Dear parents,

 Several of you have asked me about different options for winter swimming.  There are quite a few terrific programs within a short drive of Terrace Park .  While it is obviously not at all required that you swim year-round in order to be a Tiger Shark on the summer team, I can say from personal experience that it will really help a swimmer's strokes and it is a lot of fun.

 Most of them do require a tryout just so they can assess your child and put them in the right group, so please check dates carefully (some are this week!).  Also, if you have questions about a particular program, feel free to send an e-mail back and I can try to direct you to one of our Terrace Park families who can tell you more about the program(s) you are most interested in.  I have listed some names below of families below who have experience at some of the clubs, but I may have missed some.  Please note that the coaches are restricted in what they are allowed to say about winter swimming programs, but they can answer direct questions if you have them. 

 1) Anderson Barracudas (ME Lyons YMCA)

 Tryout date:  Monday, July 9^th  (tomorrow) or Monday, July 23rd  2:30 at the Y (in water 3pm)

For more info, call:  Jeremy Bannon or Renita Homan 474-1400;  www.ablyswim.org

 TP families – Overbey , Gaburo , Straley, Phelan , Saxton , Smith, DiMichele , Coach Soozie, Coach Matt

 2) Cincinnati Aquatic Club

 Tryout Dates:  They are holding open try-outs right now.    For more info or to reserve a try-out, call 474-9461; www.swimcincinnati.org

 TP families – Guist , Saxton , Coach Laura

 3)  Mariemont Aquatic Club

 For more info, look at www.swimmac.com or e-mail to contactus@swimmac.com

 TP families – Dupre , Saxton , Dietz , Morgan, Greene , Gorman

 4)  Mason Manta-Rays

 Tryout Dates:  Wednesday, Aug 1 or Tuesday, August 21 at Mason Community Center Competition Pool (appointment necessary)

For more info, call:  Ken Heis 229-8599 ext 5515 or kheis@masonoh.org; www.masonswimming.org

 TP families – Austin , Adams

 5)  Milford Area Swim Team (MAST)

 For info, look at www.milfordswimming.org

 6) Cincinnati Marlins

 Open House:  TBD at St. Xavier's Keating Natatorium

For more info, call 761-SWIM; www.cincy-marlins.com

 7)  Kingfish Aquatic Club

 Tryout Dates:  TBD at Anderson High School

 For more info, call 561-3380; www.kingfishaquatic.org

 I hope this helps.  Please let me know if anyone has any questions.  There is also usually  information about these clubs in the championship heat sheets, so you may find more updated info this week.

 K-T