The Birth of the Collingwood Clippers...

The Collingwood Clippers Swim Club was established as an Esso Swim Canada program in September 1985.  We’d like to thank Sharon McFarlane and Barb Richmire for being key characters in the development of the club.  In September 1986 the club was registered with Swim Ontario as an entry level swim club and was coached by the Aquatics Director at the Y in Collingwood, Sharon McFarlane.  We were named the Collingwood Y Clippers.  In April 1988 Sharon stepped down from the head coaching position and passed it on to barb Richmire who coached as a volunteer for the next 9 years.  Barb had 2 children that swam in the program, both of which still hold club records and went on to pursue a lengthy swimming career!  The club progressed from a developmental club to a competitive club in 1989 and attended their first team championship competition.

In Sept 1997, Todd Funston was hired as the new head coach and held this position for 9 years.  Todd, like Barb, also produced some fantastic swimmers, one of which, David McKechnie, moved on to place very well internationally.  The club name changed from Collingwood Y Clippers to the Collingwood Clippers Swim Club. The head coaching position was passed on to Kristy Cameron in September of 2006.  With Kristy as head coach, the Clippers grew substantially and enjoyed tremendous success!

The Clippers welcome new head coach, Brandon Oates who is looking forward to the upcoming swim season.  Brandon comes to us after coaching both in the GTA and northern Ontario for the past ten years.  He brings in new ideas and a great deal of excitement to the club.  We look forward to seeing the athletes swim fast and improve their times! 

We would also like to thank Sharon McFarlane for all her work though the growth of the club.  She is still a very active member today as her youngest daughter swims in the program!

Come by the Y and check us out!