Organization
Mission Statement
Springfield Aquatics (SPA) is a year-round USA swim team dedicated to providing a program of swim instruction and competition for young people. The SPA Coaching Staff strives to teach young athletes not only the fundamentals of the sport, but also the value of good sportsmanship, discipline, and dedication. Developing young people to the best of their abilities is our number one goal.
Organization
SPA is a member of USA Swimming, the national governing body of the sport in this country. Our 100+ members are split into practice groups according to age and ability. An active Volunteer Parent Board oversees club operations and coordinates volunteer activities.
Eligibility
SPA welcomes and encourages athletes with all levels of experience and ability, however, the program is not designed to teach young people how to swim. Instead, the coaching staff teaches the fundamentals of competitive swimming, including stroke technique, physical conditioning and mental preparation. Those wishing to join Springfield Aquatics should have a basic grasp of the four racing strokes: Freestyle, Backstroke, Breaststroke, and Butterfly, and are encouraged to complete basic swimming lessons before joining the team. Lessons are available through the Springfield Prep, and are taught by Brian and Amy Reynolds, along with swimmers from the Drury Panther Swim Team and Springfield Aquatics.
Springfield Aquatics Swim Groups
As a Club, we currently have five levels of swimming.
BRONZE - The Bronz group is the entry-level practice group in SPA. This group practices 5 times per week for 1.25 hours with emphasis on stroke technique and begins developing a swimmer’s endurance level.
SILVER – The Silver group is the mid-entry-level practice group in SPA. This group practices 5-6 times per week for 1.25-2 hours with emphasis on stroke technique and begins developing a swimmer’s endurance level.
GOLD – The Gold group practices 6 times per week from 1.25 to 2 hours per day. The Gold group emphasizes both stroke technique and endurance. Coaches also work with swimmers to set goals and develop race strategy.
JUNIOR – The Junior Group offers six to ten practices per week from 1.5 to 2 hours. Although the main training emphasis of this practice group is the development of the aerobic and anaerobic energy systems, a significant amount of time is spent on refining technique. Coaches continue to work with swimmers on developing goals and race strategy.
SENIOR – The Senior group offers ten practices per week from 1.5 to 2 hours. As with the Junior Group, the main training emphasis is the development of the aerobic and anaerobic energy systems. Since all the swimmers practicing in this group either have achieved or are close to achieving regional time standards, seasonal planning for this group is targeted towards regional and national meets at the end of each session.
Facilities
The Springfield Aquatics program operates year round at Drury University with additional pool time at Meador Park in the summer. Built in 1988, Drury University’s pool is a ten lane, 25-yard facility. Equipped with the Colorado automatic timing system and a large scoreboard, Springfield Aquatics trains and competes in a facility that rivals many Division I schools and is home to the Drury University Panthers, National NCAA-II Champion Men’s and Women’s Swimming Teams.
Fees*
Bronze Team - $55 per month
Silver Team - $55 per month
Gold Team - $60 per month
Junior Team - $70 per month
Senior Team - $80 per month
In addition every swimmer must pay a $5 per month Drury Usage Fee
Registration - $50 for 2009 MVS and USAS Registration Annual
Concession Fee - $30 Annual
* Families with multiple swimmers receive a 50% discount off the monthly fees (Not including the Drury Usage fee) of 2nd and 3rd swimmers. 100% payment is made on the highest level swimmer with subsequent swimmers receiving 50% off their monthly dues only. MVS and USAS registration has no discount.
If you would like more information, or to request a brochure, contact Bryan Beatty or phone 417-343-6707. If requesting a brochure, please leave your name and mailing address.