Milbank Swim Team to Offer Year-Round Competition

The Milbank Area Lions Swim Team (MALST) plans to add a winter competitive season to its program. “We want to offer year-round swimming to keep our local athletes here in Milbank instead of losing them to area year-round teams,” stated MALST head coach Jodi Street. “Swimmers don’t usually switch to a year-round team and then back to Milbank in the summer once they are established with another team. We are also offering this as an opportunity for those who maybe don’t participate in wrestling, gymnastics, or basketball during the winter, but are looking for a way to stay in shape and compete.”

Two winter sessions will be offered by MALST. The first session runs from October 23 through Christmas, and the second session is from January through March 4. “These winter sessions are open to any new or past swimmer that is middle school age and older,” stated Street. “You do not have to sign up for both sessions, and participation in the winter meets is optional.”

The winter program offers three to four days of pool practices plus two days of cardio/core/weight workouts. “I believe this winter season will give us the ability to focus on stroke technique, endurance, breath control, starts, turns, and finishes,” said Street.

After school practices run from 4-6 p.m. Saturday morning and No School Day practices are 8-10 a.m. The first practice is set for Monday, October 23, at 4 p.m. A complete practice schedule will be distributed at that time.

Swimmers who participate in the winter program will not be able to swim in the Seasonal Championship meet in August. “That meet is for summer-only swimmers,” Street stated. “Swimmers taking part in our year-round program will end their summer season with the State A meet.”

Registration fees apply to both sessions. SD Swimming, USA Swimming, and team fees are required and are paid on a yearly basis. Swimmers who register for the winter season will have their summer season fees already paid. For questions, contact Jodi Street at 605-237-1890.