Coach Joe Found A New Hat!

From the Edisto Surf Shop, Edisto Beach, South Carolina. 

Message From Coach Joe

Dear Marlins Family, 

I would like to take a moment to keep you appraised on some developments in the situation at Maple Hill. As some of you may be aware, there is a pending proposal to close the pool for the 2017 season. While this proposal is still out for review by the pool membership, there is a very good chance that Maple Hill Pool will be closing after nearly 60 years of operation. 

At this time we are exploring different options for our team. The Maple Hill Marlins is a separate organization from Maple Hill Recreation Cooperation, with separate bylaws and bank accounts. This allows us the freedom to relocate. At this point we intend to do everything that is financially and logistically feasible to continue the team. We will keep you updated throughout the process, and will announce our plan for the future of the Marlins on or before April 1, 2017. 

On a personal note, I very much saddened to be writing this message.  Maple Hill, and the Marlins Swim Team, have played a very significant role in my development into the adult I am today. Growing from first year "swimmer" (a generous identification at best) to head coach and lesson coordinator has given me innumerable lessons, experiences, mentors, and friends. I have kept a photo of the pool (below) on my phone lock screen for the last four years as a constant reminder of the role Maple Hill and the Marlins have played in my life. Nothing has brought me more joy than being able to work with your swimmers. 

The Marlins Swim Team is a family, and I sincerely hope that this family will endure. Know that I will do everything in my power to ensure that "Everyone Swims, Everyone Wins."

Thank you for your time, 

Joseph R. Vitti   

Head Coach

Marlins Swim Team

Downers Grove, Illinois

Home vs Oahurst North

The Mighty Marlins scored our first win in the last 7 years against the Oakhurst North Torpedoes with a final score of 261 to 174. Wait a go Marlins!!! Here are some photos from our resident photo guru, Mrs. Haselhorst.

Marlins Flag Swim

Here are some photos from our 2nd annual 4th of July Flag Swim. I will spare everyone the very shaky cell phone video of the flag relay... Special shout out to Mr. Ourada and Mr. French who joined us this year!

Butterfly and.... Bacon?: Marlin Marathon 2016

Marlin Marathon 2016 was a success! Mini-Marlins and bigger-Marlins alike swam for an hour to see how many laps they could finish. Afterwards, all enjoyed a wonderful pancake (and crepe!) breakfast together to celebrate the season so far. Some of our Mini-Marlins started to put their artistic abilities to work to make decorations for our 4th of July parade float!


Take a look at some of our pictures from Marlin Marathon below:

Great job today everyone! Remember, we have our INTRASQUAD meet TOMORROW! Bring your parents, and your favorite floaty or tube. With just over 2 weeks left in the season, we are getting ready to get some best times for conference!

Images From the Season So Far

Here are some images submitted by Mrs. Haselhorst and Mrs. Kosowski. If you have pictures of the team that you would like posted on this blog, Send them to maplehillmarlins@gmail.com with the subject COACH JOE:blog photos. Enjoy!

Week Recap!

What a great week, Marlins! We had two great meets, a ton of dropped times, and a few wacky coaches... what?

The coaches got crazy today for Fun Friday. Coach Joe wore his marching band uniform, Coach John wore some (obscenely funny) short shorts, a tshirt, and a fabulous boa, Coach Kathleen wore a tutu, crazy socks and crocs, a cape, a boa, and an awesome hat, and Coach Paige wore a glamorous boa and some snazzy spandex. It was quite a sight. Coach Paige and Coach Kathleen also seem to have a tendency to always match at practice or meets, whether it's a practice suit or a swim cap. (They're always crazy!)

We saw so many improvements this week from everyone, and we are really happy with the progress that is being made in and out of the water.

Next week, we have two home meets; on Tuesday, against Hinswood, and Thursday, against Oakhurst. Let's bring some spirit! 

Remember to keep cheering on buddies and having fun, but work hard!

See you next week, Marlins! Let's go Maple Hill! 

Whiteboard = Coach?

 

Pizza Night Tonight

Hey Marlins; 

Show this flyer tonight at Lou Malanti's in Downers Grove, and 20% will get donated to Maple Hill!