When you don ’ t know where to start , you just have to dive in .
And that ’ s just what Pittsburgh Elite Aquatics did when it was created last year through a merger of the Upper St . Clair and Chartiers
Valley swimming club programs . While each club had its own history — nearly 100 years between them — the merger opens up new opportunities to a broader membership .
Head coach Joe Nemeth leads the Chartiers Valley program and hopes to resurrect the water polo team , which was active in the 1990s and early 2000s . In addition , Upper St . Clair is planning to build a new eight-lane pool , which will provide more flexibility than the current five-lane facility .
It will be a great complement to the Olympic-sized pool at Chartiers Valley High School and the new pool in Scott Township , Nemeth says .
“ The pool at Char Valley is a hidden gem ,” he notes . “ We ’ re one of the few high schools in the nation that has access to an Olympic-sized pool .”
In addition to new programs and facilities , Pittsburgh Elite Aquatics offers a wide variety of lessons and competitive teams . The coaches provide diving lessons and lifeguard training . There are summer swim programs and a masters swim team for adults . “ I don ’ t think half the community knows there ’ s a masters option ,” Nemeth laments . “ We ’ re trying to get the word out and make people aware .”
Currently , more than 230 swimmers participate in a wide variety of clubs from the introductory level to competitive high school teams . Last year , one swimmer qualified for the Olympic
trials . “ We have a well-rounded program that meets the needs of all our kids ,” Nemeth adds . “ We have an option for nearly anybody .”
He hopes the program will continue to grow after Chartiers Valley and Upper St . Clair merged last year . The merger allowed the teams to share resources and created a greater sense of community . “ We wanted to get more kids in the pool and maintain our connection to the community ,” Nemeth explains .
Some teams compete year-round , but most of the big competitions are in February and March . Many of the meets are in the western Pennsylvania region , but teams also travel to Ohio and Florida .
Nemeth began his swimming career in the Scott Sharks summer program at age 6 . He swam for Central Catholic High School and later at Denison University . “ I just stuck with it and the rest is history ,” he says .
He tailors his coaching style to suit the needs of the swimmers . For children , he makes it fun and focuses on building friendships . For more competitive swimmers , he teaches them the importance of consistency and accountability . Seeing swimmers compete at the collegiate level has been one of the most rewarding parts of being a coach , Nemeth adds .
Swimming has many benefits , and athletes have to learn time-management skills in order to balance school and practice sessions . To be successful , swimmers also have to be consistent , Nemeth advises .
“ At a high level , if you slack off for even a week , you see the effects very quickly ,” he says . “ It isn ’ t easy but if you stick with it you will see positive results .”
For more information , visit peaqpgh . org . ■
“ We have a well-rounded program that meets the needs of all our kids . We have an option for nearly anybody .”
Upper St . Clair | Winter 2017 | icmags . com 21