Mark Chantaj
HEAD COACH
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2019/2020 will be Mark’s 7th season with
the Mantas and 4th as Head Coach. He is a “301
Trained” Coach and is working towards completing his
certification. He has an Honors Degree in Physical Education with a
specialty in movement studies and a Graduate Diploma of Education.
Coach Mark insists on taking a teaching approach while on deck
and is adamant young swimmers should be taught the
‘how/what/when/where/why’ of all their competitive
swimming strokes & skills. By doing this, he’s confident
they’ll develop good habits and a tough mindset that will
translate to success in their development beyond their age group
swimming years.
Coach Mark loves to travel and if he’s not coaching in
Fort McMurray he’s off exploring the world. He’s a
proud supporter of all Toronto sport franchises…and yes,
that includes the Toronto Maple Leafs!
Alanna Huffman
Coach
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I was born in British Columbia where I swam for both the Prince
George Barracuda Swim Club and the Williams Lake Blue Fins. I have
enjoyed the water ever since I was young. I Moved to Fort McMurray
when I was 13 and swam with the Mantas for 3 years. I
couldn’t give up the pool completely so I became a lifeguard
and taught swimming lessons for 4 years. Since then I have
graduated from Keyano College with my Early Learning and Child Care
Certificate. I spend my days as a preschool teacher and coaching
for the Mantas and I enjoy every minute of it!
Kim Norris
Coach
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As a swimmer of the Fort
McMurray Swim Club at its inception over 40 years ago, there is a
big place in my heart for the clubs continued success and
accomplishment. I was blessed with great coaches when I swam to
National level and am so excited to be coaching the Mini Mantas
this year and helping Coach Jo take over the
Manta Swim School. My philosophy is to coach swimmers to work and
play in a fair manner, to help them set and work hard to achieve
challenging goals, and to do THEIR best and BE their best in
everything they do.
Jo Young
MANTA Swim School Coordinator
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Coach Jo is in her second year as the swim school
coordinator. Coach Jo is no stranger to the pool. She
was a competitive swimmer for 12 years and her favorite race was
the 200 fly!!! She then went on to coach for 20 years in Kitimat,
BC prior to moving to Fort McMurray. Coach Jo passed on
her love for swimming to her children, with all 3 children
participating in competitive swimming, one at the national
level. Coach Jo is well versed in the life of a swimming
parent!!
Coach Jo's goal for the MSS program is to inspire in all the
kids a great love for the sport of swimming. But not just the
sport.......... also the sportsmanship, teamplay and the
friendships that will last for years. Lessons learned in the
pool can be put into your every day life. You can succeed at
anything you try, it only takes a little hard work and its a lot of
fun along the way.
Coach Jo can not wait to get to know all of her little swimmers
again this year.
