon our families to help us run our meets. Our parents have a choice of what duties they volunteer for, and are encouraged to take on leadership roles within our organization.
For 47 years the Marlins have built upon a solid foundation to create a swim program that has a place for every swimmer and encompasses all of the positive benefits that the sport has to offer. We take great pride in the quality of our program and in the outstanding athletes who represent our team.