Come Join The Fun! The Dolphins are a close group of individuals who strive to improve themselves as well as their team. Learn proper stroke and form technique, sportsmanship, goal setting, and competitive spirit. Coaches are American Swim Coaches Association and USA Swimming Certified. The program is open to all athletes aged 5 to 21 with a minimum requirement of the ability to swim one length of the pool (25 yards) by the end of the first week of practice. That first week is called "Rookie Week" and it is an opportunity to come and try out the team with no financial obligation. Dolphin swimmers hail from many areas in north central Illinois; as far west as Princeton, south as Varna, north as Mendota and as far east as Ottawa, with all towns within those borders represented. Competitions are held, usually on Saturdays, in accordance with USA swimming rules at various area YMCA's and include season end District, State, and National opportunities, with these last three dependent on achieving qualifying times for the respective meets. The team strives to have qualifiers in all areas, and many of our athletes help us achieve this goal! Swimming practices are held at two locations: The Link Aquatic Facility at the Illinois Valley YMCA (6:00-7:00 & 7:00-8:00 pm) and the Hennepin Pool (4:00-5:00 pm), Monday -Thursday. There is also an "elite" level practice at the YMCA from 6-8 pm on Fridays. Athlete's ability level will determine practice time within above time frames, with novice swimmers in the water from 6-7, advanced swimmers from 7-8, and elite swimmers from 6-8. Coaches will determine ability level and assign practice times to all swimmers. Practices and swim meet attendance are not mandatory; however, athletes will see quicker improvement in both swimming technique and stamina as they become more involved with the program. We have a sign up sheet posted weekly regarding whether you will attend that week's meet and DO require attendance at a minimum of TWO practices that week. This team policy allows athletes to participate at whatever level feels comfortable to them, with the hope that their love of both sport and swimming in particular inspires them to greater success!

Rookie Week begins September 17th, the first swim meet is October 27th, and the season runs through early April, with swim meets just about every weekend, holidays excluded. The team also hosts an Awards Banquet, held at season's end, in order to recognize outstanding performances throughout the year.

Where: Practice at Link Aquatic Center at the IV YMCA or the Hennepin Pool. (times and days above)
When: Practices begins September 17th. They are held Monday-Thursday at both practice sites.
Fee: $100 per year swim team fee and also must have a paid YMCA membership. For swim team schedules and more information on the Dolphin Swim Team, go to their web site at: www.ilvydolphinswimteam.org

Scholarships are available for families needing them. Contact the YMCA at 815-223-7904 for more information on the rates. For additional information or to answer any question, call Head Coach Rob McNally at 667-4253.