Columbia Swim Club

 Welcome to

The Home of the Tiger Sharks!

 

COLUMBIA SWIM CLUB GROUPS

Columbia Swim Club groups are divided in to two areas: Age Group and Senior.  Within those areas the groups are subdivided to provide the most effective training and swimmer development and to maximize the potential of each athlete.

 

Swimmers will be moved into groups two times per year: Either after short course season is completed or after long course season is completed.  Each swimmer move is carefully planned and discussed by coaches.  In addition to stated group requirements consideration will be given to the ability of the swimmer to be successful in each group, swimmer maturity, training level within current group, meet attendance and practice attendance.   All swimmers will be placed into groups that will facilitate the best growth and success a swimmer can experience in a competitive swimming program. 

Final placement in groups is solely at the discretion of the coaching staff.

AGE GROUP PROGRAM (13 and under)

Age group programming and Hickman Groups are managed by Head Age Group Coach Sarah Smith under the direction of Head Coach Phil Garverick.

Stingray & Barracuda Groups

The Stingray & Barracuda groups are for swimmers age 10 and under.  The emphasis of these groups is on excellent stroke technique, teaching children to love the sport of swimming and having FUN.  Stingray & Barracuda Group practices incorporate a significant amount stroke work and coaches frequently get in the water with the swimmers to teach. The group has a small coach to swimmer ratio.  Swimmers will learn or advance their knowledge in all aspects of competitive swimming including diving, turns and racing techniques.  Swimmer level will range from very novice swimmers to intermediate swimmers attending Division 1 and 2 level Championship meets.

The Stingray level is for novice 10 & under swimmers and the Barracuda group is for intermediate 10 & Under swimmers.

 

GROUP REQUIREMENTS: Minimum age 5, swimming test required prior to joining group.

Main Group Coach: Sarah Smith Email Coach Sarah

Dolphin Group

The Dolphin group is for swimmers ages 11-13.  The emphasis of this group is on excellent stroke technique, teaching children to love the sport of swimming, having fun and building the endurance needed for competitive age-group swimming.  Dolphin practices will be a combination of in-water and on deck stroke work and endurance training including some dry land training such as running and core work.  Swimmers will learn or advance their knowledge in all aspects of competitive swimming including diving, turns and racing techniques and will be encouraged to attend meets.  Swimmer level will range from novice swimmers to swimmers attending the Division 1 and 2 Championship meets.

GROUP REQUIREMENTS: Age 11 – 13, basic knowledge of all four competitive strokes

Main Group Coach:  Amy Chenault Email Coach Amy

The Barracuda and Dolphin groups are parallel groups, age of swimmers, not skill, determines which group the swimmer will be in.

SWORDFISH GROUP

This program is for advanced age group swimmers ages 9-12 who have achieved certain times in the past season and are able to train at a high level.  This group will focus on advanced stroke technique and competitive skills, while training at an appropriate level for elite age group swimmers.  Swimmers in this group will be expected to attend all practices, all meets as directed by the group coach and all championship meets that he/she qualifies for. 

 

GROUP REQUIREMENTS:

10 and Under swimmers: Division 1 times in TWO or more strokes and a minimum of one 10 & Under “A” time.

11-12 Swimmers: Division 1 times in TWO or more strokes.

SENIOR PROGRAM (Ages 13+)

Head Coach Phil Garverick directs all Senior Group programming, training, scheduling, workouts and competition for Black, Gold and Tigershark Senior Groups. Email Coach Phil

SENIOR BLACK GROUP

This group is for swimmers who are transitioning from the age group program into the Senior program who need continued stroke development and endurance.  Swimmers in this group may choose to train for the Senior Gold Group and will be provided with the tools needed to advance into the higher groups.  Alternately swimmers may remain in this group as long as they want and swim at their own pace while having the flexibility to make decisions about their swimming career.  Swimmers in this group will continue to be focused on the development of their swimming while starting to learn the performance and commitment aspects of swimming.

SENIOR GOLD GROUP

This group is designed to continue the progression of an athlete’s talents to the next level.  Swimmers in this group are very committed to the sport but may be lacking one important element that will help them achieve their goals.  Swimmers in this group are expected to attend most practices as well as necessary meets for their ability level.  Most swimmers in this group will be trying to achieve placement in the Tigershark Group once they are ready.  This group will consist of some Sectional/Zone level athletes as well as most Division 1 level swimmers.

SENIOR TIGERSHARK GROUP

This group and the swimmers in it are directed by the Head Coach.  All decisions on swimmers attendance of practice, meets and other benefits to athletes swimming are made by the coach.  This includes championship meets, training trips, weight training, vacations, etc.  This group is designed for athletes to reach their potential in the sport of swimming.   Swimmers are expected to have a minimum of two Sectional cuts to be in this group.  More importantly swimmers are expected to have a superior work ethic and discipline at all times.