WHAT: Informational meeting regarding Salem Area Swimming, a year-round USA Swimming and United States Masters (adult) team.
WHEN: From 6:30-7:30 p.m. Thursday, April 17.
WHERE: At the Salem Community Center.
INFORMATION: Visit www.salemareaswimming.com or contact organizer Caroline McDermott at 234-567-1010.
Special to the Salem News
Salem High School graduate Caroline McDermott is returning home to build a swim team at the Salem Community Center.
The team will be Salem Area Swimming, a year-round USA Swimming and United States Masters (adult) team.
McDermott hopes to create opportunities for athletes of all ages to enjoy the sport of swimming.
The team will focus first on technique and training, and incorporate competition in the future.
"The Salem Community Center has a beautiful aquatic facility and I feel this is something the community as whole will benefit from," she said. McDermott hopes to partner with local commerce to create a support network between the program and businesses in the area.
While attending Salem High School, McDermott was one of two swimmers. McDermott was a four-year varsity letter winner in swimming and qualified for the Ohio High School State Swimming Championship.
"When I was in high school there wasn't a pool in the area," she said. "We drove to YSU everyday to train. With the facility here, there should be an opportunity for athletes in the area to train closer to home. I want the youth of the area to have the same opportunities and chances for success that I did."
McDermott's success continued after high school as she went on to compete for Baldwin-Wallace College. She was a multiple school record holder and all-conference swimmer. Since college, McDermott has continued her involvement with swimming by coaching youth teams and competing in Masters Swimming herself.
Most recently, McDermott introduced a masters aspect to her former swim team and discovered how enjoyable coaching adults could be.
"They came in everyday wanting to learn something new, whether improving their stroke, trying a new training set, or strengthening a personal relationship with a teammate. The work ethic and social aspect of the group was just amazing."
McDermott hopes to foster the same enthusiasm in the Salem area.
Masters swimming is a great fitness activity for everyone, not just former swimmers or those skilled at lap swimming. She encourages any adult who can swim the length of the pool to give the master's group a try.
Additionally, McDermott hopes that building a youth team in the area will encourage the formation of a team at Salem High School. She has been in contact with the athletic director for Salem High School and feels that a club sport could be a possibility in the near future.
While details such as practice schedules and rates are still under development, there will be an informal interest meeting from 6:30-7:30 p.m. Thursday at the Salem Community Center.
More information can be found at www.salemareaswimming.com or by contacting McDermott at 234-567-1010.
"This is a dream I've had for the Salem area for many years," she added. "I'm excited to see it come alive."
