YWCA Greenwich Dolphins - A Nationally Ranked U.S. Swim Team - Since 1970
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2013 - 2014
YWCA Greenwich Dolphins
Since 1970
A Nationally Ranked U.S. Swim Team
www.ywcagreenwich.org
YWCA 2012-2013 Dolphins Swim Team 2
The Dolphins Difference: Excellence
Entering its 44th season, the YWCA Greenwich Dolphins Swim Team is committed to providing the
community with an excellent, competitive swimming program where members build team spirit, fellowship
and physical and emotional strength. The YWCA’s goal is to help each individual swimmer reach the highest
possible level of development and competitive achievement. Team members and their parents work in
conjunction with the staff to attain these objectives. Dedicated, experienced coaches constantly strive to
instill confidence and pride in all team members, while working hard to improve various stroke disciplines,
endurance and overall racing skills.
Over the years, the Dolphins team can point with pride to these accomplishments: 5 Olympic Trial
Qualifiers, 20 Senior National Qualifiers, 56 Junior National and Sectional Qualifiers, 113 YWCA National
Champions, 260 State Champions and many U.S.A. Meet Champions in the program. Recently, Connecticut
State records were set in the age 15 - 16 boys 200 medley relay and in the age 10 and under girls 100 and
200 individual medley relays as well as the 200 and 400 freestyle and medley relays.
The Dolphins excellence requires that swimmers train from one to six afternoons a week, depending on
ability levels (optional morning sessions are also available for older swimmers). This schedule allows team
members to participate in other activities, and most important, to maintain high scholastic levels.
Year after year, the Dolphins excellence shows itself in the high percentages of individual best times by all
swimmers during the season and in the 100% college placement of team members over the past 43 years. In
addition, the team has continually grown and expanded its membership and coaching staff over the years.
More than 122 Dolphins have graduated and gone on to swim at the college level. Over half of this group
has received athletic or academic aid from the college of their choice. Schools include: Annapolis, Boston
College, Brown, Bucknell, Colgate, Connecticut, Cornell, Dartmouth, Dicksinson, Duke, Emory, Fairfield,
Georgetown, George Washington, Harvard, Johns Hopkins, Lafayette, Mary Washington, Merchant Marine
Academy, Middlebury, Navy, Princeton, Richmond, St. Bonaventure, Stanford, Syracuse, Union, Villanova,
Washington College, Williams, West Point, and Yale.
3
We Are the Dolphins
Dolphins Swim Team members are girls and boys who range
in age from 6 to 17. They reside throughout Greenwich,
Stamford, Port Chester, Rye, Rye Brook, Mamaroneck,
Larchmont, Scarsdale, Armonk, Bedford, White Plains and
other near-area communities. In 2013 - 2014, the Dolphins
will have seven age-based team levels.
First-Time Candidates Note: The Greenwich YWCA Dolphins is a competitive swim team with limited openings.
New candidates are welcome to be evaluated and will be accepted on a space and ability basis only. Some swimmers
are placed on a waiting list or recommended to register for lessons or clinic groups. For information, call 914-633-
2323, email n.cavataro@ywcagreenwich.org, or call Bruce Semer, Director of Aquatics, at 203-869-6501, ext. 121.
4
Evaluations, Placement & Registration
The Dolphins will hold open evaluation sessions for new team candidates on September 3, 5, 6 & 7, 2013.
The evaluations include a variety of start, turn and stroke drills and analysis and timings of different strokes.
New swimmers must attend ONE evaluation session. Placement on a team level, waiting list or
recommended lesson group will be posted September 8 on the team website, www.greenwichdolphins.com,
and by email. Team swim practices will begin September 10.
Members of the 2012 - 2013 Dolphins team are notified by mail of their 2013 - 2014 placement. Swimmers
must respond by the specified deadline to secure their roster spot. In the event that the returning swimmers
do not agree with their advance placement, they may be re-evaluated during appropriate “new” swimmer
evaluation sessions in September. All swimmers must pay a yearly United States Swimming registration fee
in addition to YWCA membership and program fees.
SEPTEMBER TUESDAY, 3 THURSDAY, 5 FRIDAY, 6 SATURDAY, 7
1:30 - 2:30 pm 8/under
2:30 - 3:30 pm 9/over
5:15 - 6:15 pm 8/under 8/under 8/under
6:15 - 7:15 pm 9/over 9/over 9/over
Please use age as of December 1 in determining evaluation age group.
Team lists will be distributed at 5 pm on September 8 by email.
New Parents Orientation Meeting at YWCA Thursday, September 12 • 6 - 7 pm
5
Training for Success
Each year, a series of informative seminars is held for Dolphins Team members and their parents. In 2012 -
2013, the seminars featured All-American swimmers, Olympic medalists and health professionals from
Stamford Hospital who discussed what is needed to succeed in the sport of swimming and in life.
Left: Head Coach Nick Cavataro and Elyse McDonough, All-American Swimmer and two-time EMMY Award-winning Producer at
NBC-TV. Middle: Kristy Kowal with her Olympic Silver Medal. Right: Brooke Bennett shows off her Olympic Gold Medal.
6
Meets
The Greenwich Dolphins offer team members a unique variety of competitions at various levels: Intersquad
Grand Prix Meet Series, Dual Meets and United States Swimming meets. The Dolphins compete in the
Connecticut YMCA Swim League and are members of the Connecticut Association of United States
Swimming. Typically, Bronze, Silver and Gold swimmers will participate in one to two meets a month from
November to April.
The Dolphins Team competes throughout the U.S.A.
and, sometimes, beyond. Locations include various
sites in Maine and Florida; Toronto, Canada; Annapolis,
Maryland; Charlotte, North Carolina; Richmond,
Virginia; Seattle, Washington; and the Universities of
Brown, Buffalo, Harvard, Princeton, Yale and Wesleyan.
Awards
Each year, at Stamford’s Italian Center, over 600
parents and team members gather for the YWCA
Greenwich Dolphins Swim Team Awards Banquet.
Fourteen special awards...from Most Improved and
Most Valuable Age Group Awards to the Coaches
Award for Enthusiasm...are given. Every Dolphin
Team member receives a trophy commemorating
the season. The event is a sell-out every year.
7
Team
Levels
8
Dolphins Swim Team levels are: Future, Future Team 56, Age Group I, and periodic intersquad meets. Target Test Skill: Achieve two of the
Age Group II, Age Group III, State and National. As in past seasons, following: 10 x 50-Free in 1:15; 100-yard Freestyle time under 1:30;
the Dolphins have specific Minimum Test Skills to help encourage and 100-yard Individual Medley in 1:45 or better.
motivate swimmers through the team ladder. These skills are used to
place 2012 - 2013 members and act as evaluation guidelines for the Team Age Group III (TAG III): Primarily for swimmers ages 11 to
2013 - 2014 team. 12 with several seasons of competitive experience, endurance skills
and the ability to repeat continuously all four strokes. Technique
Future Team 56: Exclusively for swimmers ages 5 and 6 with the development in all four strokes as well as conditioning is stressed.
ability to swim some degree of freestyle (crawl) for a length of the pool Intersquad, dual meets and USS meets compliment this development.
and some movement on their backs. This group is highly instructional Seasonal plan will include 5 - 6 USS meets; dual meets; and
and will race periodically at the YWCA in intersquad meets only. conditioning for League and State Championships and periodic
intersquad meets. Eligible swimmers may qualify for YWCA National
Championship. Target Test Skill: Achieve two of the following: 10
The Future Team: Primarily for swimmers ages 6 to 7 with limited or
x 50-Free in 1:00; 5 x 100-yard Individual Medley in 1:45; 200-yard
no competitive experience. Swimmers must be able to swim a length
Freestyle in 2:30 or better.
(25 yards) of the pool freestyle (crawl) and backstroke for consideration
and entry into the program. In recent seasons, candidates also have had
State Team: Primarily for swimmers ages 11 to 13 with several seasons
some ability to swim breaststroke and butterfly. The group will work on
of competitive experience. Swimmers must have demonstrated
the competitive techniques of all four strokes. Intersquad meets only.
within the TAG III group, or Similar Swim Club, significant endurance
and commitment to training. Swimmers must have reached, or can
Team Age Group I (TAG I): Primarily for swimmers ages 7 to 9 with a be projected to reach the March CT State Championship qualifying
season or more of competitive experience and the need for additional standards and be ready and available to attend. Target Test Skill: 10 x
technique development in all four strokes, as well as an introduction 100-Free in 1:30; 200-Fly, Back, Breast or IM under 3:00 and 500-Free
to conditioning. Intersquad, dual meets and USS meets compliment under 7:00.
this development. Seasonal plan will include 3 - 4 8/u USS meets;
3 - 4 dual meets; League and State 8/u Championships and periodic National Team: Primarily for swimmers age 11 and over with several
intersquad meets. Target Test Skill: Must swim 100-yard Individual seasons of competitive experience, endurance skills and the ability
Medley according to USS Rules and 50 yards of Freestyle with alternate to repeat continuously all four strokes at a fast pace. Technique
breathing under 2:30 combined. development in all four strokes as well as conditioning are stressed as
well as a higher degree of commitment and attendance. Intersquad,
Team Age Group II (TAG II): Primarily for swimmers ages 9 to 10 dual meets and USS meets compliment this development. Seasonal
with several seasons of competitive experience and have the need plan will include 5 - 6 USS meets; League and State Championships
for additional technique development in all four strokes as well as and periodic intersquad meets. Eligible swimmers may qualify for
advanced conditioning through interval training. Intersquad, dual YWCA National Championship. Target Test Skill: Achieve three of the
meets and USS meets compliment this development. Seasonal plan will following: 10 x 100-Free in 1:30; 500-Free under 6:30; 200-IM under
include 5 - 6 USS meets; dual meets; League and State Championships 2:30; either a 200-Fly, Back or Breast time of under 2:45.
9
Practice
Schedule
10LEVEL MON TUE WED THU FRI SAT
FUTURE 56 2:30 - 3:15
FUTURE 1:30 - 2:30
TAG I 4:30 - 5:15 4:30 - 5:15 6:00 - 7:00
TAG II 5:15 - 6:15 5:15 - 6:15 6:30 - 7:30
TAG III 6:15 - 7:15 6:15 - 7:15 5:15 - 6:15 8:00 - 9:00 AM
STATE 8:15 - 8:30 5:15 - 6:30 7:15 - 8:30 3:30 - 4:30 7:00 - 8:00 AM
5:45 - 7:15 AM
NATIONAL 7:15 - 8:30 6:30 - 8:30 7:15 - 8:30 6:15 - 8:15 4:30 - 6:00
3:15 - 5:00
5:45 - 7:15 AM
HS GIRLS/HS BOYS * 7:15 - 8:30 6:30 - 8:30 7:15 - 8:30 6:15 - 8:15 4:30 - 6:00
3:15 - 5:00
DRYLAND I 6:00 - 7:00 6:00 - 7:00 5:00 - 6:00 SEPT 9 - DEC 19
DRYLAND II 5:15 - 6:15 6:00 - 7:00 5:15 - 6:15 JAN 2 - MAR 27
PRIVATE INSTRUCTION CONTACT COACH FOR APPOINTMENT 203-869-6501x121
All times are PM unless otherwise stated. Occasionally pre-empted for meets and events as noted on team monthly calendars.
This schedule is effective September 9, 2013. Starting in November, the Dolphins will modify this schedule by using
both the YWCA and Greenwich High School pools simultaneously: STATE/NATIONAL will move to GHS on Mondays and
Thursdays from 6:30 - 8:30 pm. Please check the Dolphins’ website, www.greenwichdolphins.com, for schedule updates.
* HS practices begin in late November.
1112
Attendance, Commitment and Participation
There is a critical relationship between attendance, participation and commitment. These three elements
combined with enthusiasm and personal motivation yield tremendous cumulative results. Daily attendance
is taken and should attendance at any point fall below 85%, the parent and swimmer will be asked to meet
with the Head Coach and discuss future team participation.
All swimmers should be on time, attend meets and strive for excellence. A swimmer who falls short of minimum
standards will be asked to meet with the Head Coach and his or her parent.
State and National Swimmers are expected to have 100% attendance during the period of September 9, 2013
to April 16, 2014. These swimmers may supplement or enhance attendance at weekday morning practices
(5:45 - 7:15 am) with coach permission.
The staff recognizes that swimmers will participate in other activities; however, it is critical that all members
be aware that attendance requirements are in place for the period noted.
Public and private high school swim team members, who are also Dolphins Swim Team members, should
attend one Dolphins practice session a week, regardless of high school team events.
The YWCA Pool & Training Facilities
The YWCA’s 6-lane, warm water pool is the primary training facility for the team. The pool features 8-foot
wide lanes and state-of-the-art flow-over gutters. In addition to the YWCA pool, the team also uses
Greenwich High School’s 8-lane pool from November through April and has access to an outdoor 8-lane,
long-course facility for selected National swimmers from late June through July.
Selected team members also have use of the state-of-the-art YWCA Fitness Center on a regular basis during
the strength and conditioning program.
13Coaching Staff NICK CAVATARO, Head Coach, has been
at the helm of the Dolphins since 1977. The
2013 - 2014 season will be his 37th year at the
YWCA. Under his direction, the team has enjoyed
tremendous success including YWCA National
Championships in 1982 (West Point), 1984 (Penn
State) and 1985 (James Madison U.) and a dozen
runner-up finishes, including 2012.
Cavataro is an energetic organizer who is
concerned with the needs and hopes of swimmers
of all ages. He holds regularly scheduled meetings
with team members and their parents. In addition
to weekly email updates, Cavataro publishes a bi-
annual newsletter.
A distance freestyle and butterfly specialist at lona
Prep, Manhattan College and with the Gotham
Aquatic Association (USS), Cavataro was a three-
time AlI-Metro Collegiate selection. In addition to
the Dolphins, he is the Head Men’s and Women’s
Coach and Director of Aquatics at lona College
in New Rochelle, N.Y. Cavataro has had extensive
experience working with youngsters, ages 5 - 18,
as the swim coach at Westchester Country
Club, where his summer teams have won eight
Westchester League titles and another dozen
top five finishes. Cavataro is a member of the
American Swim Coaches Association (ASCA-Level
4); the College Swim Coaches Association and
United States Swimming. He has participated in
American and College Swim Coaches Associations
World Clinics. He is married to the former
Dolphins Swim Team Coaches (from left) Ted Perley, Robert Witmer, Ainslie Dorrian, Susan Follansbee, an exercise physiologist. The
Jeremy Cochran, Nick Cavataro, Whitney Welch and Sian Grace Cavataro’s have six children, ages 13 - 26.
14Assistant Coaches Iona and in 2007 was the MVP in the Metro CHSAA Championship
Meet. At Colgate, Ted was a team captain and a three-time finalist
JEREMY COCHRAN: Jeremy is from Morristown, NJ and is a at the Patriot League Championships. He joined the Dolphins
2003 graduate of West Virginia University with a degree in Sport & coaching staff in 2012 and works with all team levels. He also has
Exercise Psychology. He also is in his second season as Head Coach been an Assistant Swim Coach at the Larchmont Yacht Club.
at Greenwich Country Club. He has served as Assistant Men’s &
Women’s Swim Coach at Fairleigh Dickinson University. He spent WHITNeY WeLCH: A Greenwich native now residing in Stamford,
two years on the staff of the Greenwich YMCA Marlins and was a the 2014 season will be her 17th with the team. In addition to
Lead Assistant for Peak Performance Swim Camp. Jeremy also has her coaching duties with the Dolphins, Whitney is a professional
worked as a personal trainer and fitness bootcamp instructor. firefighter, EMT and CPR instructor with the Town of Greenwich
for the past 21 years. A Physical Education major at St. Lawrence
AINSLIe DORRIAN: A graduate of Greenwich High School and University (NY), Whitney swam competitively through college
Mt. St. Vincent College (NY), Ainslie is an accomplished athlete and continues to swim with the YWCA’s Masters team. Whitney
who has completed many area road races, open water swims competes in open water events and also teaches swimming
and triathlons. Ainslie is a full-time swim instructor at the YWCA, lessons and is an avid softball player.
working with all ages and levels from Beginner to Advanced. He
has been with the Dolphins for six seasons and coaches Future, SCOTT WITMeR: A native of Iowa, Scott was a member of his
TAG I-II-III, and State and National teams. high school football and swim teams. He received a degree in
Economics from Iowa State University and later, an MBA from
sIan grace: Sian Grace is a graduate of Greenwich High School Loyola University, Chicago. Scott was a research economist for
and Florida Southern College. At age five, she joined the Dolphins the Federal Reserve and coached the local YMCA team. He now
Swim Team as a Future 56 and continued through the National resides in Cos Cob with his wife and three children. This will be
Team level. She also swam for the Roxbury Swim and Tennis Club Scott’s 8th season on the Dolphins’ coaching staff and he works
and the Greenwich High School team. Sian joined the YWCA with all team levels.
Aquatics Department in 2006 and was appointed to the Dolphins
Swim Team Coaching Staff in 2012. She concentrates her efforts on SUSAN CAVATARO, Strength & Conditioning Coach:
Future Teams and TAG I-II-III. In her free time, Sian competes in one- This will be Sue’s 6th year coordinating the Dolphins’ Strength
and two-mile open water swims, biathlons and 5K running races. and Conditioning program, which combines aerobic and core
development in a unique blending of equipment, spinning
TED perley: Ted is from Harrison, NY, and a graduate of Iona and deck work. Sue holds a degree in Physical Education from
Prep and Colgate University. A High School All-American in the Cortland State and a Master of Arts degree in Exercise Physiology
100-yard breaststroke, Ted placed third his senior year at the New from Adelphi University, as well as being a Certified Personal
York State Championships. He twice earned team MVP honors at Trainer and Spinning instructor.
15Non-Profit Org.
U.S. Postage
PAID
Stamford, CT
Permit No. 13
259 East Putnam Avenue
Greenwich, CT 06830
203-869-6501
www.ywcagreenwich.org
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