Torpedoes readying for new season

The Torpedoes are back in the water again, offering a variety of programs from beginners to competitive. The team is holding tryouts throughout September to let potential swimmers experience the program. (File Photo)

Jeff Helsdon, Editor

The Tillsonburg Torpedoes are back for another season, bigger and better than ever.

The swim team relaunched last year after the pool reopened under the guidance of head coach Paul Armstrong. A coach with the former Tillsonburg Aquatic Torpedoes, which morphed into Southwest Aquatics before the team folded more than eight years ago, Armstrong wanted to get the team back in the water with growing enthusiasm from swimmers, including from his own family.

This will be the club’s first full season.

“We’re looking forward to having some fun and bringing swimming back to the town,” Armstrong said.

Ongoing tryouts will be held for the team throughout September on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturday mornings. See the town’s leisure guide online for exact times, or phone the community centre.

“We’ll have them come out, see if they enjoy it, and that will allow us to make a recommendation on what group they should be in,” Armstrong said of the tryouts.

Since the group started, they have now been sanctioned by Swim Ontario.

“We will be a full-fledged affiliated swim team,” Armstrong said, explaining that this will allow team members to compete.

He is already looking forward to the prospects for the team. His two sons are ready to race and five swimmers will be moving to the Tillsonburg club from Aylmer.

“We’re pretty excited to continue our program. It’s a great fit for kids who want to swim competitively,” he said.

The club also offers more than just competitive swimming. There is a beginner group that Armstrong described would appeal to those “looking for something that’s swimming lessons for their kids but something that’s a little more of a challenge.”

The development program takes swimming to the next level, preparing swimmers for competition. As the level increases, the number of practices and coaching also increases.

Tillsonburg has a strong history with its competitive swimming team. Members of the former teams excelled at the provincial and national levels, and Evan van Moerkerke was a member of the Canadian Olympic team in 2016.

Anyone with questions can contact Armstrong at swimmingtorpedoes@gmail.com