The summer swim season is 8 weeks (June and July) with six regular meets, a championship meet, and several (optional) invitationals. One week of after-school practice is held during the first week of June, and the remaining practices take place weekday mornings until the end of July. Throughout the season, there are team-building activities woven into the practice schedule, including lunch bunches, pancake breakfasts, tie-dying, and poster making. The season culminates with a celebratory banquet for swimmers and their families. Please see the calendar for specifics.
We are excited to announce that Mark Kannengieszer will be stepping into the role of head coach for the season. Mark has been involved in swimming for the past 30 years. Growing up, he swam for Maplewood, Tennent, and Kutztown University. He began coaching by helping CAC when he was a high school swimmer, and he has continued ever since. He has coached for many different teams including Tennent, Maplewood, Huntingdon Valley Country Club, and Centennial Aquatic Club.
Returning as an assistant coach is Charley Vargas. Charley is going to be a junior at Penn State this fall, majoring in kinesiology. She has been swimming for 15 years and grew up swimming on the Maplewood team. Additionally, she swam for CAC, U.S. swimming, and Tennent. Now, she swims for Penn State Club swimming. Her goal for the summer is to improve the techniques of the swimmers while making memories and having fun!
We welcome new assistant coach, Emma Torok. Emma has been involved with Maplewood for over 16 years, and she has been a swimmer her entire life. This upcoming summer will be her fourth year as a private swim lesson instructor. While on the team, she volunteered after practice assisting the coaches in helping swimmers improve their technique. Emma is currently a freshman at the University of Scranton, majoring in Early Childhood Education. She is excited to continue her involvement at Maplewood as a coach, and she hopes to bring lots of fun memories to the team!
We welcome new assistant coach, Josh Tapia. Josh currently attends Temple University as an exercise and sports science major. He swam at Maplewood his senior year, and he was the assistant swim coach at Tennent this past winter. His goal for the upcoming season is to motivate swimmers to achieve their goals and help them improve their techniques. He is stoked to be back at Maplewood for a season full of memories, laughter, and hard work!
We welcome new assistant coach, Josh Mansfield. Josh is an Early Education / Special Education major at Bloomsburg University. He has been swimming at Maplewood since he was an infant, and he has great memories being a part of the team. His goal is to help swimmers be the best they can be!
We are happy to announce Anna Leonard will be returning as our dive coach. Anna is a Senior at Thomas Jefferson University studying Web Design and Development. She has been involved in diving for 12 years, coaching for 4. Anna swam and dove for Hideaway, CAC, and Archbishop Wood throughout the years. She looks forward to sharing her love of the sport and having fun this summer at Maplewood!
Your child cannot practice until your registration is complete, and you have paid your club and team dues. Checks may be made payable to Maplewood Swim Club. Due to the club’s new online system, please pay swim team balances separately from your club dues.
Equipment Swimmers need a racing-style suit, swim cap, goggles, flippers, 2-3 towels, and a filled water bottle. Team suits and caps are available for purchase. While not required, they are preferred for meets. Please note that swimmers are responsible for their own belongings; putting names on equipment is a big help! Remember to shop online at Swimoutlet.com via our affiliate site at www.swimoutlet.com/maplewood.
The team will be holding a 50/50 drawing to help raise funds. Please spread the word! The drawing will take place on Family Day, July 7, at which the team will also be raffling off prize baskets. Any and all help and ideas are welcomed! Funds generated will help pay our coaches, offset the cost of the new blocks, and be put back into team events.
Maplewood is a small team that depends on the volunteer time and effort of parents. Much work happens behind the scenes (year-round) to ensure a great season for all. We thank all parents in advance for your help and support.
Tom Welke, Elizabeth Cundari & Chris Netterville,
Contact us @ mwdswimteam@gmail.com
