Ready to make a splash: Swim team prepares for new season
As construction on the new city pool nears completion, the local team which will compete in that pool this summer is gearing up for its new season as well.
The McMinnville Swim Team has been busily registering participants for this year’s squad, which will compete in the new Gilley Pool this summer. In its sixth year, the team — and Gilley, one of its founders and coaches — are looking forward to a successful 2003 campaign.
“We’ve had a lot of interest, which is good for the team, and we’re especially happy to have a lot of new swimmers signing up this year,” Gilley said while touring the pool construction site with new coach Paige Zemina Thursday.
“We’re going to have a great, multi-purpose pool, which we hope will attract not only new members for our swim team, but others from around this community and surrounding communities, as well.”
Zemina, a familiar face to much of the community due to her work in the fitness industry, brings a new level of expertise to the swim team this year, as she takes over as the squad’s head coach.
A member of the 1988 U.S. Olympic team, she swam to a bronze-medal finish as a part of the 400-meter free relay team at the Seoul games.
“This is something I’ve always wanted to do, but conflicts with my other work kept me from being able to devote the kind of time required,” Zemina said. “But this year, we’ve added afternoon practices to the team’s schedule, which will allow me to work within my schedule.
“I’m very excited about the opportunity, and really looking forward to working with these kids.”
With the expansive new design, the swim team will be able to practice in one area of the pool, while other areas remain open for the public’s enjoyment.
“We think that will be a definite bonus,” Gilley said. “It will give them the chance to attract more people to the pool, and in turn we might be able to attract more young people to the swim team.”
Registration for the squad has been going on for the past month, with the final day of sign-ups scheduled for April 26. Swimmers ages 5-17 are eligible for spots on the team, which will begin practicing in late May.