TEAM INFORMATION AND MENTOR COACH BIOS Fishers Area Swimming Tigers (FAST) Founded in 2006, FAST has built a quality program with an internationally recognized coaching staff. In 2009 FAST cracked the top 3 at the Indiana Age Group meet for the first time in club history. Three seasons later the club won its first Indiana Age Group Championship. Since then FAST has grown into a program that has received National honors such as an invite to the 2012 National Age Group Coaches Summing in Colorado Springs, CO. USA Swimming extends this invitation to only 40 clubs in the US. In 2013 FAST shot up through the USA Swimming s Club Excellence rankings by becoming a Silver Medal Club for the first time in team history. Being a USA Swimming Silver Medal Club is a huge honor for a club that prides itself on developing young athletes to compete at the highest level. The coaching staff offers year of award winning experience including 5 Indiana Swimming Coach of the year awards. Head Coach Jay Chambers: Jay Chambers has been with the FAST Tigers & Fishers HS Swimming & Diving since the beginning in the fall of 2006. In his first year as the Head Age Group Coach for the FAST Tigers, the team scored 900+ points from the previous year and won the 2010 Indiana Long Course Age Group State team title. During their glory years of the 1990s, he was the Head Age Group Coach of Carmel Swim Club and Assistant Coach of Carmel High School. Chambers has coached and developed numerous young athletes to National Age Group and Indiana State Age Group championships and records and been on the coaching staff of some of the best teams in the history of Indiana. Regardless of the talent or ability of his swimmers, Coach Chambers has inspired and motivated countless young people over the years to unparalleled success both in and out of the pool. Northridge Area Swimming Association (NASA) Northridge Area Swimming Association is designed to provide children and young adults in the Middlebury Community School district with learning experiences through competitive swimming. These experiences will allow them to learn and develop physically, mentally, socially, and emotionally as an individual in a teamoriented environment. NASA Senior Coach/Club Director :Joe Keller At Northridge, his responsibilities include teaching aquatics, serving as Aquatic Director and Community Recreation Director and coaching. He received the Achievement in Education Award for 2008-09 from the Optimist International service club. He also serves as the Physical Education Department Chairperson. Coaching awards include being named Conference and Sectional Coach of the Year multiple times, Central Zone Team Coach, Indiana Swimming Olympic Training Center and Senior Elite Camp Coach, Ball State University Alumni 2002/2012 and 2013 Girls Swimming Coach of the Year and 2005/2008/2009 and 2013 Boys Swimming Coach of the Year, 2005 Indiana High School Boys State Coach of the Year, and Indiana Swimming Coaches Association 2003, 2005 and 2007 Outstanding Senior Coach. Coach Keller has coached athletes up to the Olympic Trials Qualifier level. He is a Level 4 certified ASCA coach and is currently working towards his Level 5 certification. In addition, Coach Keller has served on the technical review and senior steering committees within Indiana Swimming s structure. Carmel Swim Club (CSC) The sport of swimming has many benefits, including the people you and your child will meet. The camaraderie among swimmers is unique; many swimming buddies become lifelong friends. In addition to being around fine people, swimming provides one of the most beneficial forms of exercise for cardiovascular and overall fitness. This exercise can be enjoyed throughout one s entire life. Possibly the greatest benefits of participating in an organized swimming program are the life skills your child will develop. These skills include time management, self-discipline, sportsmanship and goal-setting. Your child will reap the benefits of swimming long after their participation ends. Most swimmers go on to be very successful and productive adults largely due to what they gained from swimming. Head Coach Chris Plumb: The Carmel Swim Club Is Special! During the past 41 years, the Carmel Swim Club has established itself as the best swimming team in Indiana and one of the top club teams in the United States. More important than accomplishments alone, Carmel Swim Club takes pride in offering a program for all ages and ability levels. Age group swimming builds a strong foundation for a lifetime of good physical and mental health by teaching time management, self-discipline and healthy fitness habits.
Chris Plumb was named Head Coach of Carmel Swim Club in July 2006, but has been with the program since 2003. As Head Coach, Chris oversees all aspects of the club, and he coaches the Senior Group. He is a dynamic leader for our organization, and works tirelessly to push Carmel to be a model club both in the state of Indiana and nationally. Chris s execution of his vision for Carmel Swim Club has pushed us towards recognition as a USA Swimming Gold Medal Club of Excellence in 2010, 2011, and 2012. Chris brings a wealth of swimming experience to CSC. Before joining the Carmel staff, the Indiana University graduate led the Cane Aquatics Club in Coral Gables, Florida. Chris also served as Assistant Coach at the University of Miami for four years, where he was involved in all aspects of a program that ranked among the nation s top twenty every year. He cut his coaching teeth in Indiana, as Head Coach of the Bloomington South High School Boy s Team. In his only year at the helm, Bloomington South s swimmers all achieved best times. When Chris took over as Head Coach of the Carmel Swim Club, there were zero Junior National or Olympic Trials qualifiers amongst our ranks. In the six years since Chris became Head Coach that has changed drastically. Carmel proudly took 17 athletes to the 2012 Olympic Trials in Omaha, Nebraska. CSC has two USA Swimming National Junior Team Members (Lauren Stauder 2009, Harrison Wagner 2011). At Junior Nationals in 2009, the CSC girls finished fifth and broke a 17-18 National Age Group Record in the 400 Medley Relay. In 2010 Carmel finished seventh in overall combined team scoring and the girls won the 400 Medley Relay. At the 2010 Short Course Nationals in Columbus, Ohio Carmel finished sixth in combined team scoring. In 2011, CSC finished 12 th in combined team scoring, and the girls finished eighth at Junior Nationals in Palo Alto, and Harrison Wagner was named the 18 and Under National Champion in the 50 Freestyle at Nationals. This week, as Carmel hosts Junior Nationals, 21 of Coach Plumb s swimmers will take to the pool in the most elite 18 and under competition in our sport. Chris is also the Head Coach at Carmel High School. He directed the 2012 Carmel Boys and Girls Swim Teams to IHSAA State Championship Titles. Coach Plumb has been at the helm for the last six of the Lady Hound s 26 consecutive titles and this was his third consecutive title for the boys. He was inducted into the 2011 class of honorees in the Indiana Swimming and Diving Hall of Fame. Coach Plumb also devotes his time and energy to both Indiana and USA Swimming supported camps. Most recently, Chris served as the Head Coach for the Indiana Swimming Olympic Training Center camp, which 14 Carmel swimmers attended. Chris was also the Head Coach for this camp in 2009. Chris has also served as an assistant coach for USA Swimming s National Select Camp in 2009, the Head Coach of the Eastern Zone Select Camp in 2010, an assistant at the 2006 Central Zone Select Camp, and as an assistant coach for the Indiana Central Zone Team in 2005.Under Chris s leadership, Carmel has made an impressive impact on the state level, as well. Coach Plumb works hard to direct the programming and curriculum of Carmel Swim Club towards a path of long-term developmental success. This was on fantastic display at the 2012 Indiana SwimFest State Championships a few weeks ago. At the SwimFest, CSC scored 3,883 combined team points. Notably, this score is higher than the total points earned by both the second and third-place finishing teams. More than 100 individual athletes contributed to the final team score, and CSC swimmers in each age group made an impact. Along the road to victory, CSC broke 11 more club records and established four new Indiana State Meet and Association Records. Chris succeeds not just in inspiring his swimmers with his character and coaching, but also through his actions. Chris swam on relays at both the 2010 SCY and 2011 LCM USA Swimming National Championships. He embodies the mandate he gives to all Carmel swimmers: do not be afraid to dream and work towards the highest level of our sport. He works tirelessly to push Carmel Swim Club to the pinnacle of success and the way he has put his dreams and vision into reality have made this club a model for programs across the nation. Fox Valley Swim Team (FOX) Fox Valley Swim Team is offered as a service to the residents of School District # 204. The four major areas of our program are: Physical development through proper workout. Group interaction through group dynamics at practice, meets, and social events. Development of self-esteem through accomplishing individual goals. Self-actualization through planning and accepting the responsibility of working towards their achievement Vision Statement: Committed to your swimming dream through consistent year round training and competition Mission Statement: To be nationally competitive U.S.A. swim team To fully develop each individual's ability to realize their dream through quality year round training To develop well rounded student athletes To encourage team spirit, open communication and sportsmanship To foster a life long love for the sport of swimming
Head Coach Dave Krotiak: Dave brings a strong history of experience, leadership, and success to Fox Valley Swim Team. His coaching experience spans over thirty-two years, twenty-nine years as a Head Coach/ Director. Dave's positions includes Fox Valley Swim Team 2002-present, Westmont Swim Club 1982-2000, Hinsdale Swim Club 1979-82. In addition Dave has served at the LSC level on the following BOD and committees. Senior Vice-Chair (2005-2011), Senior Committee (2003-05), Board of Review (1996-2000), Technical Planning (1992-94), Age Group Committee several times from 1985-95. Dave's emphasis on athlete oriented coaching, excellence in skill development, advance dryland/weight programming, and creative set design has advanced athletes at all levels. Dave states; the many achievements through the years could have never taken place with out the hard work and dedication of his athletes, staff, parents, and BOD/Committees. Listed are a few of Dave's Teams and individual achievements: Four Illinois Senior Championships, nine Illinois Junior Olympic Team Championships, and thirty Top 3 finishes between IL JO, and SR Championships./ Illinois Senior and Age Group Coach Of The Year./ NCSA Coach Of The Year, 2013/ ASCA Award of Excellence, 2011./ USA National Junior Team Coach, 2011 & 2013./ USA National Select Camp Staff; Men's Head Coach 2011 & Men's Assistant Coach, 2009./ USA National Eastern Zone Camp Head Coach, 2010./ Illinois Head Coach for the following All Star Teams and Camps; Senior Elite Meet/Camp, JR Elite Camp, Mid States, and Zones./ Numerous Olympic Trial, National, JR National qualifiers, Nation Top Ten Athletes, and State Champions. Dave has coached many outstanding athletes most recently alumni Gia Dalesandro (National JR Team, 2013/ USA Nationals top 6 finish-100 & 200 FL), Kevin Cordes (USA National Team, Gold medalist World Championships, American record holder 100 & 200 BR, NCAA Champion, Olympic Trials 100 BR, 3rd place), Grant Betulius (2013 NCAA, 100 BK, 13th), and current FOX swimmer Alyssa Gialamas (Paralympic World Championships, Montreal-bronze medalist). St Charles Swim Team (SCST) Our team is a year round competitive swim team offering high quality professional coaching and technique instruction for all ages and abilities. The goal of our team is to provide every member an opportunity to improve swimming skills and achieve success at his or her level of ability, from novice to international competitor Co-Head Coach Jon Cabel: Jon Cabel first came to the St Charles Swim Team as a swimmer, then an Age Group Coach and in 2000 he became Head Coach till 2007 when he became Co Head Coach with Tim Lewarchick. Jon s coaching career began with the St Charles Swim Team in 1994 when he coached a variety of groups within the St Charles Swim Team. In 1996 Jon became an assistant coach with the New Wave Swim Team in Raleigh North Carolina where he continued his coaching with age group swimmers. Jon became the Head Coach of the Homewood Flossmoor Swim Club in 1998. As an athlete Coach Cabel first discovered competitive swimming with a local club in southern Indiana the Linton Stingrays. Swimming with different clubs in Indiana; Vincennes YMCA, Bloomington Gators and Donner Swim Club lead him to swim for his brother Joe Cabel at Columbus North High School. Jon then swam in college at Eastern Michigan University under Coach Peter Linn. During the summers of his college career is when Coach Cabel swam for the St Charles Swim Team. Since 2000 Coach Cabel has help the SCST grow from a 150 swimmer team to a club that has over 440 swimmers participate yearly. During his time with the Team Jon has coached SCST State Champions, State Record Holders, National Top 16 Swimmers, Junior National, Senior National and Olympic Trial Qualifiers. While at SCST Coach Cabel has worked with four Team Illinois Zones Staffs and Head Coach twice. Jon was recognized as Illinois Swimming Age Group Coach of the Year, he has also served as Illinois Swimming Age Group Vice-Chair for Illinois Swimming. Co-Head Coach Tim Lewarchick: Coach Lewarchick came to St Charles Swim in the fall of 2006 from Sheridan Swim Team in Quincy, Illinois, where he was the Head Coach of both the club and High School teams and was the Club manager; during his time there he produced High School State champion, sectional, Junior National and US open level swimmers. Before Sheridan, Tim was a successful coach in Ohio, receiving the Ohio State Coach of the year in 1999, 2000 and 2002, along with being Lake Erie Coach of the year 1998, 1999, 2000 and 2002. Tim also served as the assistant coach for the University of Akron Women s Swim Team. Between the years of 1990-2002 Tim was the head coach of FAST (Firestone Akron Swim Team) and during the years of 1991-2002 he was the head coach of Firestone High School men s and women s Team, where he produced 72 High School All-Americans and had 5 teams ranked in the top 5 nationally. Coach Lewarchick accomplishments include 2004 and 2008 Olympic Athlete, 1996, 2000, 2004, 2008 and 2012 Olympic Trial qualifiers, 2000 Olympic trial finalist, bronze medalist 1999 Pan American Games, National Age Group records, numerous zone, Age group top 16, Sectional, Junior National, and Senior National level swimmers. He believes the only way to your dreams is through hard work, dedication, and never giving up
Cats Aquatics (CATS) We are a local community of families and coaches with a shared passion for swimming, fitness and good sportsmanship. Mission: To nurture a life-long passion for swimming -and- foster a culture of swimming excellence, by creating opportunities for swimmers & coaches to establish and strive for their goals. Vision: CATS aims to become THE model swim club for Illinois Swimming. A team where both athletes and coaches: strive to realize excellence on deck & in the pool; -and- where character always counts. Our shared values provide a foundation for the CATS Community Head Coach Jeff Arce: Jeff has been coaching with the CATS Aquatic Team since 2004 and has been the Head Coach of the CATS Aquatic Team since 2008. Jeff spent his first four years at CATS as the Head Age Group Coach. Jeff has previously served as Head Coach of the District Unified Swim Team. Jeff primarily works with the Silver Group but you will see him at many other practices watching or giving feedback. Jeff is an ASCA Level 4 certified coach he has worked with athletes of all ages and abilities. He has spent most of his coaching career working with age group swimmers who have been Sectional Finalists, Nationally Top 16 Ranked, Age Group State Champions, Zone Champions and State Record Holders. Jeff has seen the CATS Aquatic team place as high as 5th at the Illinois Age Group Championship. Aside from his work with CATS, Jeff has been the Team Illinois Zone Manager and has served as a coach for many Illinois Camps and Clinics. He also served as Boys Water Polo Coach for Libertyville High School from 2004-2008. Educated at University Wisconsin-Madison, Valparaiso University and University of Illinois-Chicago Jeff has a Bachelors Degree in Mathematics with an Illinois teaching certificate. Jeff swam competitively at Wisconsin and Valparaiso until a shoulder injury ended his career. Jeff has a simple philosophy when it comes to swimming: He is committed to providing something for everyone, regardless of their ability or experience. He believes that teaching swimmers Life Values through competition is more important than fast times. He feels that learning the value of hard work, discipline and selfrespect though sportsmanship, respect for others, will result in an overall successful person. Head Senior Coach Vlad Pyshnenko: Coach Vlad hails from Russia carrying his enormous wealth of swimming knowledge as an athlete and a coach. After arriving in America almost 15 years ago, Vlad has worked with all different age groups. His heart and soul is swimming and he takes great pride in watching that passion develop in the swimmers. His motivation is contagious; he will help achieve goals in a proactive and entertaining style. Coach Vlad is a former Russian freestyler who won one gold medal (World Record) and two silver medals at the 1992 Summer Olympics in Barcelona and one silver medal 1996 Summer Olympics in Atlanta. He also won two silver medals at the 1994 World Aquatics Championships in Rome. Vlad still competing at the Masters level and currently holding few US National records for 35-39 and 40-44 Age Group, plus 3 World Records (1 - on 200 Free for 35-39 Age Group and 2 - on 100 & 200 Free for 40-44 Age Group) Since arriving in the U.S., Vlad has coached at COHO Swim Club, Glenbrook Aquatics (formerly Northbrook Spartan Swim Club) and at CATS Aquatic Team Patriot Aquatic Club (PAC) Patriot Aquatic Club is one of the premier swim teams in the state of Illinois. Boasting the finest natatorium in the state, Patriot Aquatic Club offers excellent facilities along with a very talented coaching staff. Over the past year Patriot Aquatic Club was Short Course Senior State Champions for the 4th straight year, 10th Place Women's Team at USA Swimming Winter Junior Nationals, 13th Place Team at NCSA Junior Nationals, National Champion and National Record Breaking Women's 800 Free Relay at Winter Junior Nationals, 15th Place at Long Course Age Group State Championships, 5th Place at the Speedo Long Course Summer Sectional. Head Coach Karl Milkereit: Karl joined the Patriot Aquatic Club in 2002 and has led the program to multiple ISI Senior State Championship and Speedo Sectional Series Titles. He has crowned multiple ISI Age Group State Champions, ISI Senior State Champions, Speedo Sectional Series Champions, Junior National Finalists, and Olympic Trial Qualifiers. He has served as a member of the Illinois Swimming Inc. Senior Committee. Karl has also served as the Meet Director for multiple ISI Age Group State Championships and ISI Senior State Championships. Karl also serves as the Head Girls Swimming and Diving coach at Stevenson High School. He has lead the program to a 3rd place trophy in 2007 and is currently the most successful coach in the team s history. He received a B.A. in History from Wabash College in 1997.
Lifetime Fitness Illinois (LTIL) Welcome to Life Time Fitness Swim Team, the premier swimming organization in Illinois. Life Time Swim Team is owned by Life Time Fitness, The Healthy Way of Life Company, and is a coach operated and run program. We are a USA swimming club that offers year round swimming for swimmers of all ages. We instruct and develop all four competitive strokes, starts, and turns; and develop a healthy and competitive way of swimming for a life time. Goal: To empower people to live healthy lifestyles through swimming. Values: Educational Entertaining Friendly & Inviting Functional & Innovative Build a life time of wellness Build relationships with other swimmers and the coaches Purpose of the Organization 1. To promote a lifetime of wellness through swimming. 2. To promote the sport of competitive swimming within the Aquatics programming at Life Time Fitness clubs within Illinois. Head Coach Mike Cunningham: Coach Mike holds a B.S. in Physical Education and coaching from Western Illinois University. He is a level three ASCA swim coach, and a fully certified USA swimming coach. He has coached numerous regional, age group state, and senior qualifiers in his previous 15 years coaching experience. He was also the 13-18 Zone coach for Illinois in 2005 and 2009. Before coaching at Lifetime Coach Mike started Midway Aquatics in 2005 where the club grew from 25 swimmers to 120, and had repeated regional, age group state, central zone, and senior state qualifiers. Coach Mike has served on the Illinois Swimming Board of Directors as Coaches Representative and he is currently on the Board as the Senior Vice-Chair.