Tyler McGill (right) poses with Michael Phelps (left) after the duo went one and two in the 100m fly at the U.S. Olympic Trials.

Olympian McGill To Take Part In Fighting Irish Swim Clinic

July 18, 2012

NOTRE DAME, Ind. – Olympic swimmer Tyler McGill is set to headline the second annual Fighting Irish Swim Clinic, which will take place Sept. 29 at the Rolfs Aquatic Center.

The swim clinic, which is held in conjunction with Coaches vs. Cancer, will donate all proceeds made from the clinic to the wellness center at South Bend’s RiverBend Cancer Services.

Notre Dame women’s head coach Brian Barnes is the brainchild behind the event, with the first clinic occurring last Sept. The original clinic raised over $5,000.

“We saw the potential for something like this clinic with the first one last year,” said Barnes. “We have incredible resources here at Notre Dame and we saw what the South Bend community could do for the community and for RiverBend, so we are excited to see what this year holds.”

The clinic is offered to all swimmers age 8-18, and will have a morning and afternoon session to accommodate the increased interest in the event. Registration is available here. Participants are asked to contribute $75 towards the clinic, with higher contributions for RiverBend greatly appreciated. Every dollar of the donation will go to RiverBend.

Checks made out to RiverBend Cancer Services can be sent to the following address:

University of Notre Dame
Attn: Dawn Mays
112 Joyce Center
Notre Dame, IN 46556

Barnes and members of the Notre Dame women’s swimming team will run the clinic, with special assistance from the Olympic guest McGill.

McGill, who qualified for the 2012 Olympic Games in the 100m fly, finished second at the U.S. Olympic Trials to earn his spot in London. The former Auburn Tiger won bronze in the event at the 2010 and 2011 FINA World Championships. He also won two silvers at the ConocoPhillips National Championships in 2010 and 2011.

“Tyler is a salt of the earth type of person,” said Barnes. “He is a hard worker. I coached him at Auburn for three years and I know the type of person he is. He didn’t even hesitate when I asked him at the Olympic Trials if he would come out and help us out with this clinic. We are excited to have him on our campus. I think everyone will be able to learn from him, including coaches, college swimmers and the swimming clinic participants.”

Riverbend Cancer Services is dedicated to helping people in the local community in their fight against cancer, by providing financial assistance, advocacy services and emotional support. Free services include:

  • Prescription drug financial assistance
  • Medical equipment loan
  • Providing nutritional supplements
  • Counseling and support and educational programs for entire family
  • Free wigs and prosthetics for breast cancer survivors
  • Resource Library

For more information on the second annual Fighting Irish Swim Clinic, stay tuned to UND.com or follow the Irish on Facebook (facebook.com/NDwSwimming) or on Twitter (@NDwSwimming).

–ND–