Clarion County YMCA Riversharks Swim Team To Hold Try-outs October 12th – 15th (10/04/15)
(Clarion County YMCA release)
There’s nothing more satisfying than being part of a team, and swimming is no exception! Just ask any Clarion YMCA Riversharks swim team member. The team was formed in 2013 with a small group of swimmers interested in continuing their training in Clarion County. With the help of the Clarion County YMCA and many sponsors along the way, the team has grown to over 70 swimmers.
“My 11-yr-old daughter took naturally to swimming, and last year made it to the State Championships, which is a real testament to the quality of the program” said parent, Suzie Boyden. “My son loved swimming for fun but was nervous to join the team. He started in the developmental group with shorter practices as a 6-yr-old, and it was amazing how quickly he started learning his strokes. He even gained the confidence to try his first competition by the end of the year. Swimming a few days a week gives him a great outlet for all his extra energy through the winter months.”
Boyden credits the coaches as well as the camaraderie and support among teammates for her children’s sustained interest in the sport and continual improvement. “Swimming has really become a second family. There is such an incredible group of kids and parents involved in the program.”
New swimmers interested in joining should attend a try-out and learn more about the program on the following days (all held at Clarion University’s Tippin Gymnasium, 7 p.m.):
Ages 13-18 Monday, October 12
Ages 9-12 Tuesday, October 13
Ages 8 & Under Wednesday, October 14
Make-up (all ages) Thursday, October 15
The coaches, led by Head Coach Derek Nelson, teach starts, turns and stroke proficiency to new swimmers. These developmental swimmers learn the strokes and turns in a smaller pool before they start practicing in the competition pool. More advanced swimmers will focus on increasing endurance. All swimmers are encouraged to compete in meets, typically held on Saturdays. Practice begins in October and the regular swim season ends in February.
The Riversharks team has received recognition for outstanding coaching and program structure. The Clarion County YMCA is the only Y in the CENKEY League to offer a full developmental learning program to new swimmers. Last year the Clarion County YMCA Riversharks saw unparalleled success by qualifying 20 swimmers at the Pennsylvania YMCA District level and qualifying three swimmers at the Pennsylvania YMCA State level.
The Clarion YMCA Riversharks are a community-based swim team that emphasizes individual growth as part of a team. Boys and girls ages 5 through 18 are eligible to join. Team members come from throughout Clarion County. For more information contact the Clarion County YMCA at 814-764-3400 or find the Riversharks on the web at http://www.clarioncountyymca.org/river-sharks-home .