Euclid Panthers Summer Swim League

Welcome to the online home of the Euclid Panthers Summer Swim League. The purpose of this site is to provide information to those interested in Euclid's summer swim team while serving as a resource to our swimmers and their parents. If you have any questions, please email us at euclidpantersssl@gmail.com. You can also call our League President, Megan Jones at 216-289-5280.

Our Season

Summer swim team operates once Memorial Pool opens. Swimmers meet for the first practice Tuesday, June 14 at 8 AM. Swimmers will practice together as a team for the week, followed by a family swim party on a Friday evening. Things kick off with Candy Bar Relays - a practice meet among our team to get the kids ready for the season and a fun way to get started.

There are 10 neighboring communities in the Suburban Swim League (http://sslohio.net/default.aspx). We will swim in head-to-head (dual) meets against six of these teams. Each meet takes place Saturday morning, at Memorial Pool if there is a home meet, or at the neighboring community pool. Swimmers usually arrive at the pool by 7:30 AM to warm up. The meets are generally over by Noon.

After all the dual meets are over, there is a big championship weekend hosted at two of the community pools. The championship swim meet is both Saturday (8 AM - 5 PM) and Sunday (8 AM - 5 PM). For those new to swimming, all meets start on time. Ending times may vary. In 2011, championships will be Saturay, August 6 (hosted by Pinegate) at the Mentor Civic Center Pool and Sunday, August 7 (hosted by Highland Heights).

The season ends with a banquet celebration on the Tuesday following championships.

How Swim Team Operates

The summer swim team is a partnership between parents/swimmers and the City of Euclid. The team is coached by experienced swim coaches, many of whom were former Euclid swimmers.

Andy, Alex, Kelsey and Zack

Head Coach: Andrew Petraska

Andy returns as head coach of the Pathers this year. He swam for many years on the summer swim team and also was on the North Coast Swim Club. He swam throughout his high school career at St. Ignatius. As a Senior at John Carroll University, he competes at the college level, swimming long distance events for the Blue Streaks. Andy is a History major with a minor in Classical Studies.

Assistant Coach: Zack Sweet

As a Euclid High graduate and multi-sport athlete, Zack was often featured on the local sports pages for his cross country achievements. He swam for the Panthers and was a team leader for many years, returning to meets to lead cheers and keep Panther spirit high. He does an outstanding job of coaching our younger swimmers. Zack currently attends The Ohio State University where he is majoring in Mathmatics.

Assistant Coach: Alex Rossman

Alex was a standout on the summer swim team as her name can still be found on the record board. She was also an outstanding swimmer for Euclid High School. Alex is currently attending The Ohio State University where she is in her third year as a Psychology major. She continues to focus on coaching our older swimmers (13-15), but also helps out with other age groups as needed.

Assistant Coach: Kelsey Saywell

Kelsy competed on the Panther's summer team since the age of 4! Kelsey helped support the coaches last year and became an official coach this year as she works mostly with swimmers age 9-12. She currently attends Wilminton College where she is a member of the swim team. She is majoring in Education.

Who is on the Team

Swimmers up to the age of 15 participate. While boys and girls train together, swimmers compete against those of the same gender. The age groups are as follows:

• 8 and Under
• 9-10
• 11-12
• 13-15

As a summer swim team, this is designed to be a recreational activity. However, the swimmers do compete. Many swimmers train year round.

What Should I Expect

Summer swim team is NOT swimming lessons. If your child is not comfortable swimming a length of the pool unassisted (25 yards), swimming with their head under water or competing, they may want to try the Ready-Set-Swim program run by the City of Euclid's Recreation Department at Memorial Pool. Swimmers must come to practice at least three times a week. There are morning and evening times to accommodate different schedules.

Our coaches prepare the team for a meet.

The swimmers do work hard, but they also have a great deal of fun. The focus of instruction will be on improving the swimmer's stroke, technique and fitness. This is accomplished in many ways beyond just swimming freestyle laps. Swimmers must work on all of the strokes (butterfly, backstroke, breaststroke, freestyle).

Our Volunteer Board

The Panther Swim Team is run by a group of parents who coordinate all aspects of the program. They work with the City of Euclid and our coaches to ensure a successful season. Our Board for 2011 is:

President: Megan Jones

Co-Vice-Presidents: Karyn Ross and Donna Sudar
Secretary: Kristi Ward
Treasurer: Beth D'arcy