More than 40 swimmers have signed up for the Haines Dolphins swim team under new head coach Tyler Wyatt.
“The team has a lot of potential,” Wyatt said. “It’s just about being ready and prepared and capitalizing on the opportunities when we have meets.”
Wyatt previously coached the Regency Park Swim Team in Fredericksburg, Va.
The Dolphins’ meet schedule is to be determined. Last year, Haines swimmers kicked off their season at a Whitehorse meet in late October.
Wyatt said the team is focusing on meets in Juneau and Whitehorse due to the cost of travel. Haines will again host its annual Winter Games meet.
Participants practice for Gold, Silver and Bronze squads based on age, with monthly dues ranging from $45 to $65.
“We’ll always take kids who want to join,” Wyatt said.
Athletes age 9-18 practice Monday through Friday, from 4-5:30 p.m. The Bronze swimmers, age 8 and under, practice Tuesday and Thursday, 3:30-4:30 p.m.
Wyatt also is offering clinics and swimming lessons to work on skills.
Newcomers should show up at the Haines pool for an evaluation and to register.
“I like them to be able to at least do freestyle and backstroke somewhat efficiently, and that way we can place them into one of the groups,” Wyatt said. “If not, then we can put them into the swimming lessons.”
He calls swimming “a lifelong opportunity.”
“I keep things in perspective,” Wyatt said. “It’s about the overall team philosophy. I want a program that’s going to benefit everybody.”