Cougar Aquatic Team

Q. What is the Cougar Aquatic Team (C.A.T.)? 

A. The Cougar Aquatic Team is a United States Swimming member and a participant in Ct. Swimming LSC (local swim committee). The team consists of approximately 75 members ranging in age from 7-20 years, and varying abilities from novice to Senior National level swimmers. Team members live in various Connecticut communities and the team does not represent any particular community. C.A.T. provides structured training and competition for all ages and abilities. The team goal is to provide age and ability- appropriate training that allows swimmers to reach their full potential regardless whether the swimmer competes locally, regionally, or nationally.


Q. What is the difference between school and YMCA teams from a USA swim team? 

A. Though all members train and compete as a team unit, the emphasis of USA swim teams is to allow the individual to reach their maximum potential rather than focusing on a team vs. team format favored by school and YMCA teams.


Q. Do you have any non-competitive or pre-competitive programs?

A. Yes, C.A.T. offers a pre-competitive program called Mini-CAT.  The minimum requirement for this program is that the participant be able to swim a 25yd. length of freestyle and backstroke.  Competition is available for Mini-CAT participants but not required.
 

Q. How long is the season? 

A. Like all USA Swimming Inc. teams, CAT is a year round program. Competition and training is divided in to two seasons, however, that each end with Championship competitions. The Short Course season runs from September to mid-March with registration beginning at the end of August.   The Long Course season runs from April to early August.


Q. Is competition required? 

A. Participation is strongly encouraged but not required except for swimmers that qualify for Championship meets. Most swimmers want to compete and novice swimmers are carefully prepared both emotionally and physically for competing.


Q. Where are competitive meets held and how often are they held? 

A. The vast majority of meets are held in various venues throughout Connecticut. As some swimmers reach certain levels of advanced swimming there are meets that are held out of state and in rare exceptions, out of the country.  Most of the time we try to compete on an average of 2 a month, but this does vary with the level of the swimmer and the goals of the swimmer. It is rare that CAT compete more than twice monthly. There are some months, especially early in the training season where the swimmers may not compete. Not all swimmers compete in the same meets all the time. It varies on individual needs, meet qualifying requirements and the coach’s selections.

 

Q. Do parents have participation requirements?

A. The Cougar Aquatic Team is governed by a Leadership Committee made up of parent and community volunteers.  It is very important for parents to be willing to donate some of their time and available to participate in a variety of ways, particularly home hosted and away swim meets.  By supporting their swimmer(s) and the efforts of the coaching staff, parents will help CAT to achieve its mission for the benefit of the swimmers.