Practice Groups
The Kansas City Blazers Swim Team offers training opportunities for swimmers of all ages and ability levels. The goal of the Kansas City Blazers Swim Team is to offer age-specific training for all of our athletes geared towards challenging and developing each individual to the best of their abilities.
In keeping with our philosophy of providing a well-rounded and quality competitive swimming program, the Kansas City Blazers offer professional technique instruction and training at all levels. We divide our program into practice groups based on skill level and commitment. This structure allows us to structure practices towards the individual needs of each swimmer. Program fees vary based on practice groups and participation. Our programs are offered at several locations county-wide.
New swimmers interested in joining the Kansas City Blazers need to attend one of our Team Evaluations or schedule an evaluation before registering.
Swimmers must be registered before attending their first practice.
For questions related to registration, billing or fees, please contact Business Manager, Dorothy Ogden.
Please see our Practice Group descriptions below for more information.
Pre-Blazers
Pre-Blazers is our pre-competitive program designed to provide an introduction to competitive swimming through skill development and having fun! For swimmers ages 6 - 11 who are water safe, have had swimming lessons and are interested in learning about competitive swimming. This program is offered twice a week for nine weeks and provides a bridge between lessons and competitive swimming.
Pre-Blazers locations currently include: SMSD Aquatic Center
Age Group I
Age Group I is offered for novice and intermediate swimmers ages 10 and under. With an emphasis on stroke technique and mechanics, activities include instruction in stroke technique, starts, and turns. Experiencing and understanding body position and movement, while having fun are important elements for the Age Group I swimmer. Swimmers are encouraged to participate in our Blazer Series Swim Meets intended to allow our novice swimmers to experience the excitement of competition, while building their confidence in a relaxed and fun environment.
Age Group I locations currently include:
Shawnee Mission North High School, Blue Valley North High School & Blue Valley West High School
Age Group II
Age Group II is offered for novice and intermediate swimmers ages 11 - 14. With an emphasis on stroke technique and mechanics, activities include instruction in stroke technique, starts, and turns. Experiencing and understanding body position and movement while having fun are important elements for swimmers in Age Group II. Swimmers are encouraged to participate in our Blazer Series Swim Meets intended to allow our novice swimmers to experience the excitement of competition, while building their confidence in a relaxed and fun environment. More advanced swimmers are encouraged to participate in local swim meets, as recommended by the Head Coach.
Age Group II locations currently include:
Shawnee Mission North High School, Blue Valley North High School & Blue Valley West High School
Junior II
Junior II is designed for the intermediate to advanced age group swimmer 10 to 14 years old who is interested in pursuing competitive swimming as their primary sport. An increase in commitment to the Blazers through consistent practice and meet attendance is expected, with an emphasis on proper stroke mechanics and an introduction to fitness training philosophies. Junior II swimmers are expected to participate in local and Championship meets for which they qualify, as outlined by the Head Coach.
Junior II locations currently include:
Shawnee Mission North High School, Blue Valley North High School & Blue Valley West High School
Senior
Senior offers a broad-based training approach for athletes 13 years and older, who enjoy competitive swimming and are interested in maintaining/increasing fitness for high school swimming. With an emphasis on general conditioning and technique work, this group is appropriate for swimmers needing more base work while discovering their specialties and goals. Participation in swim meets is encouraged.
Senior is currently offered Monday through Thursday at California Trail Middle School and Friday and Saturday at SMSD Aquatic Center
Junior I
Junior I is for the advanced age group swimmer aged 11 to 14 years old (Middle School). Emphasis continues to be on stroke technique and mechanics with further development in interval training, aerobic conditioning, and competitive swimming. Senior level training and philosophy concepts are introduced and developed.
Junior I is currently offered at the SMSD Aquatic Center
Pre-National
Pre-National is designed for swimmers high school swimmers who plan to transition to the National Group. Emphasis is placed on improved techniques, aerobic conditioning, increased dryland activities, goal setting, and race strategy. National level training concepts and philosophy are introduced and developed.
Pre-National is currently offered at the SMSD Aquatic Center
National
National is an elite training group preparing swimmers for Sectionals, Nationals, and beyond. Training includes 9-10 swimming sessions per week, 2-3 strength training sessions per week, core strength work, and running. Emphasis is on setting and achieving goals via a comprehensive competitive swimming program. Focus is on understanding training principles, setting and achieving goals and maximizing realized potential.
National trains at the SMSD Aquatic Center
Questions?
Should you have any questions about our program, swim meets, practice schedules, and/or your swimmers progress, please contact your child’s primary coach directly.
Should you have questions related to billing, fees or general questions about your Team Unify account, please contact our Business Manager, Dorothy Ogden.
Communication between coaches, swimmers and families is paramount. We encourage swimmers and families to communicate clearly and as needed with our coaching staff. When possible our swimmers are encouraged to communicate directly with their coach. Please keep in mind, we want the best for our swimmers and every decision is made with that in mind. Therefore, we need to work together to ensure continued achievement. As coaches and parents, our cooperation is essential in ensuring that each swimmer is happy, healthy and works as part of a team striving for the common goal of success!
