SPRINGFIELD, Vt. – Edgar May Health and Recreation Center is excited to announce that registration is open for the fall 2023 season of the Stingrays youth swim team. We are also excited to announce that Aquatics Coordinator Julia Lamb will be coaching the Stingrays this season. Previously, Julia has coached her own club swim team in Tampa, Fla., as well as worked with National level swimmers. She has also assisted the Stingrays in previous seasons.
“I am looking forward to being a part of the Stingrays,” says Julia. “We will start the fall season getting to know each other and focusing on the basics. There will be one or two ‘mini meets’ to reconnect with racing, as well as aerobic work for those who are ready. It is my goal for swimmers to have the space they need to work hard, swim fast, and have fun.”
Prior to the start of the season, the EdgarMay is offering interested youth swimmers an Intro to Swim Team three-week program from Oct. 2-18. Intro to Swim Team practices are Mondays and Wednesdays from 4:15-5:00 p.m. The practices will improve a swimmer’s technique, as well as increase stamina. Participants must be able to swim 25 yards freestyle with an understanding of side breathing. Space is limited, so early registration is encouraged. Interested swimmers do not need to be active EdgarMay members to participate in Intro to Swim Team.
The fall season will begin Nov. 1, and continue through Dec. 22. Children between the ages of 6-18 are invited to join our youth swim team. The team is split into developmental, junior, or senior levels.
The Developmental level is for beginning swimmers, or those that can complete one lap of backstroke and freestyle. These swimmers are generally aged 10 and under. Coaches will work in and out of the water to teach each swimmer proper swimming skills, with a focus on strokes. The swimmers will also progress to longer lengths of swimming, in order to give them the endurance they need for shorter races. Developmental practice is on Monday and Wednesday afternoons from 4:15-5:00 p.m.
In the Junior level, each swimmer must be at least 8 years old, and be able to swim 50 yards of each stroke and, a 100 yard individual medley (IM) with minimal corrections. They will work primarily on improving proper swimming technique. These swimmers will swim longer yards and multiple sets to increase their endurance while maintaining correct form. Coaches will work in and out of the water. Practice is Monday, Wednesday, and Friday evenings from 5-6 p.m. A printed workout will be provided each week for an optional additional workout for swimmers.
In the Senior level, each swimmer must be at least 12 years old and/or have coach’s approval to move up from the Junior level. They must be able to swim 100 yards of each stroke, as well as a 200 yard IM, and know correct turns and starts. Technique remains a priority, with an increase in aerobic capacity training. Practices will consist of higher yardage, training a variety of systems and strokes. The goal of swimmers in this group is to be well-rounded, capable of swimming a 200 freestyle and 200 IM competitively. Practice is on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday evenings from 5-6:30 p.m. A printed workout will be provided each week for an optional additional workout for swimmers.
Swim team participants must be active members at the EdgarMay for the duration of the swim team session. Registration is available at www.edgarmay.org, or call the front desk at 802-885-2568. For more information, contact Julia Lamb at jlamb@edgarmay.org.