For a smaller, neighborhood pool, with two other pools very close by, the Maniacs have a long and distinguished swim team tradition, dating back decades.

Every summer, we have "A" and "B" Meets for the kids. Parent volunteers run the meets, time the kids, and keep things organized. Usually, the pool fires up barbeques and sells food and drinks with the funds going to the team. These are a big moneymaker during the season.

"A" Meets are with the fastest kids in each age group and stroke. They are held on Saturday mornings, at home and away. In "B" Meets, on Wednesday evenings, all team members can swim. They're a great time for all the kids. We also have fun meets, with dog paddles, race the coaches, and other fun events.

ALL KIDS ARE INVITED TO JOIN THE MANIACS!

All members ages 6-18 who can swim one length of the pool are invited to join the Merrimack Maniacs! We're in a competitive swim division and we need all the swimmers we can get. It's lots of fun, and the camaraderie is great for kids and parents.


REGISTRATION
Registration will be held on May 16th. Contact the swim team rep or any of the coaches with questions. (see below)



COACHES & CONTACTS:
Swim Team Rep:
Maura Burke
Phone: (301) 654-4821
Email: merleyfamily@verizon.net
5509 Charlcote Road Bethesda, MD 20817

2010 Head Coach:
Scott Thiede
scott.thiede@villanova.edu

2010 Assistant Head Coach:
Caitlin Merley

PRACTICES
Practices are held in the mornings and evenings, by age groups, and kids and families can choose what's more convenient for their schedule.

Practice begins in late May, followed by time trials soon afterward. Attendance at morning practice is strongly encouraged (there are donuts on Friday!).

The complete practice schedule will be available at registration. Please call Maura Burke for more information, 301-654-4821, or email: merleyfamily@verizon.net


VOLUNTEERS ALWAYS NEEDED
The Swim Team is almost completely volunteer-driven. Only the coaches are paid (and not much!). As such, parents and siblings are expected to kick in help – as lane timers, officials, snack bar coordinators, meet management and administration and more. You will be called upon to help, or you can always volunteer.


OTHER DETAILS:

• The yearly team registration fee is $60.
  
  
• The team season runs from soon after the pool opens until the County All-Star meets in late July or early August.
  
  
• Merrimack coaches are all swimmers for the team that have graduated and have returned to teach new kids.
  
  
• The team is part of the Montgomery County Swim League (MCSL www.mcsl.org). Their goals include helping young people establish a love for the sport of swimming, advanced aquatic skills, teamwork, and the principles of good sportsmanship.
  
  
• Directions to all MCSL pools can be found at www.merrimackpool.org/directions.html

2010 SWIM TEAM CALENDAR