While the Aquanauts will undergo several new changes that include new programs and at least one new coach being hired, veteran head coach Debbie Murray expects the team to have another solid season in the pool.
Whether the local swim club decides to hire one assistant coach, or possibly two, to take the place of Pam Shaver-Walker and Karl Gunderson will depend on registration numbers.
Registration is slated to take place Sept. 2-4 from 4-6 p.m. in the Sportsplex lobby, and the team expects to be back in the pool during the first or second week of September.
Murray said she is particularly excited with the potential of two new programs being offered for the 1998-99 season–a developmental program and a Muskie one.
The developmental program was created to provide swimmers with additional instruction and pool time. They will get help with their strokes while working on their strength and endurance.
Swimmers will be in the pool twice a week for one-hour practices, being offered in three three-month sessions starting in September.
Meanwhile, the Muskie program is designed to allow high school swimmers the chance to represent Fort High at possible all-Ontario championships.
And despite the uncertainty of high school sports right across the province, Murray expects the program should run smoothly.
“I don’t believe that swimming is in the same sector as the other sports like basketball and volleyball in that the swimmers are already part of a club with coaches,” she said.
“There looks like there will be a downfall in some sports but I don’t think it will happen in swimming,” she added. “I hope not.”
Once again, the Aquanauts will offer both non-competitive and competitive programs this season for swimmers of various skill levels and interest.
Goldfish, pre-competitive, maintenance, and the masters programs are all back again for non-competitive swimmers, while the competitive training program will consist of A, B, and C groups.
But all swimmers will continue to work on their strokes, turns, starts, and racing strategies, as well as conditioning, fitness level, team spirit, sportsmanship, and self image.
Swimmers also compete in several events both here and out-of-town during the season, which will wrap up some time in May.