LIVE WELL SWIM FAST. How to Join. Rapids Area YMCA Swimmers. Coaching Staff

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Randolph Sanders
5 years ago
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1 How to Join New swimmers must attend an evaluation prior to registration. Evaluations are available Fridays at the Southeast YMCA from 4:00 6:00PM between August 1 and September 9 except for September 2. Registration for returning and new swimmers is available on our website ( Space is limited so register early. If you have any questions during the registration process, please contact our office or rayscoach@hotmail.com. There is a $55 non-refundable registration fee. This fee serves to hold your spot on the team and will cover your USA Swimming registration fee. You will also pay a $125 fundraising fee (PreTeam and HS training only are not required to fundraise). This fee may be earned back during the season by participating in fundraising opportunities. Team fees will be invoiced to your auto pay account in four equal installments on 10/1, 11/1, 12/1 and 1/1. If you prefer to pay via check, you will need to pay the full season s fees prior to the beginning of the season to keep your spot. The team fees are Pre-Team: $325 Late Start (Oct 31): $260 8&Unders: $375 Late Start: $ s: $425 Late Start: $ th grade: $475 Late Start: $380 HS Boys Comp/Train only: $210 year-round: $260 HS Girls Comp/Train only: $310 year round: $360 Year-Round Group (11 Over): $575 Full HS $525 Coaching Staff The RAYS Swim Team is proud of its experienced and enthusiastic coaching staff. They place an emphasis on individual development, team achievement and maintaining a challenging, positive atmosphere. The staff meets regularly to create consistency across the program. Our coaches actively seek new ideas and creative methods to challenge all swimmers in the program. They stay current in the sport and in the YMCA to better meet the goals of the team. Swim Team Director Nathan Manley RAYS has been under the direction of Nathan Manley since Coach Manley brings more than 15 years of experience as an age group and high school coach. He has coached swimmers who have competed in state and regional championships, YMCA Nationals, Junior Nationals and the 2008 Beijing Paralympics. Coach Manley has worked at Auburn University swim camps, is a member of the travel staff for the Paralympic Division of the U.S Olympic Committee, holds a masters degree in coaching and has even authored a workbook for swimmers. He is an ASCA (American Swimming Coaches Association) Level IV coach (among the top 10% in the country). Coach Manley is joined by a dynamic staff of ASCA educated and trained assistant coaches.

2 Pre-Team September 12 February 10, April 30 July 27 4 x per week for approximately 45 minutes none Develop the four competitive strokes to a legal level so that swimmers can join the age group program 8&Unders September 12 February 19, April 30 July 27 5 x per week for approximately 60 minutes Local to state level Develop the four competitive strokes, starts, turns Have fun Facilities The RAYS operate primarily out of two facilities on the Southeast side of Grand Rapids. Our office is located at the Southeast YMCA off Cascade Rd and Forest Hills Ave. This facility also houses a 6 lane pool where most of our 10 and under swimmers train. RAYS also appreciates the opportunity to use the Forest Hills Community Aquatic Center which is a Forest Hills Public Schools facility. This 8 lane competitive pool typically services our 11 and overs. From time to time RAYS uses a variety of other facilities to accommodate our swimmers various needs. We typically swim outside in the summer at a local country club and use Calvin College and Jenison High School for long course training.

3 9-10s 5 x per week for approximately 75 minutes Local to regional level, learn the BASICS Have fun Compete regularly Learn training basics like using the pace clock, counting strokes, swimming with others College Swimming Today, literally any swimmer who wants to swim in college can find a school with a program that can accommodate their abilities and goals. Swimmers who wish to swim in college should begin early to develop their own portfolio of academic and athletic accomplishments as well as research potential schools to become familiar with the teams If you are interested in swimming in college, talk with one of our coaches about the best steps for you to take. 11 8th Grade 5 x per week for approximately 90 minutes Local to national level Refine skills, develop aerobic capacities Enjoy training, racing and being on a team

4 High School Seasonal Swimmers 5 x per week for approximately 120 minutes Local to National Level Prepare for high school season Compete for RAYS High School Training Only 5 x per week for approximately 120 minutes none Prepare for high school season Academics At RAYS we value studentathletes. Academic performance like athletic performance is a reflection of the development of character traits such as discipline, resourcefulness and orderliness. Some would suggest that since academics come first that missing practices, meets or team functions any time to complete homework or prepare for a test is acceptable. We believe, however, that character comes first, that ordering one s life so that there is ample time to complete all responsibilities is much preferred. Pressing academic concerns and scheduled practices create an environment in which careful planning, discernment and thoroughness can be developed. Be sure to celebrate your child s academic success with us this year. We post honor roll and other achievements on our website.

5 You have to be fast Year-Round Swimming September - August 6+ x per week for approximately 120 minutes Local to National Level Prepare for regional and national level meets as well as HS Expectations This is the only group RAYS operates with an attendance policy. Swimmers are expected to attend at least 90% of scheduled practices and meets. Swimmers must be at least 11 years old, have a firm grasp of the four competitive strokes, starts, turns and enough swimming background to make the transition to year-round swimming. Year Round Myths Year round swimming is about commitment not your achievements. It s too hard Our coaches are focused on long term athlete development with technique at its cornerstone, not yardage It s too serious/not fun We want every swimmer s experience with RAYS to be positive and life-improving. Doing anything well requires a level of discipline and good old fashioned hard work. Most of our swimmers enjoy the challenge, enjoy their teammates and being part of a high quality, character driven organization. Ask most swimmers who are competing at a high level and they will tell you they are having the time of their life. Coaches only care about the fast swimmers Coaches care about sincerity of effort and loyalty to the program and it s mission not times. It s too time consuming and takes time away from academics Character is habit. Swimmers who develop discipline, diligence and orderliness in the pool display the same characteristics in the classroom and their other pursuits.

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