INTRODUCING MOLINE'S VERY OWN

The Blue Marlins are a swim club that participates in the IHSA age group competition. We have a Winter season (November - March), and a Summer season (June - August). We practice a Moline High School pool in the winter, and in the public outdoor pool in the summer. For information about registration call Port McNeil at 277-0062, or pmcneil@mchsi.com.

BLUE MARLIN SPOTLIGHT

This month of May we feature someone you probably know pretty well if you've been hanging around the pool for any length of time in the past couple years. Who is it? Find out HERE.

WHAT SHOULD I EAT?

Ever wonder what's the best way to get ready for a meet in terms of food and drink? You say hot dogs, Lick'M Ade, and Snickers bars? Find out HERE.

SUMMER SEASON'S HERE!

You'll want to make plans to attend as many meets as you can. Check out the summer calendar HERE.

MOLINE SWIMMING – A PROUD & SUCCESSFUL TRADITION

Back in the 60s there was a tremendous ground swell of interest in competitive swimming in the Quad Cities. AAU and YMCA age group programs began ramping up the energy level in recruiting young swimmers, (their parents), and capable coaches. With a succession of aquatic families serving up fresh talent every year, the legacy of Moline swimming grew and grew, peaking in the late 70s after a lengthy string of Top Ten finishes at the boys IHSA finals.

For quite a few years after that, the Moline swimming scene languished. In the 80s, those legendary families grew up and moved on. The age group recruitment waned for a variety of reasons. Because of that, the pipeline of killer talent that MHS fed on hungrily began to dry up. Suddenly, Moline was getting beaten by teams they used to steamroller regularly: UTHS, Bettendorf, Alleman, even Clinton. Gone were the proud rivalries with river valley powerhouses; like Rock Island, Davenport West & Central, Riverdale.

Now, after that fallow period, there's been a re-emergence of rabid age group swimming interest. Along with this surge, familiar names are magically reappearing in the winner columns: Forsberg, McNeil, Roche, Grimes. That's right, the next generation is taking over, and they are FAST! (the boys are pretty quick too) The Blue Marlins represent the best hope for providing the foundation for a return of Moline swimming dominance.