About 200 swimmers in competitive and developmental squads
The Wedgewood Swim Team is made up of about 200 swimmers ages 5 to 18, and it competes in the Southern Chester County Swim League, the SCCSL. Swimmers are split into competitive and developmental squads, so a seven-year-old learning to hold a straight line and a seventeen-year-old chasing a relay split can both find their place on the same deck.
Practice for the competitive age groups happens in the Lower Pool, the 25 meter, six-lane pool at the bottom of the hill. The developmental groups work in the Upper Pool once their mornings begin, in short sessions built for the youngest swimmers.
Every swimmer must be an active member of Wedgewood Swim Club. The team does not run apart from the club: it is members' children swimming in the members' own pools, and the goals reflect that. A fun and rewarding experience comes first, then strong team spirit, then solid fundamentals.
Coaches on deck and a parent board behind them
Tim Horan is the Head Coach and also directs the club's swim lessons. Rosie Carey coaches the Developmental Group. The assistant coaches are Madi Bucci, Katie Crombie, Will Nangle, George Harkins, Sloane Reilly and Julia Taylor.
A parent board keeps the rest of the season running. Shannan Mannes and Jen Osgood are the Co-Presidents. Mary Beth Kurimay coordinates parent volunteers, John McGlade is Treasurer, Kate DImperio and Karen Fekete run the Social Committee, and Lisa Fusco is the Parent Liaison. Muffie Taylor and Sarah Mears serve as League Reps, Miriam Khatib is the Meet Registrar, Mark Schugsta is the Board Liaison, and Suzanne Nangle handles Spirit Wear.
Swim team is a group effort for the kids, and the board says so plainly: consider volunteering. A parent board member can tell you where a pair of hands helps most.
From first afternoon practice to the End of Season Party
The season opens in late May with afternoon practices in the Lower Pool, sorted by age group. From mid-June practices move to the mornings, and the developmental groups start up in the Upper Pool. Early in the season there is a parent meeting, evaluations for new swimmers and a team picture day.
League racing follows the usual shape: time trials, a relay carnival, dual meets both away and at home, a league invitational, and the championships. To swim at the championships a swimmer has to take part in a minimum number of league events, so showing up through the summer counts.
Around the racing sits the part children remember. There is a Poster Party during morning practices, Bingo Night in the Picnic Grove, the Team Banquet and Awards night, and an End of Season Party at the club. Dates change from year to year and the club calendar carries the current ones.
To ask about joining a squad, write to wedgewoodswimteam@gmail.com.
