Duquesne Univ Swim Coach Interview

This sage, in 2002, was the second time I sat for an interview at Duquesne University. The first was interesting, but our Peoria relay with a 7th grader, two eighth graders and one ninth grader was about 5 seconds faster than the DU women's school record at the time. 

The 2002 sage would end with the head women's coach taking the men's duties too. Soon after, the men's team would be cut.

Notes and bits of my resume.

American Swim Coaches Association - payed $745

The ASCA World Clinic, Las Vegas, in September 2002, cost $745.00. 

Also attended the Certified Pool Operator's Course and the Certified Aquatic Managers Course. 

Audio tape for sale:

Single, $10

Set of 12 for $96

Set of 24 for $168

Set of 36 for $216

All 45 tapes, $225

Team Communication and Clarity

 On our first day of practice, Nov. 15, 2001, I passed out a 3 page listing of various activities and such for the team's knowledge.

The HS AD and both Principals got copies of this by Nov. 16. 

Here is one such change to that handout I've made -- so as to be "PERFECTLY CLEAR." 

Reactions and feedback welcomed. 

snip #1 --- A Lesson's Time and Space

There are no optional and no mandatory practices. Those terms hold us back. "Don't let the chains hold us back." Every event is a date. Always act with personal integrity. end snip #1 --- 

Please understand this: Nothing within my program has the designation of "MANDATORY." 

I tell the swimmers and their families that I try as best as possible to look at both the big picture and the small picture. If someone has out of town guest or even travels out of town on Thanksgiving -- fine -- I understand that. That is a look at the big picture of life. Visiting grandma in New York with a family trip is more important than being at a holiday practice. That is my approach. 

Furthermore, I want to know in advance in writing that the athlete is going to be away then -- however. I treat each practice/session/lesson like a "date." I don't like to be "stood up" on a date without advance notice. I want the athlete to tell me and leave me a note -- not the parent. 

This advance notice calls for personal integrity and being curious, I feel. There are fewer rules in my program -- but there are higher expectations as I'm going to hold the kids to higher behaviors from themselves by my expectations and my interactions with them. 

I don't have built in penalties for missed practices and such. I feel that in life, very little in life is "MANDATORY" and most of things are "optional." So too is the lifestyle of being an athlete and striving for personal excellence. 

People get to make choices in the real world. I want my program to be a spring-board to life -- and we want to develop skills for the athletes that are smoothly transferable to other life challenges. On the other hand, my swim program is NOT like an academic program or the operation of the H.S.

Many things in academics are MANDATORY. Rambling off. 

snip #2.

Sun. Nov 21 Join wrestlers at HS for gym and plyometrics at 1:00-2:00. Mark will be there. end snip #2

---- Notice, this event, has been changed on the "official" schedule. It now reads: 

snip #3 --- Sun. Nov 21 Opportunity to join wrestlers at HS for open gym at 1:00-2:00. Mark will be there. end snip #3 --- 

From my perspective, an open gym opportunity for the swim team and divers (as well as other in the greater HS community) -- when we are NOT going to the pool, when we are playing with another squad, when we are there for 1-hour, when it is on a SUNDAY, and when everything in my program is optional --- is NOT a practice. 

The remark from a page in the handbook said the following: 

3. No team representing a P.I.A.A. member school may practice or participate in any interscholastic athletic contest on more than six days in any calendar week during the regular season. Furthermore, this rule is easily side-stepped on many weeks of the season at many different schools when a swim teams compete in weekend meets within their "CLUB" setting. The HS coach has practices Monday through Friday and then the team swims a CLUB meet on Saturday and Sunday. Often the same coach is with the kids on the team(s) day-in-and-day-out months on end, yet alone never for 7 consecutive days. The reasoning -- and it is legit justifications -- is the fact that the HS team is not this CLUB team. Hence, everything is okay. 

Here, at CM, the kids are at a disadvantage because there is such a floundering club that has a counter-effect with the overall program. The kids at USC, BP, Mt. Lebo all have it much better than those at CM. All of those coaches are seeing all of their kids 7-days per week for weeks on end. 

At another time and place in my career, I recall years when I had two days off. One was Christmas, the other day off was Easter. On all other days I was working with the kids in some capacity. 

I am sure that Julie Rocks, a former coach, went to 2-day meets with some of the kids after a week of practices. I think we all agree that we want to be competitive and we want to be within the framework of the rules as well. Both are going to occur without doubt. And, we also need to keep a clear perspective on how we want to build the program for the future as I feel some of the program's infrastructure is in dire need of attention for long-term considerations. 

Hence, the serious attention to the passed memo with the highlighted area that came to me from the AD. 

I hope this makes sense. Thanks for listening.

Big Mac Swimming

Coaching Staff Bios for the Big Mac Winter Sports Program Book

The 99-00 season marks the start of a new era for Canon-McMillian Swimming and Diving program. Mark Rauterkus was hired as the varsity coach, and he assembled and recruited a new staff, including a new diving coach, Danielle, and two assistants, Shannon and Katie. Warm appreciation from the present staff goes to both, former coach, Julie Rocks, as her efforts helped to re-craft the positions, and the new AD, Dan Pallante.

Head Coach: Mark Rauterkus

Mark is ending a second mini-retirement from day-to-day swim coaching to lead this year's Big Mac team. Mark said, "I'm excited to be here -- and now I'm looking for long-term opportunities in coaching."

Mark began coaching in 1976, starting a NEW summer team in east-suburban Pittsburgh. He and fell in love with the sport as an assistant at Greater Pittsburgh Swim Club. He moved to become the head coach for the Athens (Ohio) Swim Club (3-years), assist the Ohio Univ. Men's team (4-years), and get a BS in Journalism (82). Mark went to Baylor Univ. (Texas) for grad studies in HPER as a teaching assistant/coach. Mark took the Peoria, Illinois team to #2 state finishes in both Age Group, and Senior Championships getting a couple of "spirit awards." Mark coached with Bradley Univ., Bernal's Gators in Mass. (then at Harvard), Evanston (IL), New Trier (IL), and Plum High School. In both seasons at Plum (early 90s), the girls team finished #2 in WPIAL Championships, each year winning 3 events with many All-America honors. Mark's swimmers have set state records in 4 states.

When not coaching, Mark has been a stay-at-home dad (recently), sports advocate and a publisher of cutting-edge sports participation titles, working on more than 100 various titles, including 12 swimming-specific books.

Mark hopes to build a program of excellence that includes activities beyond the pool, including a sports lecture series and many high-tech enrichment experiences for our team and community.

Mark and his family reside in Pittsburgh's South Side. Catherine V. Palmer, Ph.D., is the Director of the Eye and Ear Institute and a teacher/researcher at Pitt. Sons are Erik, 5, and Grant, 2 in Dec. 99.

Diving Coach: Danielle Waters

Danielle grew up in the North Hills, graduated from Hampton High School (92) and was a Hampton diver for four years. Danielle received a BS degree in Hearing and Speech Sciences from Ohio University. While at O.U. she was a member of the Division I diving team for four years, was a Mid American Conference meet qualifier three times, a NCAA qualifier, and a team captain.

Danielle attended grad school at the University of Pittsburgh from 1996-1998. While getting her Masters degree she coached the Hampton High School Diving Team (1997-1998).

Danielle got married in August, 1999, and lives in Bridgeville. She is currently a clinical audiologist for Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh.

Assistant Coach: Shannon Pickett

Shannon, 22, is presently a graduate student at the University of Pittsburgh. She has a B.S. degree in Communication Disorders from Central Michigan University. She swam for fourteen years on a YMCA team where she was named MVP for four years and held many team records in various events. She also swam at the college level at Grand Valley State University for two years.

Shannon's coaching experience ranges from beginning swimmers to high school and was a private swim instructor for adults and children. She also coached for the Special Olympics and swam with the Deaf Olympic swim team. Shannon is very excited about the opportunities to work with swimmers this season.

Assistant Coach: Katie Moore

Katie, 22, is a graduate student at the University of Pittsburgh, pursuing a masters in Audiology. She has a B.S.ED. from the University of Georgia in Communication Sciences and Disorders. She is a former high school and intramural college swimmer, having swam competitively for a total of twelve years.

Katie has experience coaching beginning and intermediate swimmers on club teams and in private lessons. Her coaching emphasis is in technique, stroke work, and conditioning. She is looking forward to an exciting and productive swimming season this year.

Early Season with new team, CM Swimming

Swimming and Diving Team Schedule

Updated schedule on the net at www.FreeTeam.Org/cm

Temporary Two Weeks or So:

Only the first two weeks of the swim schedule are being provided on Nov. 15. In future years after I've got a better understanding of the entire season and other operations, I'll try to have the seasonal schedule presented at the first practice. For now, because the staff is new, we are going to present the seasonal schedule around Thanksgiving / December 1.

A Lesson's Time and Space

There are no optional and no mandatory practices. Those terms hold us back. "Don't let the chains hold us back." Every event is a date. Always act with personal integrity.

Understand This!

Golden Rule: Notify Coach Mark in writing in advance of any out of the ordinary occurrence. Email: Mark@ -- Voice mail: 412-481-2497. The divers are lucky to have the coaching guidance from both Mark and Danielle -- notify them both. Danielle@SportSurf.Net.

Elsewhere Ends

The program revival and gathering of all swimmers begins Nov. 15 -- without exception. This is a change. We'll talk about change in great length. Swimmers who are members of other swim programs take note! Going to a club practice is NOT a substitute for our HS team practice at this time. Club swimmers have more to re-learn, more to re-program and more to benefit from attending all sessions. The assembly-line coaching approach requires that the new system be understood in a progressive way. Drills from one day are expanded upon and embellished in combination drills in the next day.

Furthermore, the behaviors within the optional, pre-season are suspect.

Who is who

One of the key building blocks of our program is inclusion. Another key to success is the advancement of homogeneous training groups. To better control the inclusion and diversity as well as make for suitable challenges and group striving Visitors are welcomed at certain times and places. We want to have the river of life flowing into our program, and we want to be To include those who should be included

Key:

• Team is the entire group of Canon Mac athletes: This includes swimmers, divers, and dual athletes. This includes all ability levels.

• Swimmers are those who do not dive.

• Divers are those who do not swim and those who are dual athletes.

• Dual athletes are those who are able and willing and going to be in swimming and diving events.

• WPIAL group = swimming athletes who are destined to be in the WPIAL Championship meet. Those that expect to make this time standard are welcome at this time. Later entry into this group is subject to qualification justifications.

• State group = swimming athletes who are destined to be in the PIAA Championship meet. Those that expect to make this time standard are welcome at this time. Later entry into this group is subject to qualification justifications. Of course, those in the state group are also part of the WPIAL group.

• Varsity: the bulk of the team is in this group.

• JV = swimming athletes who are part of the WPIAL and State group are NOT part of the JV group.

• Upper-class: Juniors and Seniors

• Underclass: Freshmen and Sophomores

• Middle-Schoolers = MidS = those who are in grades 7 & 8 and attend either of Canon-Mac's Middle Schools and was interested in being on the school teams while in those grades and is expected to be on the HS swim team.

• Middle-Schoolers-Plus-Club = Mid+ = those who are in grades 7 & 8 and attend either of Canon-Mac's Middle Schools and who are engaged in on-going swimming training for a club team such as GCSC, Washington Y, Tidal Wave, CV. Grade 6 participants are eligible to attend this group by tryout.

• NCAA = NCAA athletes = Those that are training at a NCAA program.

• Alumni = those that have graduated and are retired from Senior swimming.

• Post Graduates = those who are beyond their HS career, and perhaps beyond their NCAA career too. Those who are still in senior swimming.

• Masters = those who are still able and willing to compete in swim or multi-sport events.

Divers: Divers join the swim practice when schedule says laps.. was interested in being on the school teams while in those grades and is expected to be on the HS swim team.

---

Monday: Nov. 15

Swim Practice from 3:00 to 5:00 pm. Two swimmers with advance notice okay to exit early for PP Football.
Divers from 6:30 to 8:00 pm

Tuesday: Nov 16

Swim: from 6:00 am to 6:55 am. Please be ready to be in the water at 6 with the Perfect 50. Practice conclusion time 6:55 am.

Swimmers at AM practice get a gift from Coach Mark. It is an autographed copy of the first book he ever published. It has a seasons worth of swim practices from the Univ. of Alabama. Check out the book -- and we'll have a future home work assignement about its contents and such in due time.

Swim: 3:00 to 5:00
WPIAL & State swimmers to 5:45 pm.
Dive from 6:30 to 8:00 pm

---

Wed. Nov 17

Swim & Dive: Team photos. at pool at 3:00 pm.
Swim: 3:30 to 6:00 pm with assistant coaches to conclude practices.
Dive: 3:30 to 4:30 laps.

Parent Booster Meeting at 7 - 8 pm at Canonsburg Middle School Library.

Thur. Nov 18

Seniors at HS for photo at 3 pm.
All team at High School for conditioning at 3 pm.
Dive from 6:30 to 8:00 pm

Fri. Nov 19

Team (all swimmers and divers) at HS for conditioning at 3 pm.
JV kids with assistant coaches at pool from 4-6 pm for private lessons. Email requests to Shannon and Katie@SportSurf.Net.

Sat. Nov 20

Swimmers from 7-9 am.

Sun. Nov 21

Opportunity to join wrestlers at HS for open gym at 1:00-2:00. Mark will be there.

Mon. Nov 22

Team at HS for conditioning, 3:00 to 4:15. Includes divers!
Dive from 6:30 to 8:00 pm

Tue. Nov 23

Swim 3:00-5:00
Dive from 6:30 to 8:00 pm

Wed. Nov 24

Divers to HS conditioning, 3-4 pm and dive from 4:30-5:15 (requireds).
Swim 3:00-6:00 pm

Thur. Nov 25 (Thanksgiving)

Swimmers: 7:00 to 10 am.
Divers from 8:30-9:00 stretch and condition at pool.
Dive from 9:10 to 10:00

Fri. Nov 26

Swimmers: 7:00 to 10 am.
Dive from 9:00 to 10:30 am with D.W.

Sat. Nov 27

Swimmers: 7:00 to 10 am
Divers from 8:30-9:00 stretch and condition at pool.
Dive from 9:10 to 10:00

Sun. Nov 28

off

Mon. Nov 29

Swim: 3:00 - 5:00
Dive: 3:00 @ HS.
Dive from 6:30 to 8:00 pm

Tue. Nov. 30

Swim: 3:00 to 6:00. Looking for draft of swim line-up please.
Dive from 6:30 to 8:00 pm

Wed. Dec. 1

Swim 3:00 - 5:00
Dive @ HS at 3:00 and Dive at 4:15-5

Thur. Dec. 2

Swim: 3:00 - 6:00 pm
Team Pasta Party after practice to 8 pm. Divers eat first at 6 pm. Dive 7:15 - 8:30 pm

Fri. Dec 3.

Meet vs. McKeesport at HOME at 6:30. Divers to pool by 4:30. Swimmers in water at 5:15. No food at meet. Eat before warmup.

Aquatic planning process, Pittsburgh, Let's Get Wet Already

Let's Get Wet Already

City Council's Pool Fees Fight Means Another 5-4 Vote

Visualize the kids in Pittsburgh following the debate in City Council on the pool fees, at home in their living rooms, putting on and then taking off their swim trunks, over and over and over again. Thanks for this mental picture, Dan Onarato.

Jim Ferlo said the debate on the swim pool fees was like a bad tooth ache that didn't go away.

Trail basis, policy decisions, and compromises aside, this issue of pool fees has gotten out of hand and needs to be addressed.

Water Over the Dam

Perhaps the former director of parks and recreation didn't properly address the issue.

The former Director of Parks and Recreation mentioned that a state grant and some secured funding was in-hand for an overall aquatics programming evaluation in July of 1998 in the course of casual conversations.

That director has since left the office.

The RFP and overall-aquatics plan is going to get some attention with Duane T. Ashley, the new Director, appointed by City Council's formal vote on March 16, 1999.

Jump Start to Aquatics Planning

The call for the RFP, as hinted at in the Council Chambers in the working sessions in Feb 99 is moving along. Let's get some new energy into this process.

Chair Volunteers

Mark Rauterkus, a resident with aquatic experience has volunteered to participate and has been granted a pending role within this planning process. Mark and his family utilize many of the city pools, and he has a keen interest in making improvements. A volunteer role is fine.

A meeting between Mark Rauterkus and Director Ashley occured in mid-March.

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Concept Map

https://map.swimisca.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/aquaplan1.gif

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Often, The Hardest Part of Swim Practice: Getting Wet!

Spent time on the swim pool deck and notice that there are days when the hardest part of practice is diving in and getting wet. To counter the human condition of inertia, let's start with a warm-up exercise. Click the button below and send an email message.

• mrauterkus@sportsurf.net

Thanks for your input and concern.

ASCA Certification, units for Mark Rauterkus

Plum Swim Team - 1992

 Managers

Stacey O'Neil

Jennifer McCurdy

Scott Contreras

Swimmers and Divers

Natalie Hook, FR, surprise swimmer who just missed making WPIALs as an individual. She swam free and fly, and Mark is counting on her to swim at states next season. This has been a big year for Natalie as she has new family memebers and new school. Potential!

Kristen Duray, FR, freestyle swimmer who gained a great deal of confidence throughout the season and was dedicated and wanted to contribute to the team. Coachable!

Shannon McMullen, FR diver, and the only Plum girl to make WPIAL’s in many years. Made the last cut at WPIAL meet and was the 2nd best freshmen diver in the meet. With a new list and plenty of summer diving, she could be headed to states next season. Potential!

April Williams, FR diver, who is not afraid to move ahead and has plenty of athletic ability. She has the ability to show the right attitude and will become a great diver if the coaches don’t turn her into a full-time swimmer. Conditioned.

Erica Opanowski, FR diver, who has come a long way since she started, and she has a full career ahead. Fred is excited about her potential, but Mark respects her spirit the most. Spirited.

Emil Heitzinger, FR, WPIAL swimmer in free relay, who will find success in the breastroke and freestle events in the future. Improved.

Karin Painter, SO, WPIAL champion, school record holder on free relays, state medalists. Karen swam the free events at all distances. Coachable.

Erica Van Tassel, SO, WPIAL champion, school record holder on 3 relays, state medalists. Her seasonal goal was to break the PHS 50 free record—and she did. Spirited.

Mindy Adamonis, SO, I.M. swimmer who helps in many events. Dedicated. She comes to many of the practices and sees the big picture. Coachable.

Becky Pochatko, SO, WPIAL swimmer on point scoring 200 free relay, with a great split. She swam many events including the 500 and the 50 free. Improved.

Tanya Hayes, SO, with leadership characteristics who can swim many events, with a beautifly stroke technique, including the fly. Spirited.

Tara Holland, SO, manager turned swimmer who helped with stroke counts in the early season and developed strength in the pool until she got into some meets with some impressive successes, especially in the backstroke. Coachable.

Kathy Burkhart, SO, who enjoys the 100 breast and she loves the 500. Kathy is quiet and dependable, and with some extra power and strength after this summer, she’ll be a valuable and conditioned Varsity pacesetter.

Natalie Weaver, SO, who swims relays and the back, and has shown some great bursts of speed. With more pooltime and seasonal experiences, she’ll be quick enough to insure sectional titles for the next two years. Improved.

Michelle Melli, SO, diver turned swimmer, had the team’s best finishing kick and drive at the end of races. Conditioning.

Keith Wallace, SO, second year, WPIAL swimmer in IM and relay. Keith is going to be a star WPIAL swimmer and Mark hopes it is next year. Potential.

Aric Miller, SO, limited due to minor back surgery, who returned for the final meet of season to set a personal best time. Coach hopes he’ll be back into true form and making WPIALs next season. Conditioned.

Mike Cook, first year, SO, started as a diver, but is now retired from the springboard. Mike means business, and he wants to win and pushed himself with a great attitude. Spirited.

Aurick Izzo, SO, diver, who scored many points for the team this season. Has a great deal of courage. He can be a powerful athlete and has picked up the sport in an amazingly quick manner. Valuable.

Bonny Rockette, JR, first-year swimmer, with many athletic skills. Next year, she could step into a utility role as she was able to accept a great deal of pressure at times this past season. Improved.

Karen Van Tassel, JR, WPIAL champion, PIAA medalist, ALL-America swimmer, school record holder in 6 events. Potential.

Valerie Walsh, JR, clutch swimmer in the free sprints. She told Mark that she wanted to letter this year, and she deserved it. Val loves to race and beat-up the other team. With a tireless summer of training, Mark hopes she’ll be headed to states next season. Potential.

Susan Beatty, JR, WPIAL silver-medalist in Medley relay, school record holder, sturdy swimmer who made great strides in the 500 free and performed with pressure. Spirited.

Nickole Love, JR, relay swimmer, who dropped her 50 free time by more than 5 seconds. Improved.

Theresa Farrell, JR diver, diving captain and who is active in many school activities and held a great raport with the coaches, as Mark predicted, she will probably coach Fred’s children some day. Fred should be so lucky. Coachable.

Matt Halloran, JR, third year, distance swimmer and brilliant student. Matt hit a pleateau in the 500, and stayed steady with continued hard training. He made a great break-through at the end of the season. Spirited.

Tom Messina, JR, captain, first year swimmer and retired diver, WPIAL relay swimmer and very involved in school activities and music. Tom made some great team pep talks which Mark appreciated. His improvements were impressive, but his shined brightest in spirit.

Jay O’Neil, JR, third year, WPIAL swimmer in 4 events and scored points in the 200 IM and all season long. School record holder and dedicated, physically conditioned athlete. Valuable.

Paul Wozniak, JR, third year, man of purity, WPIAL swimmer in backstroke and medley relay who improved with his single minded Zen-like approach. With dedication, Paul can be a valuable college recruit. Conditioned.

Katie O'Neil, SR, captain, WPIAL gold medalist, PIAA medalist, school record holder. Katie is headed to Grove City to study Math. Coachable.

Nichol Cerchiaro, SR, WPIAL swimmer in two individual events and one relay. As a utility swimmer, she saved our 2nd place team finish at WPIALs by anchoring the 200 free relay. Valuable.

Rayna McMullen, SR, diver, who took a short period off within the season, but returned to dive exceptional beauty and grace. Spirited.

Pam Gamble, SR, distance swimmer who works hard and she enjoys swimming. Conditioned.

Chuck May, SR, fourth year, freestyler, WPIAL swimmer in 3 events and school record holder in 200 free relay. Chuck is headed to Auburn to study engineering. Chuck should be proud of his swim career, and he will never fall out of shape, even 50 years from now. Porfessional Potential.

Jim Rumbaugh, SR, captain, state champion in 100 backstroke and the 200 I.M., with new PIAA record. All-American Swimmer. Undecided major and college, but plenty of visits and opportunities are presenting themselves. Valuable.

John Hedeen, SR, fourth year, first time WPIAL swimmer in back and 2 relays and school record holder in 200 free relay. Headed to college next year. A silent, steady, swimmer who came in every day ready to go and push himself with an intrinsic drive. Improved.

Letter to the OSU Swim Coach

Mark Rauterkus

Sports Support Syndicate, Inc.

108 South 12th Street

Pittsburgh, PA 15203

3-16, 1992

OSU

MEN's SWIMMING COACH

Dear Bill Wadley,

We just got home from the Penna. State High School Meet in State College and a good time was had by all.

Jim Rumbaugh swam to a first place finish in the 100 back and 200 IM.

Times of 51.49 and 1:52.58, a new state record in the IM.

Jim beat Derek Williams from North Penn in the IM, both swimmers went faster than the existing state record. But D. Williams has already signed with Minnesota. Williams swam fast relays, including a 20.+ in lead-off in the 200 free relay, setting a new state record for the 50.

Our girls team swam faster at the WPIAL meet, getting second place by 2 points. First went to North Allegheny, defending and repeating state champs. We went a 3:35.66 for a 400 free relay and a 1:50.26 Medley relay. Other fast times were 59.01 100 back, 1:58.5 200 free, 53.01 100 free, 2:11.02 200 IM, 24.57 in the 50 free, plus some others not quite as impressive.

As of now, Jim is thinking about Tenn, IU, NC State?, Virginia, and OSU. You have got to get on the inside track with him soon. 

I look forward to hearing getting the time to complete our book this spring.

Sincerely Yours,

SPORTS SUPPORT SYNDICATE, INC.

Mark Rauterkus, President

memo to fellow WPIAL coaches

 Mark Rauterkus

Sports Support Syndicate, Inc.

108 South 12th Street

Pittsburgh, PA 15203

WPIAL Meet, 1992

Memo @ WPIAL & PIAA Swimming

Dear Fellow Coaches,

Here are some suggestions that I’ve been considering. We all know that there are many different ways to promote fast swimming. This list of ideas is my way of sharing some thoughts with you, and I do not intend to push for any one or all of these ideas at this time. Let’s just talk about them.

1. There are too many meets and these meets take away from the more valuable training time.

2. The Home and Away competition in meets could work if there were only four teams per section.

Let’s double the number of sections in the WPIAL keeping the good local rivalries alive.

Swim Section meets on Mondays, as scheduled by the WPIAL office, and make Thursdays the day for schools to schedule meets as they so desire.

3. Benefits Single-Sex meets:

Schedule boys meets on Mondays and girls meets on Thursday, giving the other sex an opportunity to train instead of going to the meet.

As justification to allow more competitors, we could push for JV and Varsity heats in big-school sections at single-sex meets.

Big school team should consider swimming against each other on the same day with girls at one school and the boys at another with JV and Varsity heats.

Single-sex Varsity only meets would allow teams to swim together for a 80 minute warm-up/practice followed by the meet.

3. We need more championship meets. Let’s not be forced to swim all of the late-season, dual meet schedule, and instead let’s hold bigger, multi-team, seeded meets. I suggest:

WPIAL, Boys vs. Girls, Freshman Swim Off - January 2

Boys and Girls JV Section Championships - January 20

WPIAL Distance Classic with 800 Free Relay, 1000 Free, 400 IM - Feb.1

WPIAL 6-Dive Championships - Feb. 1

Boys and Girls Varsity Conference (8 schools) Championships - Feb 10

4. Coaches and officials need to be responsive to more experimentation within the meet program.

At certain meets, let’s re-design the meet program and scratch some events in favor of different event and let’s use multiple heats.

Include:

• 400 Medley Relay, 800 Free Relay

• 200 strokes, and 400 IM

• 100 IM, 25 strokes

• 1000 free with 2 swimmers per lane instead of the 500

• Freestyle only meets with multiple heats per event

(no Medley, IM, or stroke races)

• Stroke only meets with multiple heats per event

(no 50, 100, 200, 500 or free relays)

5. In swimming, it is wrong to ask swimmers to make a State Qualifying time and place in the top 7 finishers. This is not the Olympic Trials. This is not a season ending meet. Make a time standard and stick to it. We are forcing kids to swim against each other and coaches to out-think each other, when we all should be racing against the clock.

Example: One team may want to train 4 or 6 swimmers for the same event in one season. That team would be punished in the WPIALs as they would knock each other out of going to states. But, they may all be able to do the time!

Example: One swimmer wants to make finals at states and avoid the shave and taper for the WPIAL meet. A WPIAL swimmer can not simply achieve the time standard at WPIALs and go for a better performance at States. A coach can be certain that a swimmer is going to hit a certain time, but no coach can guarantee an athlete as to what his or her final place will be and if a trip to states and shaving and tapering is possible. Hence, all the WPIAL swimmers have to either rest and shave to make states or worry about the final WPIAL place. From what I’ve been told, the WPIAL swimmers who could be getting seconds swims at states, don’t make many improvements at the PIAA meet.

We should improve the time standard and send any and all swimmers who make the PIAA cut-time advance to states, regardless of place. We should make an objective, published, study of the time standards and make recommendations based on a five-year average on each event, perhaps taking the 5th place time and adjusting the time standards accordingly.

We must push for this at the state level and use all of our political clout. I would rather take less kids to states and have a firm time standard to make it to states. This is the biggest problem in WPIAL swimming today.

6. For state championships, Illinois has tremendous success holding all the events of prelims on Friday and then all of the Finals on the second day. This allows swimmers to double in events more reasonably.

I’m not sure how a 2-sex meet on one weekend would work. Holding all the Prelims for both boys and girls on the same day might make an impossible day.

Day: Evening:

Day 1: Girls Prelims + Girls Diving

Day 2: Boys Prelims + Girls Finals

Day 3: Boys Diving + Boys Finals

I look forward to hearing from you soon.

Thanks.

Sincerely Yours,

Mark Rauterkus, President

Having a great time as the new varsity coach for the Plum Mustangs

Mark Rauterkus

Sports Support Syndicate, Inc.

108 South 12th Street

Pittsburgh, PA 15203

January 28, 1992

Plum High School

Athletic Director

Dear Mr. Robert Terlinski,

I'm having a great time, in this my first year, as the coach of the Plum High School Swim Team. I'm thankful for the opportunity to work with the students and get back into the day-to-day activities of sports.

Now I'm doing some thinking about next year and the long-term future. I'd like to explore the possibilities of some day moving into a full-time position with the school district. Would you be willing to entertain some ideas and proposals from myself regarding the creation of a new position within the district?

I see a number of different ways in which I could be of value to Plum besides being a swim coach. I'd like to work with you as Athletic Director and Mr. Klaus. Together we could dream up a couple of ideas, come to some agreements among ourselves and then pitch a proposal or two to the administrators and eventually the board.

I look forward to hearing from you soon.

Thanks for the consideration.

Sincerely Yours,

Mark Rauterkus

Possible Positions:

Natatorium CEO

Athletic Development Director

Executive Director of the Plum Press

Chairperson of the District Wide Pull Your Own Weight Activities

Regional Swimming Coordinator

Sponsor of Publications (Yearbook/Newspaper/Wellness Newsletter)

Teacher of:

Swimming Classes

Journalism

Applied Reading and Writing

Collegiate Recruiting

Resource and Coach for Other Sporting Activities

Conditioning Coach

 

February 5, 1992

Plum High School

Athletic Director

Dear Mr. Robert Terlinski,

Here is the first draft of some ideas that I had in mind for us to share and discuss. You said it is always wise to listen, and I agree. So I'd like to start with these six ideas and get a picture from you as to what you think might work, and what might not work. These ideas are a first step, and I'm quite open to making changes based on your feelings and advice.

At first, I'm going to offer a wide range of ideas. There are too many here for one person to accomplish, but we might be able to build a position with points from a few of the different plans. They are in no order with regard to importance.

Iíve named each idea with a title for easier discussion. They include:

ï Natatorium CEO

ï Founder and Executive Director of the Plum Press

ï Chairperson of the Pull Your Own Weight Activities

ï Founder and Director of the Regional Swimming Team

ï Resource Coach for Plum's Sports Teams

ï Teacher

Furthermore, I realize at some point I'll need to further sell my ideas to others and even outline my philosophy of teaching. I'm prepared to do what ever is necessary in our discussion so that I may present a viable proposal to the district.

Natatorium CEO

Job Description:

Program and administer all after school activities at the swimming pool.

Design and manage the budget for programs.

Hire all staff.

Coordinate payroll, time sheets, and getting all pay materials from the employees to the school district accounting office.

Hold a forum for community input and evaluation regarding the programs.

Coordinate usage of the pool with outside groups.

In the summer months, either manage or hire a manager to operate the poolís programs.

Goals

Increase utilization of the natatorium by the community with the involvement in meaningful programs such as:

Learn to swim, family swim, water safety, masters swimming, fitness swimming, rehab exercise, and alternative activities such as water polo, diving, scuba, underwater hockey, birthday parties.

Mission

To upgrade the aquatic educational opportunities in periods beyond the school day by sponsoring creative programs and enrolling active, dues paying participants supporting such programs.

Needs

Classroom availability.

Weight room availability

Qualified instructor payroll

Marketing and promotions budget

Class supplies and storage for pool area usage

Founder and Executive Director of the ìPlum Pressî

Job Description

Design and seek approval of a business plan for the formation, funding and operation of the Plum Press.

As the formation of the Plum Press becomes a reality, the founder would become Executive Director.

Plum Press Definition

The Plum Press would be a new department or a non-profit subsidiary within the school district.

The Plum Press would have its own operational budget that would allow for revenues, expenses, some speculative investments, capital investments, inventory, part-time salary, etc., etc.

The Plum Press would be a commercial, enterprise, operated by a school district appointed executive director that creates an educational setting for the students and allows for the development, display, distribution and marketplace involvement of in-house products.

Mission

The Plum Press would be a cutting-edge, private/public cooperative venture that would operate 12 months of the year that would have the following benefits:

Teach students how to work-place setting

Provide hands on experiences of the marketplace in

Projects in mind for the Plum Press include:

Periodicals:

The Sports Reader

A quarterly, book review magazine with a fun, sports, recreation and fitness focus.

The Sports Chronicle

A quarterly magazine of newspaper article reprints from around the nation related to sports-specific topics.

The Golden Cog Award Program

An awards program for authors, editors, publishers, illustrators for accomplishment in publishing sports and fitness materials.

Book Series:

A is for Athlete

This series of multi-lingual, sports-specific, alphabet books would teach languages and sports and culture. The series would feature one book for each Olympic Sport and each book would feature six or more different languages. 

First Things First

This series of sport-specific books would teach a 9th grader how to consider trying out, joining, playing and conditioning him or herself for a scholastic sports team. The series would have a book on each sport offered in the high school setting.

Sports Math

This series of workbooks would feature questions and answers about math as it relates to sports and recreation. The series would get more difficult with regard to the sports in discussion as well as the math skills needed to solve the problems.

Patrick Rabbit - Literacy Comic Books

This series of comic books feature Patrick Rabbit of the literacy advocate group, Cartoonist Across the World. We will write the stories, sell the ads, build a program of distribution and contract with the creative talent.

Notes on ________

This series of more technical, how-to books are written, by and large, by proficient student-athletes in conjunction with expert, internationally famous coaches. Each book will be on one sporting activity. For example, we can get Olympic Swim Coach, Don Gambril, to coordinate the text for the book, Notes on Swimming.

Lifting in the 5th Dimension

This is one book that looks at peak performance and it utilizes weight lifting as the medium of expression. However, we can re-write this book over and over again making it apply to all sorts of activities, from marching in the band to playing on the volleyball team. 

Talking with the Golf God

This book, like Lifting in the 5th Dimension, is written for a specific gameóthe game of golf. However, the sports psychology, visualization, and other self-help messages of this book can be taken out of the context of golf, and re-written for other activities. This would be a fantastic project for high school students to complete.



Special Events

Pull Your Own Weight

Speaker's Tour

Student Readings

Radio Public Service Announcements

Halloween - Now that is Scary.

Goals

Needs

ï Chairperson of the ìPull Your Own Weightî Activities

ï Founder and Director of the Regional Swimming Team

ï Resource Coach for Plumís Sports Teams

ï Teacher

Keep It Simple Plan of Action for Mark Rauterkus Joining the Plum School District

Mark would like to explore the possibilities of becoming a full-time employee of Plum School District.

Mark suggests the creation of new, 12-month position within the school district.

The new position with have two major responsibilities with titles to be called:

Natatorium CEO and 

Executive Director of the Plum Press

As Natatorium CEO, Mark will take responsibility of the development and administration of all aspects of the Natatorium programing beyond the normal school day, including summers. 

As Executive Director of the Plum Press, Mark would lead a new department within the district as a non-profit subsidiary. The Plum Press would have its own operational budget allowing for revenues, expenses, speculative investments, capital investments, inventory, part-time salaries, office space, etc., etc.

Just as some universities sponsor their own University Presses, such as the University of Pittsburgh Press, so will Plum High School have its own commercial, incubator, laboratory, enterprise, operated by a school district appointed executive director. 

The Plum Press will create a new educational setting for the students and allows for the development, display, distribution and marketplace involvement of in-house products and services.

The Plum Press could be a cutting-edge, private/public partnership, that would inject a tremendous amount of energy, and zeal for reading, writing, fitness and sport into the student body and community at large.

The Plum Press would do wonders for literacy, personal fitness, creative thinking, self-esteem, and the Plum Press would offer real-world application of class-room knowledge for the students.

I feel that the Plum Press could have a positive impact on every student that goes through this high school and for every citizen in the district. Within ten years, I feel that the Plum Press could have touched every adult in the county in a positive manner. Furthermore, I feel certain that the Plum Press can be operated in fiscally responsible nature that would make it a source of new revenues within five years. 

The Plum Press would not be created for the sole purpose of turning a profit, but within a few years, the revenue from the activities of the Plum Press could fund many exciting experiences, from computer labs to guest speakers. In due time, the operations of the Plum Press could certainly pay for all the costs of the overhead, including the executive directorís salary. 

School and Employment Operational Considerations:

The Executive Director of the Plum Press would teach two classes per semester, 6th period and 7th period, to be called Applied Reading and Writing.

This elective, one-semester course would be open for 10 to 15 upperclass students who have earned high-honors English grades.

Applied Reading and Writing would be held in a classroom next to the office and store-room of the Plum Press. Hopefully, this room could be made available near the print-shop, perhaps room B6? This classroom and storeroom would also need to be the Executive Director's office throughout the day. It will need to be equipped with 4 to 10 computers, a couple of phone lines and other, special equipment.

As teacher, the Executive Director would report to the school principal.

The Natatorium CEO will hold many pre-school activities for students and staff. Among those activities will be the creation of new club, the Plum Guards. The Natatorium CEO should be assigned Home Room responsibilities and have the Plum Guards as students in that Home Room throughout the entire school year. 

The Natatorium CEO should also teach one course in the first period in the first semester to be called, Advanced Aquatics Exercise and Instruction. This class should serve as a PE requirement for the students who enroll.  The class should be restricted to swimmers who have already passed the PE swimming class. A classroom and part of the swimming pool should be available for the class meeting. It might be possible that the regular swimming class and the Advanced Aquatics could be held in the pool in first period if both classes are kept to a small number of enrollment.

As far as the coaching is concerned, Mark would intend to continue to serve as the head swimming coach for the boys and girls teams. No significant changes other than hosting a couple of large meets each season, are in-store for the swim teams and the coach should report to the athletic director.

With the Plum Press and the activities revolving around fun activities, like athletics and sports and such, the Executive Director would like to be considered a "Resource Coach" for all athletic teams in the school.

Pitt host OSU in swimming and we're with a front row seat

Mark Rauterkus

Sports Support Syndicate, Inc.

108 South 12th Street

Pittsburgh, PA 15203

January 18, 1992

Plum Swimmers

Dear Swimmers, Divers and Friends,

The meet is at Univ. of Pittsburgh Trees Hall, across the street from the field house and slightly further up the hill from the stadium and more to the crest of the hill and to the left as you look up the hill. Enter the front doors of the Physical Education facility - 2 story white building - and go to the left. 

The meet at Pitt with Ohio State and Penn State starts at 1:00. We will all sit together. PSU is going to be shaved. There will be diving. Meet will end about 3:15 or so, depending upon diving delays. The OSU coach will speak to our group at the conclusion of the meet in the stands. 

After our talk in the stands following the meet, we will head to my address, listed above, on the South Side. Go down the hill to Forbes Ave. which is a large, multi-lane, one way street headed to downtown. Head to downtown and take the first bridge across the Mon River. Turn Left to cross the bridge. At the end of the bridge, turn right onto Carson Street. Head to Station Square. Drive down Carson Street past the business district. The cross streets are numbered. Watch for 12th Street

Turn Left onto 12th Street. Go two blocks and our place is on the corner of Bradish and 12th, #108, a grey wooden building with large windows in front with old Cats Paw heel decals, as it used to be a shoe repair shop.

Bring money to buy pizza, as we will get Dominos. I'll have lemon aid. We will build our new meet program with desktop publishing. Each person writing something about him or herself. By 6:30 or 7:00, everyone must be gone.

We can't go ice skating at Schenley as it is closed on Saturday due to cold weather. There is ice skating at 21st street on the South Side but it does not start until 8:00 pm. You are on your own getting to and from everywhere. Some people will be leaving after the meet and others will leave after a short visit to my place.

Thanks.

Sincerely Yours,

SPORTS SUPPORT SYNDICATE, INC.

Mark Rauterkus, President

Plum Hosts Central / Oakland Catholic in a swim meet on a Monday

Mark Rauterkus

Sports Support Syndicate, Inc.

108 South 12th Street

Pittsburgh, PA 15203

Head Swim Coach for Plum High School Boys & Girls Teams

December 9, 1991

Sports Department

Dear Friends in the Media,

Here are the results of a swim meet held at Plum High School pool on this date. This might make for good copy in an article as the team, before the meet, at the urging of their new, first year coach, voted to discipline themselves by swimming all the races in the meet as exhibition. The athletes competed in the water but did not score points, which is feasible in the swimming meet.

The team took this punishment upon themselves by a team vote moments before the meet began as they all did not show up for a weekend practice. The only points scored in the meet for the Plum H.S. team are a result of the diving.

This was not a sectional meet. Both teams have a record of 0-2, as both the boys and girls teams lost on Friday at Penn Hills in the season opener.

Mark Rauterkus, the team's new head coach said, "I'm proud of the swimmers for taking responsibility for their actions and putting a loss in the record books in a meet we easily should have won. However, I am a bit disappointed that the team is lacking in the determination and commitment to show up for scheduled practices, even if the practices are held on the weekend. However, I am sure that we will have a great season working together.î

Thanks.

Sincerely Yours,

Mark Rauterkus, President

SPORTS SUPPORT SYNDICATE, INC.

Head Coach ,Plum High School SwimmingThe results are to follow:

Girls Meet

Plum High School = 13

Oakland Catholic High School = 137

Medley Relay

Plum 2:07.85 (E. VanTassel, Durray, E. VanTassel, B. Potchatko)

Oakland 2:08.54 (Duncan, Murello, Shepherd, Mansen)

200 Free

Plum 2:02.75 K. Painter *

Plum 2:04.88 OíNeil *

Oakland 2:13.11 Tassone

200 IM

Plum 2:15.8 K. VanTassel *

Plum 2:21.4 Beatty *

Oakland 2:25.81 Duncan

50 Free

Plum 28.59 Walsh

Oakland 29.35 Seethaler 

Oakland 30.20 Poland

Diving

Plum 131.4 S. McMullen

Plum 124.35 Farrel

Plum 116.44 Williams

100 Fly

Plum 1:03.89 OíNeil *

Plum 1:04.21 Painter *

Oakland 1:10.48 Pillan

100 Free

Plum 56.60 E. VanTassel *

Plum 58.30 Beatty

Oakland 1:10.05 Kuhn

500 Free

Oakland 6:00.33 Hollan

Oakland 6:23.84 More

Oakland 6:44.28 Tassone

200 Free Relay

Plum 1:50.73 (Painter, Beatty, Potchatko, Hook)

Plum 1:52.06 (K. VanTassel, Duray, Miller, E. VanTassel)

Oakland 1:59.08 (Seethaeer, Pillar, Fragvogel, Ascamo)

Plum 2:17.27 (Burkhart, Walsh, Woods, Weaver)

100 Back

Plum 1:03.47 K. VanTassel

Plum 1:14.46 N. Hook

Oakland 1:15.91 Poland

100 Breast

Oakland 1:15.81 Duncan

Plum 1:17.59 Cerchiaro

Oakland 1:21.23 Hanson

400 Free Relay

Plum 4:07.33 (OíNeil, Beatty, Painter, Potchatko)

Oakland 4:18.42 (Tassone, Freytag, Kunn, Mconolly)

Oakland 4:42.58 (Hollan, Pillar, More, Shepherd)

Boys Meet 

Plum High School = 6

Central Catholic = 131

Medley Relay

Plum 1:53.6 (Wozniak, Wallace, OíNeil, Rumbaugh)

Central 1:56.00 (Heantger, Mihole, Balsley, Fryrag)

Plum 2:06.68 (Hedeen, Miller, Halloren, Heintzinge)

200 Free

Plum 1:52.01 Rumbaugh*

Central 2:20.18 Kasper

Plum 2:23.38 Messina

200 IM

Plum 2:06.65 OíNeil*

Plum 2:26.25 Hedeen

Central 2:28.36 Henninge

50 Free

Central 24.12 Scamardi

Plum 26.41 Wozniak

Plum 26.95 Heintzinger

Diving

Plum A. Izzo

100 Fly

Plum 53.30 Rumbaugh*

Central 1:00.10 Balsley

Central 1:12.32 Grogan

100 Free

Plum 53.71 OíNeil

Plum 1:02.00 Heintzinger

Plum 1:06.26 Miller

500 Free

Plum 6:06.16 Wallace

Plum 6:35.01 Halloran

Central 6;48.86 Kasper

200 Free Relay

Plum 1:49.35 (Heintzinger, Messina, Halloran, Hedeen)

Central 1:52.00 (Tishworth, Biricocchi, Cassey, Erytas)

Central 1:58.26 (Brinzar, Grime, Viccaro, Resan)

100 Back

Plum 1:03.46 Wozniak

Plum 1:08.61 Hedeen

Central 1:15.65 Scollion

100 Breast

Plum 1:14.40 Wallace

Central 1:18.39 Mihok

Plum 1:18.70 Miller

400 Free Relay

Plum 3:48.44 (OíNeil, Wallace, Wozniak, Rumbaugh)

Central 4:18.19 (Henniger, Kasper, Frytag, Scamardi)

Central 4:29.63 (Marks, Carson, Viccaro, Reagan)

Triathlon and Biathlon press release

NEWS RELEASE PEORIA PARK DISTRICT 2218 N. Prospect Rd. 688-3667 682-1200 Peoria, Minois 61603-2193 Release date: August 19, 1985 FOR MORE INFORMATION: Mark Rauterkus, Manager Central Park Pool 685-6207 TRIATHLON AND BIATHLON TO BE HELD SEPTEMBER 14 If you are an endurance athlete, the Prairie Triathlon and Age Group Biathlon needs your support. Registration is starting slowly, so there are still plenty of openings for the race of swimming, biking and running scheduled for September 14, 1985, at Lake Camelot, Illinois. Race organizers for the Triathlon and Biathlon were hoping for 100 contestants in each race. Applications are available from any race sponsor including the Peoria Park District, Vitesse Cycle Shop, and Methodist Sports and Wellness Center. The entry fee is $20.00 for the Triathlon and $10.00 for the Biathlon. Entry deadline is September 1, 1985. The distances for the Triathlon are 1/2 mile swim, 20 miles bike, and 5 miles run. The Biathlon includes only two events the swimming and running. This race is geared more toward the younger competitors and those without the bike equipment or training. The biathlon is a 1,000 yard (1k) swim and a 5,000 yard (5k) run. Ladies and men, boys and girls are all eligible to compete. However, all competitors must be of excellent physical conditioning and be on a training program specifically for swimming, biking and running. This is the second Triathlon in the area. Last year a trial Triathlon was held on the same course with 25 competitors. The winning team was 1:52.00. The Triathlons are the fastest growing sport in the 1980's. Many of those who have graduated from the running boom of the past decade are turning to the Triathlon as a new and more exciting challenge as it incorporates three skills and more diversity to training. The race director is Mark Rauterkus, swim coach and pool manager for the Peoria Park District. He said, "We need the athletes to come out and participate, even if it is your first Triathlon. We have an excellent course and are looking forward to a successful event." The Lake Camelot Community is a beautiful setting for the Triathlon and Biathlon. The facilities include two man-made lakes, a large club house, shower facilities at the swimming pool bath house and a sandy beach. The neighborhood setting will allow residents to offer drinks and encouragement from their front yards to the runners. Then the nearby country roads will provide a safe and straight course for 20 miles of bicycling. For more information: Ron Johnson at Vitesse Cycle Shop, 682-8777 Mark Rauterkus at Central Pool, 685-6207 Rob Bourdeaux of Methodist Hospital, 672-5904

Press Release for Meet the Coach Night

NEWS RELEASE PEORIA PARK DISTRICT 2218 N. Prospect Rd. 688-3667 682-1200 Peoria, Illinois 61603-2193 August 16, 1985 FOR MORE INFORMATION: Mark Rauterkus, Swim Coach Central Park Pool 685-6207 "MEET THE COACH NIGHT" FOR PEORIA AREA WATER WIZARDS SWIM TEAM The third annual "Meet the Coach Night" will be held for all interested in joining the Peoria Area Water Wizards at 7:00 pom. on Sunday, August 25 at April's in the Ramada Hotel. This event is being held with the support of the Ramada Hotel as part of the Take pride in Peoria activities. The party is for il swimmers and their parents throughout the area. The social event will honor the recent resurgence in the Olympic sport of swimming in Peoria. The Ramada Hotel has donated the use of "April's" and the adjoining conference room to the swim organizers. All who attend will be the guests of the Ramada Hotel. and the P.A.W.W. Swim Team; there is no admission charge. The Water Wizards swim team is sponsored by the Peoria Park District and competes in the United States Swimming events throughout Illinois and the nation. The team was named "Illinois' Most Spirited Team" at the Junior Olympics in April of this year. The team has moved up to the top five in the state and has established four state swimming records this past summer season. Mark Rauterkus is starting his third year as head coach of the team and has been named Lincolnland Coach of the Year the past two seasons. Coach Rauterkus moved to Peoria after graduate school at Baylor University, and for six years has coached swim clubs and college teams in Ohio, Pennsylvania and Massachusetts. The P.A.W.W. assistant coaches will also be present. Mike Herrin of Tremont, is a physical education teacher, triathlete and head coach for the community summer swim team. Pete Nauman of Metamora, is a former high school state qualifier and à Bradley University swimmer. Kathy Freyman, originally a swim coach in Oklahoma, is now working with Easter Seals. For more information, contact Laura Forstall, Coordinator of Aquatics, at Central Park Pool, 685-6207.