Summer Swimming Program at Sedona Community Pool
As summer approaches, the Sedona Mekajijaw Swim Team will begin holding classes at the Sedona Community Pool, emphasizing competition this season with the guidance of alumni Carlos Latanji and Senior Colin Redbetter from Sedona Red Rock High School.
“It’s nice to be back in Sedona,” Latanji mentioned. “We’ve been seeing more kids join swordfish every year… It’s a good sign that they’re enjoying it and coming back. Watching these kids improve in swimming is what matters most, and seeing them have fun while doing it… that’s my goal.”
Latanji noted that the team, active only during the summer, has steadily increased in size over recent years. Currently, there are about 15 to 20 swimmers, a notable rise from the 10 to 12 who typically practiced around two years ago.
This marks Latanji’s third year with the program. He previously assisted the coaching staff before being promoted to head coach. After wrapping up his freshman year at California State University, Bakersfield, where he majors in kinesiology, he returned to Sedona for the summer.
“I’ve learned a lot since starting at CSUB,” Latanji said. “This being my first year, I had a regular training schedule. I realized the importance of consistency in swimming. So, training at set times and waking up at the same time, especially while preparing for competitions, is really beneficial.”
The program caters to swimmers aged 7 to 18 and divides them into two groups. One group features more experienced swimmers who can navigate the pool, while the other typically includes younger swimmers under 11, still mastering the fundamentals. Coaches focus on teaching basic skills like flip-turns, diving, and stroke techniques to these young learners.
Each swordfish practice kicks off with a warm-up followed by drills targeting technique and speed. Fun activities, such as diving, often wrap up the session.
“To excel in swordfish, you really need to swim through your knees without relying on the wall and stop completely, but you can swim through your knees at full strokes,” Latanji explained. “The kids know how to swim a lap, but I’m teaching them how to do it effectively and properly to maximize their potential.”
The second session costs $100 and runs from Monday, July 7th to the beginning of August, with practices scheduled from 6 PM to 8 PM on Mondays and 6:45 PM to 8:45 PM on Wednesdays and Fridays.
For more details, email sedonaswordfish@gmail.com or text (928) 254-8101, or visit their Facebook page.
Race Pavilion Club AZ Offerings
For those more experienced swimmers looking for year-round training, participants ranging from kindergarten to university age can join the Race Pace AZ club. While regular club offerings and the high school development program have started, Thornton mentioned there will be an opportunity for late sign-ups.
The high school development program costs $225 and runs until the end of August. Swimmers will take a two-week break and practice from 6:15 PM to 8:15 PM on Tuesdays and Thursdays, starting from July 28th through August 10th.
“We’re focusing on race events… things like starts and dives, enhancing their strokes and techniques,” Thornton stated. “We want them to feel confident and competitive at high school events.”
The beginner swimming team, totaling $275, aims at teaching four competitive strokes, kicking off on August 29th with the same two-week break. Practices will be on Mondays from 5 PM to 6:30 PM, and Wednesdays and Fridays from 6:15 PM to 7:30 PM.
“They need to swim the length of the pool and breathe to the side while doing freestyle. A lot of kids coming out of city lessons struggle with that,” Thornton added.
Both clubs will host a beginner swimming competition at the Sedona Community Pool on Monday, June 30th at 4:30 PM, offering children a chance to earn their first official race time.
For further information, visit sedonaracepace.com or call (928) 713-4824 or email Racepaceclubaz@gmail.com.
