Below is a press release submitted by the American Energy Swim Club.
OKLAHOMA CITY: After a national search, a new era for swimming in the Oklahoma City Metro is ushered in with the announcement of Chris Van Slooten as American Energy Swim Club’s new head coach. The swimming community is already buzzing after learning of Coach Van Slooten’s experience, years of coaching/educating and growing youth and elite programs through the sport of swimming.
Josh Davis, team co-captain of the 2000 USA Olympic Swim Team, and holder of 5 Olympic Medals states, “I have known Chris for a long time. Our OKC Metro community hasn’t had a coach of Chris’ caliber yet, and, I am jazzed to work with him. Amongst his many accomplishments, he has coached at Alamo Area Aquatics, which is near and dear to my heart, being a San Antonio native. I have no doubt that together we can design, and build, the culture and atmosphere that the OKC metro wants and deserves in swimming.”
Adds Davis, “We have both short and long term plans to build this community, allowing thousands of metro kids the chance to swim and compete in a healthy environment”
Coach Van Slooten likes what he sees in the people of Oklahoma City and the surrounding area. “I am learning quickly how much Oklahomans care about lifestyle here. This “Big League City” has captured the OKC Thunder, world class rowing/paddling and so much more. This opportunity, in this community, is where my family and I want to plant our roots.”
Chris adds, “We plan to have American Energy Swim Club be the catalyst and a model swim community that the OKC Metro can hold up as a best practice, and continue to build over the long term. Our roots at American Energy Swim Club go back many years (1959), from Kerr McGee Corporation, Chesapeake Energy Corporation, and now to American Energy Partners, LP. We want to build off the shoulders of these great companies who supported swimming for all those years. I can’t wait to get out and meet everyone!”
My old swim coach! An awesome guy and great coach indeed.
Congratulations! Coach V is a wonderful person and coach. He has the swimmer’s best internet at heart.. A great motivator!! He made a huge impression on my girls at the FUAC Swim Club..
This club is extremely lucky to have brought in not just a great swimming coach, but a man of character. Good luck to American Energy Swim Club!
Van Slooten is a God-fearing, good family man first and a great coach second. My son swam for him in VA several years ago. He does things the right way (integrity) and expects his swimmers do so as well. Great stroke technician. If you’re ready to work hard and buy-in, get ready to swim fast!
Congratulations, and welcome to OK Swimming!