Sedona Kids Dive Into Competition: Gaining the Upper Hand in Pool

As schools take a break for summer, the Sedona Community Pool becomes a hub of activity for the Sedona Swordfish Swim Team. Led by Sedona Red Rock High School alumni Carlos Lattanzi and incoming senior Colin Ledbetter, the team focuses on fostering young talent and developing competitive skills through Race Pace Club AZ.

Lattanzi expressed excitement about returning to Sedona. “We’ve seen a steady influx of kids in the Swordfish program each year. It illustrates that they enjoy it and want to come back,” he said. “My ultimate goal is to see the kids improve while having fun.”

Over recent years, the Swordfish team has grown from a handful of participants to around 15 to 20 swimmers, a significant increase from just 10 to 12 two years ago. This marks Lattanzi’s third year with the program; he previously served as the assistant coach before taking on the head coach role. He returned home after completing his freshman year in kinesiology at California State University, Bakersfield.

“I’ve gained a lot of knowledge since enrolling,” Lattanzi noted. “Consistency is crucial in swimming. Maintaining a regular training schedule is immensely beneficial.”

The program caters to ages 7 to 18, splitting swimmers into two distinct groups. The first includes those capable of swimming laps, while the second focuses on younger participants under 11 years old, emphasizing fundamental skills like stroke techniques and diving.

Typically, practice begins with a warm-up, proceeds to drills targeting technique and speed, and concludes with enjoyable activities, such as diving. “To join the Swordfish, swimmers must be able to complete a lap without stopping,” Lattanzi explained. “I teach them to maximize their potential.”

The second session costs $100 and starts on Monday, July 7, running through early August. Practice times are Monday evenings from 6 to 8 p.m., and Wednesday and Friday evenings from 6:45 to 8:45 p.m.

For further details, interested parties can email sedonaswordfish@gmail.com or text (928) 254-8101.

Race Pace Club AZ

For more seasoned swimmers, Race Pace Club AZ offers year-round training for participants from kindergarten through college. “We welcome late sign-ups and offer prorated fees,” Head Coach Jodi Thornton stated.

The High School Development program, costing $225, runs until late August with sessions on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 6:15 to 8:15 p.m. and a scheduled two-week break from July 28 to August 10. “We focus on competitive events, preparing them for high school meets,” Thornton explained.

The Beginner Swim Team, priced at $275, emphasizes mastering competitive strokes. It runs until August 29, with practices on Mondays from 5 to 6:30 p.m. and Wednesdays and Fridays from 6:15 to 7:30 p.m. “Participants should be able to swim one length of the pool while breathing to the side on freestyle and backstroke,” Thornton added.

Both clubs are organizing a beginner swim meet on Monday, June 30, at 4:30 p.m. at the Sedona Community Pool, giving children the chance to record their first official race times.

For more information, interested individuals can visit sedonaracepace.com or contact (928) 713-4824 or racepaceclubaz@gmail.com.