U.S. Olympic Committee Taps Two USA Swimming Clubs as "Professional and Post Grad Training Centers"

In an effort to increase the training opportunities for elite post-graduate swimmers, the U.S. Olympic Committee has tapped two existing USA Swimming Clubs as “U.S. Olympic Committee Professional and Post Grad Training Centers.” North Baltimore (Md.) Aquatic Club and Fullerton (Calif.) Aquatics Sports Team (FAST) become the second and third clubs to join the program. SwimMAC in Charlotte, N.C., was the first to receive the designation, in 2006.

The USOC will provide financial and other support in order to transform the clubs into comprehensive, state-of-the-art training and support environments for elite teams of prospective Olympic swimmers. Along with top coaches, these Centers will provide athletes with access to performance training, travel required for training and competition, educational opportunities, internships and/or part-time jobs, physical therapy and medical support.

“The USOC is proud designate two elite training centers with the distinction and support they deserve to carry on their rich tradition of preparing elite-level swimmers,” said Mike English, USOC Chief of Sport Performance.  “We feel that this designation and affiliation with the USOC will provide a welcome home for current and future members of Team USA as they train to make their Olympic dreams a reality.”

North Baltimore Aquatic Club is under the direction of two-time Olympic Coach Bob Bowman and trains Olympian Michael Phelps among other elite swimmers. The newest addition to the list of elite clubs is Fullerton Aquatics Sports Team, where the elite program will be placed under the direction of 2008 U.S. Olympic Assistant Coach and 2009 World Championship Women’s Head Coach Sean Hutchison. Additionally, five-time Olympic coach Jon Urbanchek will join the staff at FAST in May of 2010.

“As more athletes are choosing to continue to train and compete well beyond their college years, it became evident that we needed to provide additional club environments in which they would have the best opportunity for success,” said Mark Schubert, USA Swimming National Team Head Coach and General Manager. “We are grateful to the U.S. Olympic Committee for recognizing this need, and putting the necessary resources behind it. I am confident that these three Centers, under the guidance of David Marsh, Bob Bowman and Sean Hutchison, will continue to breed success for Team USA at the highest levels of competition.”

Hutchison, who is currently the head coach of Seattle-based King Aquatic Club, will move to FAST where he will coach the elite program, in September.

"This is an incredible opportunity for post-grad swimmers looking to find their next step in training and preparation,” said Hutchison. “I'm honored and excited to be a part of this program."

The three Clubs will be the only USOC Professional and Post-Grad Training Centers (for swimming) designated in the 2008-2012 quadrennium.  All three Centers will be evaluated at the end of cycle.