Terrapin Masters Swim Club
Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How large is the team and what is the average age?
A: Terrapin Masters has historically had 70 to 100 members - but not all are active at any one time. Most of our members are in their 20s, 30s or 40s. Due to the transient nature of a University, many of our members can only be with us for a short time.
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Q: Do I have to compete in meets if I join Terrapin Masters?
A: Only if you want to! We accommodate a range of abilities and goals from the occasional fitness swimmer to the varsity swimmer-in-training. Only about a third of the members compete in local meets, triathlons, and open water swims - and participation in these events is completely voluntary. If you wish to enter competitions, there are a handful of teammates that train for Regional and/or National meets, plus we usually have 15-20 entrants in the Chesapeake Bay Swim (under the bridge - 4.4 miles), which are the two big events our team trains for.
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Q: Do you have clinics and meets?
A: We have meets, stroke clinics and other events throughout the year. We try to host one Long Course meet during the summer, as well a distance-only meet. We also hold the New Year's swim (current year x 25, 50, 75 or 100 - your choice!!) right around the turn of the year. We have occasionally been able to bid for and host the Colonies Zone Short Course Yards and Long Course Meters Championship meets.
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Q: What do I have to do to sign up?
A: To join Terrapin Masters,

  1. Purchase Swipe Cards at the Eppley Recreation Center's Member Services Desk.
  2. Join United States Masters Swimming (USMS). The USMS annual dues are $37 and once you join, you receive USMS SWIMMER magazine and insurance while working out. The USMS Membership form can be found at: USMS Registration Site.
  3. Pay Team Dues ($10 annually)
For more detailed information about our free trial, joining our team and practice fees, please browse through the Registration Info and Dues pages.
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Q: What are your workouts like?
A: A typical workout will fall between 3000-4500 yards depending on the swimmers in a particular lane. Our coach gives us a variety of speed, distance, threshold, stroke, pull, kick, drills and even the occasional stations workout throughout the week. Each lane usually has between 2 and 4 swimmers, so there is plenty of room for spreading out!
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Q: Who are your coaches?
A: Eric Cullen is our head coach. He spent 4 years on the University of Maryland Varsity Swim Team, went to 2008 Olympic Trials and has two school records. We have the luxury of learning the latest techniques he has gleaned from his own workouts. For more on Eric and our past coach bios, check out our Coaches Page.
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Q: Do you have social events?
A: Join us for bagels at Bagel Place or Plato's Diner on Rte 1 after every Saturday practice. We also have an annual summer picnic and occasional get-togethers such as white-water rafting trips, Superbowl parties, etc.
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Q: Can I try it out before joining?
A: You may try us out by obtaining a complimentary card good for 3 sessions. For more detailed information, visit the Trial & Drop-in Page or Email Cheryl Wagner.
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Q: How will Masters swimmers pay fees?
A: All Terrapin Masters members must purchase a rechargable "Swipe Card" for swim workouts. Swipe Cards are good for one year from date-of-purchase. To purchase a Swipe Card, go to the Member Services Desk just inside the main entrance of the Eppley Recreation Center.
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Q: What will the fees be for Masters?
A: Swipe Cards for Masters swimming workouts can be purchased at the following rates:

Rates are for 15 Swims:
UM student: $67.50
CRS-member: $75.00
Non-student & non-CRS-member: $90.00
For more detailed information, visit the Dues Page
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Q: How many practices are offered per week?
A: We have six (6) pool workouts weekly:

In addition, we also have two (2) dryland workouts weekly:
  • Wednesday - 6:15-7:15am
  • Saturday - 9:15-10:15am
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Q: When can I enter the ERC before practice?
A: We are permitted to enter the ERC 30 minutes before the posted workout time. This should be ample time to suit up and stretch or do any pre-swim dryland exercises.
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Q: Can we use the weight room?
A: When at the ERC for a workout, we are permitted to use the locker rooms and Natatorium. Only paying CRS Members may use other parts of the facility. For information about how to become a CRS member, stop by the member services desk.
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Q: Where can I park when swimming?
A: Please see the Directions Page for more detailed information and driving directions

  • In the EVENINGS:
    Park in lot 6 which is the COMCAST ARENA parking garage. From the garage, walk across the pedestrian bridge to the ERC Building. Parking is free in the Comcast Arena garage after 4PM.

  • In the MORNINGS:
    Park in lot 2G behind the Outdoor Aquatic Center (pay meters) or park in front and pay the meters.

  • On Saturday mornings:
    Park in lot 6 (COMCAST ARENA garage). Parking is free on the weekends (except during football and basketball games).
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Q: Can I take the subway to the pool?
A: There is a subway stop College Park Station (green line) about 1 mile from Campus. There is also a free UM Shuttle to and from Subway which regularly stops at the College Park metro station.
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