Frequently asked questions

Do I have to be a good swimmer to join the team?

If your child can swim 1 length of the pool unassisted they may join the team.

Do I have to tryout?

No.  All athletes who meet the above minimum requirement may join the team. In both Marquette County and the Copper Country we assign children to practice groups based on their ability and age. Check with a coach to see where is the best fit for your child.

When is the season?

Our fall/winter season begins in September 13 and runs through March 6. Those athletes who qualify for either the YMCA State Championship or Y National Meet continue on through those events (March 20 and April 9 respectively). The Copper Country Group breaks the season into slightly different time blocks.

What if I’m involved in other sports?

We have many athletes on our team who participate in other activities.  Our program offers many different practice times and options.  We are flexible. However, we ask you to remember that your child’s level of participation will also affect their improvement as a swimmer. Our teaching process is to build each week on the previous week’s lessons and concepts. Athletes who attend consistently gain the benefit of this teaching style.

How often do children compete?

There are opportunities to compete most weekends starting Oct. 30 and running through March. We host two meets in Marquette and two in Houghton that we encourage our athletes to attend as a way to measure their improvement, support their teammates and because these meets are as much a social event as a competition. However, competition is optional. Swim meets do have an additional fee. Usually the fee is around $4 per swim event which works to about $20 per athlete. Athletes need to sign up for a meet prior to the deadline that is noted in each week’s e-news and posted on our website.

Is there a lot of travel involved?

Our away swim meets are in Houghton, Escanaba, Menominee and some locations in Wisconsin such as Appleton, Green Bay and Oshkosh. The Y State Championship Meet is held in Brown Deer, Wisconsin. The State meet is only for swimmers who meet the YMCA State Qualifying Standard posted on this website. If you believe your child may qualify, we encourage you to make a hotel reservation ASAP. Usually only the more experienced athletes travel out of state.

Where are practices held?

Practices are held at NMU’s PEIF pool, Marquette Senior High School’s pool and Houghton/Portage Township High School pool for athletes based in the Copper Country. Strength training is at the Marquette County YMCA group exercise room.

Can I join anytime?

Full YMCA members may join the team anytime throughout the year as space permits.  Athletes must be a Y member for at least 30 days prior to competition and 90 days prior to either State or National competition.

Do I have to wear a team suit?

No. However, we will have a team suit and swim cap bulk purchase early in the season and the rate is usually better than an individual can find for single suit purchase. Most athletes go through at least 2 swim suits during the season as they do wear out. You can save on wear and tear by using a polyester training suit for practice.

What other equipment does my child need?

Each athlete needs goggles and fins. No other equipment is required.

What is the cost to join the team?

Marquette County Athletes

All team members must be full members of the YMCA. The cost for full members is $330 for the first child in a family and $260 for each additional child. Payments may be made in three installments with the first payment due prior to the first practice. Once you have joined the team, the full fee is due, even if your child chooses to leave the team prior to the season’s end in March.

Copper Country Athletes

All team members must be full members of the YMCA. The cost is broken up as follows:

TO BE ADDED ONCE POOL CONTRACT IS SET

Why are the seasons, costs and schedules different for Marquette County athletes and Copper Country athletes?

This is directly related to pool costs and availability in these two different geographic locations.

What are the parent/volunteer requirements?

We exist because of our parent volunteers. Our team is large enough that if everyone pitches in the job is easy. At a minimum, each family must work at home meets and contribute to our concession stand at home meets.

What if I have more questions?

E-mail head coach Matthew Williams at mwilliams@ymcamqt.org

Ask another parent, they were newbies once too and love to share what they’ve learned.

Make sure you read our team handbook.