DM Open Try-outs 2008-2009

Join Our Team – Open Try-outs!

Starting Tuesday, September 9^th

The Dallas Mustangs are having OPEN TRY-OUTS for swimmers 6-18 years of age wishing to take that next step in swimming. The Dallas Mustangs offer a variety of programs including learn-to-swim classes, structured age-group and national level practices for young swimmers interested in year-round swimming. Tryouts for all groups are held at Loos Natatorium, Highland Park High School Pool and the Carrollton-Farmers Branch (CFB) Natatorium.

Try-outs for the team involve the swimmer meeting one of our coaches and going through a brief swim where they demonstrate their swimming skills. Based upon the try-out, the coach recommends the work-out group best suited for the swimmer. Swimmers must be accompanied by a parent during the try-out. A photocopy of the swimmer's birth certificate, or other legal document showing the swimmer's full name and date of birth, needs to be provided to the team at the try-out.

Offered Continuously Throughout the 2008-2009 Swim Season

Loos - Every Tuesday at 6:00pm

HP - Every Tuesday at 6:00pm

CFB - Every Tuesday at 4:30pm

No Appointment Necessary

Report to the Coach on the Pool Deck

USA Swimming requires a photocopy of a birth certificate or other legal document stating the athlete’s legal name and date of birth be provided at try-outs.

Loos Natatorium is located in North Dallas at 3815 Spring Valley Road between Midway and Marsh Lanes. It is located less than two miles west of the Spring Valley exit off the North Dallas Tollway. It's approximately two miles north of the Marsh Lane and Midway exits off of I-635 (LBJ).

The HPHS Pool is located on Westchester Road and is part of the Highland Park High School Campus. It is located close to the Lovers Lane and Northwest Highway exits off the North Dallas Tollway. From the Lovers Lane exit (northbound exit only) go east on Lovers Lane and take a right onto Westchester. From the Northwest Highway exit go east on NW Highway; take a quick right onto Douglas; take Douglas to Lovers Lane; take a left onto Lovers Lane and take a quick right onto Westchester.

The CFB Natatorium is located at 1334 Valwood Parkway in Farmers Branch. It is on the northeast corner of Valwood Parkway and Hutton Drive and is a part of the Standridge Stadium (football/track) Complex. It is located less than one mile west of the Valwood Parkway exit off of I-35.

When considering a swimming program ask about...

Flexibility - We recognize the importance of a kid being a kid. Among young swimmers there are high priority things like birthday parties, soccer games, scouts, etc. We encourage these activities and have a practice schedule that works with you.

Stability & Strength - The Dallas Mustangs have operated for 26 years and have a strong membership, board and dedicated parent volunteers.

Coaching Continuity - Our head coach, Mark "Mook" Rhodenbaugh, a graduate of SMU and former U.S. National Champion in backstroke, is committed to our swimmers and has been with us for 21 years. Over this period, Mook has received North Texas Coach of the Year honors numerous times as well as additional regional and national honors.

Record of Achievement - The Mustangs consistently finish as one of the top age-group teams in Texas at the biannual Texas Age-group (TAGS) Championships. Past and current members include NCAA All-Americas, Texas High School Record Holders, U.S. National, World and Olympic Champions.

Team Focus - Ours is to develop a program for each swimmer based on their skill, age and interest. It is our belief that swimming with the Dallas Mustangs develops many enduring life skills which include self discipline, goal setting, sportsmanship, teamwork, nutritional awareness, confidence, persistence, responsibility, time management, concentration and -