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.

Coaches

We are excited to announce that Mark Kannengieszer will be returning to his 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!

Also returning as an 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 sophomore 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!

Another returning assistant coach, Anya Catoni

We welcome new assistant coach,  Matt Smith

Our Dive coach is (to be determined)

Forms & Payment

Your child cannot practice until your registration is complete, and you have paid your club and team dues. All payments should go through the Maplewood website. 

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.

Fundraising

The team will be holding a 50/50 drawing to help raise funds. Please spread the word! The drawing will take place on Maplewood’s Family Day 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.

Volunteering

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.

Swim meets

Please RSVP as soon as possible. Check-in and warm ups happen prior to the start of the meet. The first few events will be Dive events. Rain dates should be the following day with the exception of A and B Champs which may need to utilize the Thursday in between the meets depending on the weather. 

Sincerely,

Tom Welke & Elizabeth Cundari

Contact us @ mwdswimteam@gmail.com