The West Chicago Sharks swim team offers a unique opportunity for children in our community to experience the world of competitive swimming while teaching good sportsmanship and promoting physical health. The team began over forty years ago as a summer program at the old Reid-Keppler Pool (now the site of the Prairie Oaks Aquatic Center). With completion of the Community High School pool in 1979, the Sharks became a year-round, indoor program. In 1982, the team expanded by becoming a charter member of Illinois Swimming Incorporated, the local swimming committee of United States Swimming. The Sharks belong to the Chicagoland Swim Conference in the winter season and to the Chicagoland Area Swim League during the summer season.

Younger swimmers will find a program designed to develop and improve their competitive skills. Advanced and senior swimmers will find a program designed to build their competitive skills toward achieving national time standards and beyond. The swimming pogram and competitive instruction are directed by an outstanding staff of dedicated and qualified coaching professionals.

The sharks encourage children who have participated in swim lesson programs to contact us about our trial period. A free trial week is offered to all new members who are unsure about making a full commitment. For young swimmers not yet ready for a swim team, a competitive swim lesson program (pre-team) is offered through the West Chicago Park District and taught by the Sharks coaching staff.

The Board of West Chicago Sharks, Inc., is responsible for the operation of the swim team outside of the pool area. The Sharks do not receive funding from a park district or school taxing body. Operating expenses are paid from team fees and fund raising activities. The corporation is responsible for budget management, organizing fund raising activities, running swim meets and coordinating social events for team members and their families. The general membership includes all parents or guardians. Board positions are open to interested parties and elections are held each February. The corporation provides support services which are essential to the team's success.

Practice hours allow for academic success and after school programs. Sharks team members not only swim, but also are active in many church, school and community activities. We recognize the importance of these other activities, and encourage participation for the development of well-rounded individuals.

With the exception of the senior team, practice is not mandatory. However, in order to improve their swimming ability, each team member is encouraged to establish a practice regime and to measure improvement by entering meets.

We believe that the following goals are important for each swimmer:

1. to have a rewarding and positive experience from swimming;
2. to experience success as an individual by improving personal swimming skills;
3. to contribute to the overall spirit of the Sharks as a cooperative, enthusiastic team member.

We believe that through swimming, team members will learn and experience the dedication, discipline, and work ethic needed not only to achieve in a sport, but also to achieve in everyday life.

We invite and encourage you to join the West Chicago Sharks Swim Team and to become a partner with us in excellence!

NOVICE : Beginning swimmers with no prior competitive swimming experience Emphasis on fun exercises designed to introduce United States Swimming competitive rules. Swimmers will learn proper strokes, starts and turn mechanics. A total of 5 practices per week are offered during both the winter and summer seasons. Recommended minimum is 3 practices per week.

INTERMEDIATE : Swimmers ten years old and younger who have some competitive swimming experience. Swimmers learn to enjoy setting and achieving personal goals, learn the fun of competition, and maintain a positive self image. A total of 5 practices per week are offered during both the winter and summer seasons. Recommended minimum is 3 to 4 practices per week.

JUNIOR TEAM : Swimmers who wish to improve their competitive advantage and who desire to make the next level of commitment to swimming. Emphasis is on improvng swimming technique, smart racing and strength training. Swimmers at this level begin to do "work-outs" according to their abilities and goals. A total of 5 practices per week are offered during both the winter and summer seasons. Twice a day practices are offered as an option during the summer season. Recommended minimum is 4 or 5 practices per week. The Junior Team accomodates the recreational swimmer, swimmers involved in other activities, and committed swimmers aspiring to qualify for the Senior Team.

SENIOR TEAM AND SENIOR DEVELOPMENT TEAM : Highly motivated swimmers, with a demonstrated practice commitment. Emphasis on the swimmer taking more individual responsibility for setting and reaching realistic stretch goals. A total of 6 practices per week are offered during the winter season, with optional twice daily practices available. During the summer season, twice daily practices are offered 5 days per week. Cross training is an additional time allotment each season. Eighty percent or higher practic attendance is expected.

HIGH SCHOOL PROGRAM : Swimmers who compete for West Chicago Community High School and want to swim for the Sharks during the eligible portion of the short course season. High school swimmers should report to registration to be placed on the roster and receive meet sign up sheets. This program does not apply to high school swimmers attending a high school without a swim team. They may represent their high school and swim with the Sharks for the entire short course season.

Fees for participation with the Sharks vary by level, and include:

• membership fees;
• USS membership;
• fund raising escrow (defrayed by fund raising);

In addition to participation fees, we ask that each family also participate as volunteers during the swimming events that the Sharks host during the swimming season.

For more information, call the Sharks hotline at (630) 293-8148 or email us at [email protected]

Who are the West Chicago Sharks?

We are approximately 140 swimmers, of varying skills and abilities, representing about 100 families from West Chicago and the surrounding communities of Batavia, Carol Stream, Geneva, Hanover Park, Warrenville, Winfield and Wheaton.

What are the West Chicago Sharks?

We are an age group swim team consisting of boys and girls ranging in age from 5 to 19 years old. Swimmers compete with others of the same sex, ability and age range (8 & Under, 9&10, 11&12, 13&14, 15&18).

Where are the West Chicago Sharks?

We are located at the West Chicago Community High School pool at 326 Joliet Street in West Chicago. The pool facility is an "L" shaped six lane pool, 25 meters by 20 yards, with a starting depth of 10 feet. The High School recently renovated the entire pool area including: new starting blocks, lights, bleachers and a fresh coat of paint. In short, it looks like a brand new facility!