Meet the Swim Coaches

Ryan Woodruff - Ryan became Head Coach of PAAC in October of 2011. He has over a decade of coaching experience at the club and collegiate levels, having worked at both the University of Florida and the University of North Carolina. He has a Bachelor's degree in Exercise Physiology and a Master's degree in Biomechanics from the University of Florida. Ryan is happily married to his wife of four years and they have two young children. In his spare time he enjoys running, reading and spending time with his family.

Marty Tomes - Marty graduated from Ohio State University, with a bachelors in Sports/Coaching Management, where he was a varsity swimmer all four years and was a Top 8 finisher in the Big Ten conference three out of his four years. In 2008 he attended the Olympic Trials, swimming the 100 Fly. Marty coached club and high school swimming in Ohio before moving to Philadelphia in 2006. He loves working with swimmers--challenging them and helping them learn how to discover success through hard work and dedication. Marty is a Level II ASCA member.

Tori Fahrney - Tori is a native of Jacksonville, Florida, where she swam with The Bolles School Sharks from 1980-1990 under former Head Coach Gregg Troy. She was a Florida All-Star Swimmer for 2 years and had National time standards in the 200 Fly. Tori attended Seton Hall University on a full swimming scholarship, competing in the Big East finals in the 200 fly, 400 IM and the Mile. She graduated from Seton Hall University in 1994 with a BA in Communications and English and is currently a pharmaceutical marketing executive. Tori was a swim coach during her summer college breaks in Jacksonville, Florida, and enjoys swimming with US Masters Swimming when she finds the time. Tori and her family moved to the Lehigh Valley in 2005 and has recently returned to the sport through her children who are swimmers at PAAC.

Ryan Humes - Ryan Humes returns for a third stint with PAAC. He is an ASCA Level 2 certified coach and has numerous years of coaching experience, having served as an assistant at PAAC (2003-2005, 2008), Parkland High School (2002-2005), La Mirada Armada (2006), and currently serves as the head coach of the Salisbury High School team (2008-present). He has coached numerous individuals and relays to district titles and state medals. He is an avid triathlete, having earned All-American recognition every year since 2005. He is excited to be back working with PAAC's Senior group!

Herb Merkert - arrived on the PAAC scene in November of 2005 as an assistant coach for the Blue group. He has many years of coaching experience, primarily teaching swim lessons for age group swimmers. His experience also includes coaching Masters swimmers. Herb started his competitive swimming career at the age of 5 swimming for the Easton YMCA team. It continued throughout high school where he attended Northampton High School. He furthered his swimming career for two years at Kutztown University. He took time off from competition until 1991 where he began competing in USMS sanctioned meets and continues to do so. Mountain bike racing and triathlons are also Herb’s hobbies and he can be seen on a bike or running on the rode besides swimming in the pool. Herb has two children of his own, which he feels brings knowledge to understanding and motivating young children. He enjoys coaching and looks forward to many great years of coaching at PAAC.

Jacob Thielen - Jacob has coached at PAAC for several years. He has experience coaching all ages and ability levels but has worked primarily with the Senior Group in the past. He currently helps out with the Senior, Gold and Silver groups. Jacob is also a volunteer assistant coach with the Parkland High School Varsity Swim Team. He was the head coach of Kaybrook Green Hills Swim Team for four years and currently serves as Vice President on the Valley Swim League Board of Directors. Outside of coaching, Jacob works as an attorney at a local law firm. In his spare time, he enjoys exercising, reading, and spending time with family and friends.

PAAC COACHES' CODE OF CONDUCT

PAAC Training

All of PAAC's coaches have competitive experience including the knowledge of the latest, most advanced swimming techniques.  The PAAC coaching staff uses several objectives as the foundation for their coaching philosophy:

• To make each swimmer the best they possibly can be through intense training sessions, extensive drills, and advanced technique instructions.

• To develop both the individual talents and team spirit of all swimmers.

• To prepare the athletes for the highest level of competition by emphasizing goal setting, time management, good nutrition, and by promoting self-esteem.