Courtesy: City of Mason
After a nationwide search, the City of Mason is very excited to announce the hiring of two full-time Head Age Group coaches Trish Schoenlein and Logan Schaefer to help Head Swim Coach Ken Heis lead in the continued success of the City of Mason Manta Rays competitive swim program.
Todd Billhimer, who has served as the Mason Manta Rays full-time Head Age Group coach for over 17 years, made the decision to continue to serve the nationally ranked swim program in a part-time capacity with a focus on improving the team’s dryland program, mentoring coaches and athletes, providing administrative support and assisting with special projects that will advance the team. Todd has served on the Ohio Swimming Board and has coached in the sport of swimming for over 30 years.
Trish Schoenlein has been coaching swimming for 30 years and has been instrumental in developing the younger Mason Manta Ray athletes for the last 12 years. Trish also has extensive experience working with young students in a school setting, particularly with children with special needs. Her efforts in developing athletes in multiple practice groups has helped to elevate the Mason Manta Rays program and their recognition as a highly competitive team on both the regional and national level. Trish has the unique ability to teach the fundamentals of competitive swimming while keeping the practice and competitive environment fun for athletes. Her three daughters have participated on the Mason Manta Rays team and her perspective as a parent has provided valuable insight over the last 12 years serving the City of Mason. Trish will continue coaching the three groups she currently coaches and will expand in her new full-time role by overseeing the Developmental Age Group program.
New to the organization, Head Age Group Coach Logan Schaefer’s background is with Donner Swim Club, Columbus North High School and Indiana University. For the past five years, Logan served as the Head Coach of Donner Swim Club and prior to his time with Donner, Logan served as the Head Coach for Columbus North High School in Indiana. Logan attended Indiana University where he spent one year swimming collegiately and three years as a volunteer coach. Logan was selected as the USA National Team Coach in 2014 – 2015 and 2015 – 2016. Logan graduated from Indiana University in 2015 with a bachelor’s degree in Kinesiology and a minor in Psychology. Logan will be moving from Columbus, Indiana with his wife and their newborn baby. Logan will begin his new role by focusing on the Age Group program and will serve as the Lead Senior Prep coach.
Trish and Logan will begin their new role with the City of Mason Manta Rays on November 8, 2021.
Head Swim Coach Ken Heis will continue to lead the Manta Rays with over 18 years of experience at the City of Mason. Under Ken’s leadership, the Manta Rays program has grown from just 100 athletes since its establishment in 2003 to over 370 athletes as well as a waiting list of approximately 150 more swimmers who wish to compete as part of this nationally recognized team. The Mason Manta Rays continue to be recognized for its’ status as a USA Swimming Gold Medal Team for the past four years.
The City of Mason has expanded its aquatic facilities in 2021 with the opening of the Mason Municipal Aquatic Center which will include an enclosed 50 meter pool opening in 2022. Expanding aquatic offerings in the City of Mason will help the City achieve its goal of teaching every member of the community how to be safe in the water as well as provide opportunities to expand aquatic programming such as the Mason Manta Rays competitive swim team.
Trish Schoenlein
The Mason Manta Ray program has a strong history for the development of top-level athletes, committed to helping athletes become successful in their lives both inside and outside of the pool. The Mason Manta Rays had 13 current and former Mason Manta Ray swimmers compete at the 2020 US Olympic Swimming Trials that took place this past summer in Omaha, Nebraska.
“I’m really excited about this new role with the Mason Manta Rays. I am so blessed to be part of such a great team and community and look forward to our program’s future growth and success. GO RAYS!
-Trish Schoenlein
Logan Schaefer
“My family and I are very excited to be joining a community that takes strong pride in their team, pursues competitive and personal excellence, and imagines more. I’m looking forward to meeting athletes, parents, and community members over the coming months. I plan to help grow and further develop the program to be its very best!”
-Logan Schaefer
For more information regarding the City of Mason and the Mason Manta Rays competitive swim program, please visit www.imaginemason.org