The challenges are many when it comes to finding qualified coaches in any sport, let alone a specialized one such as swimming.
That’s why the Athabasca Rapids Swim Club is excited about their new coach, who just so happens to also be a former coach of the club.
Steve Splinter has returned this season as the club’s head coach after being recruited by some parents.
“Some parents wanted me to come back, so they kind of recruited me and the club needed a coach,” said Splinter.
“And, I really like coaching so I said yes.”
And it was quite the welcome back for Splinter, finding nearly 40 kids ranging in age from five to 13 had signed up for the coming season – a large number of them in the non-competitive stream.
“It was astonishing to see 38 kids,” he said.
“They are all very keen and extremely energetic, so I am going to try and get some of them to try the competitive aspect.”
Right now, there are 17 taking part in the competitive program.
With the club’s first meet slated for the end of October in Edson, Splinter has some time to work on generating some more interest.
“I really haven’t seen yet what most of the swimmers have to give and where they are at,” explained Splinter.
“Once we start to establish some training routines and thing begin to flow, then we should be able to tell more about where their abilities are at.”
What Splinter does know is the club had one swimmer qualify for provincials last year and is hoping that can be repeated or even increased this year.
“That one is a really good swimmer, so I have some high hopes,” he added.
“It’s just quite exciting to be back coaching.”
