It is the goal of the Marlins to offer ability-specific training for all of our athletes. Team training challenges and develops each individual to the best of THEIR abilities. Our swim groups are identified below. The coach will assess every swimmer and place each one into the appropriate group.
Marlins Swim Team Head Coach: Matthias McManus.
Please call us at 573-581-1540 to schedule a tryout, or Click Here to send us an email request for more information.
The Mini Marlins Swim School is a non-competitive group and is limited to 6 swimmers. Young swimmers (ages 5 – 10) who can swim freestyle and backstroke, but do not yet qualify for swim team may qualify for the Mini Marlins group. Athletes in this group will not compete in swim meets until they have achieved the skills needed to qualify for the Swim Team’s Bronze Group.
This is our entry level group and is limited to 8 swimmers. An athlete must be familiar with the four strokes (Butterfly, Breast, Back Stroke and Freestyle), be able to tread water for 30 seconds and swim the length of the pool (20 yards) using each stroke to the best of their ability.
From the Bronze group, athletes move into the Silver group. This intermediate group is limited to 24 swimmers. Athletes in this group focus mainly on learning the four legal competitive stroke techniques, team and meet etiquette and begin learning start and turn maneuvers. This group is exposed to training and will begin preparing for competitive meets.
From the Silver group, athletes move into the Gold group. This advanced group is limited to 12 swimmers and focuses on individual training and endurance. Individuals are encouraged to set competitive goals while identifying and working on strengths and weaknesses.
Notes:
During Winter Swim, all swimmers must be members of the Mexico Area Family YMCA, and must commit to participate in at least 3 swim meets, including the Heartland Area Conference Regional Meet in Monett, MO, on the first weekend in March.
During Summer Swim, Swimmers must commit to participate in at least 3 swim meets, including the Mid-Mo Conference Championship Meet on the second Saturday in July.
Gold Level swimmers must make a full commitment to the practice schedule. If not, they will be re-assigned to the Silver Level.