Team prepares swimmers to compete

SPST is a learning experience appropriate for young people ages 3 to 18. Coaches work with swimmers at their level, and they are advanced at their own pace. Technique is taught and individual success is rewarded, even if it’s a little at a time.

Children need not be proficient in swim strokes to join. Coaches will work with them at their own level. Little children remain on the Farm Team and work with coaches until they are comfortable attempting a meet.

Farm team is not the same as swim lessons. In order to be enrolled a swimmer must meet the following guidelines: be potty trained, leave parent willingly for time of instruction, be comfortable in the water.

Student swimmers are placed in lanes based on ability and gradually move up based on ability. The first lane and the zero entry ramp are generally referred to as the Farm team.

Farm team coaches work with children to prepare them for meets. Goal one is to swim the length of the pool, even if shorts rests are still needed, in a meet. This event would be called "freestyle" as there are no specific requirements for the stroke. Next backstroke is added, breast is next as it is more difficult, and finally butterfly.

Older children will be taught proficient strokes and turns and enter events as their ability progresses. Of course, skilled swimmers are also welcome to be a part of the team experience at SPST.

Swimmers are encouraged to improve upon their own times and earn improvement ribbons each time they beat their best time. Swim encourages individual improvement, and as swimmers progress the team also benefits.

At meets, ribbons and points are awarded to the top 12 swimmers in each event. Competition against others naturally follows as individuals gain experience and confidence through self-improvement