The Parkshore Piranhas
The Parkshore Piranhas are a summer swim team for swimmers up to age 18 that competes in the Coastal Carolina Aquatic Association (CCAA) in the Charleston, South Carolina, area. Our swimmers achieve success in the pool while developing sportsmanship, teamwork skills and goal-setting, and most importantly, having a lot of fun.
The Piranhas have been one of the most successful teams in the CCAA for much of their 25-plus year history. In the 2007 season, Parkshore finished in second place in the CCAA Championship meet for the fifth year in a row and the ninth time since 1995. Six Parkshore swimmers finished in first place in eight different individual events in the 2007 CCAA Championship Meet. In addition, Piranha swimmers hold CCAA league records in ten individual events and five relay events.
The Piranhas practice and compete at the Parkshore Swim and Racquet Club in the West Ashley area of Charleston (map). Practice for the 2008 season began on April 30.
To join the Piranhas or to inquire about the team, call Katie Kulp at 559-4000, or e-mail her at katie@kulplaw.com. A swim team membership application can be downloaded here (type into the form, print, and mail). There are two swim team information packets available for download:
- a team handout from Coach Erik Kreutner containing a meet schedule, practice times and information, etc.
- a parent information handout from "team mom" Katie Kulp containing information about swim suits, team activities, merchandise, etc.
All swim team members must also be members of the Parkshore pool. To join Parkshore Swim and Racquet Club, or to inquire about membership, call Margie Cole at 769-2356, e-mail her at c_mj@bellsouth.net, or return the pool membership application.
Looking Forward to 2008
Practice began on Wednesday, April 30, for the 2008 swim season (see schedule here.) Coach Erik Kreutner returns for his fifteenth season with the Piranhas. Assistant coaches Michael Mulé and Edward Ball are back again for 2008, and we welcome two new assistants, Jessica Simons and Abby Zisk.
The Piranhas' dual meet schedule can be found on the schedule page. Parkshore competes in the Red League of the CCAA, which includes the top seven teams from the previous CCAA Championship Meet.
A Very Successful 2007 Season
In 2007, Parkshore had a spectacular season, finishing with a dual meet record of 7-1 and a tie for the regular season Red League championship. The only defeat was a four point loss to Snee Farm, which came down to a loss by a fingertip in the final relay of the meet. The Piranhas then captured their fifth consecutive second-place finish in the City Meet, trailing only nineteen-time defending champion Snee Farm.
Six Parkshore swimmers (Madison Lackey, Thomas Hoefer, Joe Riddell, Hannah Gourdie, Anna Kassis, and Matthew Hughes) placed first in a total of eight individual events in the City Meet. Three Piranha relay teams were event winners, including the 7-8 mixed medley relay team of Peyton Wilson, Joe Riddell, Madison Lackey, and Thomas Hoefer, who established a new city record.
The prestigious Coaches' Cup awards for 2007 were presented to Thomas Hoefer and Helen Olmi for their dedication, hard work, and enthusiasm. The Anne Lamble Team Spirit Award was given to Joe Riddell and Janice Hartley.
The Coaching Philosophy of the Parkshore Piranhas Staff:
We intend to provide instruction, motivation, challenges and fun in a sport that can be enjoyed for a lifetime. We try to teach not only swimming skills, but also skills such as teamwork, self-discipline and goal setting. We strive to maintain a balance between participation and team success. We realize that winning is not the most important thing; however, personal and team success can be incredible motivators. We try to help swimmers set individual goals, and to set new ones when those goals are reached. We encourage each swimmer to view every practice or meet as a chance to become a better swimmer than the day before.