Approach & Philosophy
The program focus is on all the members of the team. Swimmers are measured against their yardstick. We believe that every swimmer that is willing and able will be and is a 'Champion' if the commitment is made. Developing, nurturing, focusing on what develops self-awareness; builds and reinforces a positive self-esteem, a strong work ethic, along with the mastery of fundamentals while developing a well-conditioned athlete that takes responsibility, is accountable, and willing to build lifetime success habits – these individuals are our 'Champions.'
'Champion' ...ANYONE & EVERYONE who is willing and able to make the commitment NOW: to an attitude, to leading by example, to doing all they can do - to be as good as they can be … that’s the commitment that defines a 'Champion.’
'Champions' ... this is our one and only team goal.
Program Overview
We are a team of USA registered swimmers between the ages of 6 – 18 that trains and competes locally in the tri-state area [GA, FL & SC]. The team offers instruction and training in competitive swimming 11 months a year that is structured to fit the needs of Novice to the Nationally Ranked swimmer.
As a team we train and compete in Short Course (25 yards) from September – March and in Long Course (50 meters) April – July. Swimmers can swim one season, part of a season or both seasons. Swimmers can join the team at any time. There is a 2 week program break after each season, 2-weeks in the spring and 2-weeks during August.
How to Join the Team:
Send an email to the Head Coach: Badger Faison badger.faison@gmail.com requesting information and all pertinent forms to join the team. Complete all forms and come to the pool in bathing suit for Assessment and Placement. Swimmer will then be given a “provisional” practice level placement until their stamina level is determined at practice.
Assessment & Placement within the Program: The process of assigning swimmers to a certain group always proves to be one of the most difficult things a coach must do. The first several weeks of a practice, we ask you have patience with the process as the swimmers are moved around in the groups as coaches are learning about each swimmer’s skills, abilities, and at the same time balancing the groups. Placement decisions are based on a number of factors: stroke skills, stamina, training acumen, attendance, maturity, lane space, etc. Swimmers and parents must understand that we realize there is a social aspect; the desire to be with friends, the competition and comparing, car pools, and the multitude of other factors that might come into play. Every effort is made to accommodate personal wishes where possible but please remember that we have limited lane space, coaching resources and to be effective we have to control the lane numbers and that every practice level has a standard that must be met for it all to work well.
Generally speaking swimmers are grouped according to stamina level and stroke skills. At the entry level for senior swimmers, age is probably an equal consideration if lane space allows it. It's important that the upper groups contain swimmers of similar ability for the sake of practice managment.
