Iowa City Eelsswim club

swim club

Success comes when the values of dedication, integrity and self-confidence are taught alongside good stroke technique and racing strategy. With our focus on both mental development and physical fitness, all of our athletes achieve success in the water alongside skills that will benefit them for life. Being physically fit has never been more fun.
Join us today for the swim of a lifetime.

The Iowa City Eels are a professionally coached parent-run club with 40 years of experience and a history of excellence. We provide access to high-quality competitive swimming for all youth in the Johnson County area.

We offer training and competitive opportunities for swimmers at all levels and all ages. Interested youth can either begin in our Stroke Clinic or dive directly into one of our regular practice groups.

ICE coaches consult with new families to find the best fit for each swimmer. Find out more about our Youth and Master's programs under the Practice Group heading.

All of our swimmers, from novice to elite, whether 7 or 77, will be coached by an experienced and professional coaching staff that is one of the finest in the state.

Head Coach Don Spellman has 16 years of coaching experience and is a 7 time Iowa All-Star Coach and Iowa Zone Staff member. He has been named Iowa Swimming Coach of the Year 9 times, an accomplishment unmatched by any other coach.

Head Assistant Coach Adam Osweiler has 10 years of coaching experience and was the 2008 Iowa Swimming Age-Group Coach of the Year. Find out more about our head coaches and the rest of the staff on our Coaching page.

The Iowa City Eels Swim Club is an Iowa nonprofit corporation and is organized exclusively for charitable and educational purposes and to foster national and international amateur sports competition under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code, or corresponding section of any future federal tax code.

Mercer Park Aquatic Center / P.O. Box 2353 / Iowa City, IA 52244 / 319 351-3336
swim @ iceels.org

Board of Directors & Coaches

President Dan Katalinich
Vice President Tracy Recher
Secretary Ruth Westfall
Treasurer Paul Soderdahl
Athlete Rep Kelly McNeilly

Head Coach Don Spellman
Head Asst. Coach Adam Osweiler

Trustee (2012) Bob Cook
Trustee (2012) Laurie Dehring Harris
Trustee (2013) Vicki Holthaus
Trustee (2013) Todd Knoop
Trustee (2013) Yuejin Wu

Integrity / Commitment / Excellence

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to know how to swim?

All swimmers who have completed Red Cross Level 4 or the equivalent are eligible to join.

How long is the swim season

Swimming has two seasons, named after the length of the racing pool:
Short course, swum in a 25yard pool, runs from September through February
Long course, swum in a 50 meter pool, runs from April through July

Can I try it out to see if I like it?

Pre-season Stroke Clinic is a great way to get started.
Or contact us to set up a free trial week.

Where do you practice?

We swim at Mercer Park Aquatic Center, Coralville Rec Center, and in North Liberty. You can get directions here.

Are your Coaches certified?

Absolutely. Every one of our coaches is both professionally trained and certified.

What does it cost?

As a not-for-profit organization, our fees are directly determined by our costs, the greatest of which is pool time.
Stroke Clinic: $60 for each 3 week session
Developmental Groups: $65-80 per month, depending on the group
Competitive Groups: $90 - $125 per month, depending on the group

Are you non-profit?

Yes, we are an Iowa nonprofit corporation organized under section 501(c)3 of the IRS tax code.

What if I have more questions?

Contact Don Spellman, our head coach,
phone: 319-351-3336
email: dspellman@iceels.org
or use this contact form to reach us

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